Expedition

Steve discusses the importance of observing the behavior of other animals in the Djangart valley to inform his team's pursuit of snow leopards. He encounters a marmot, finds traces of a bear, and sees a herd of ibex.

Steve and team check the footage from the camera trackers they placed in the Djangart Valley. They find footage of a new family of wolves, brown bears and finally, the team’s first two snow leopard sightings.

Steve explains how a lava tube forms as he and his team search by helicopter and car for an opening that will gain them access to explore the inside of one of these unique underground tunnels.

As Steve and his team of experts explore the lava tube, they stumble upon some ancient artifacts that suggest that both humans and animals once lived inside this underground tunnel. The unique conditions of the lava tube have naturally preserved these pieces of history, giving us a glimpse into ancient life.

Steve and team scope out the edges of a fragile lava tube opening. They look for a section of rock that is stable enough for them to safely repel down into the lava tube.

As Steve and team explore the inside of a lava tube, they marvel over some rare lava stalactites and discuss how they formed.

Steve and his team of fellow kayakers continue their first descent down the Kronotsky River into prime bear territory. They must secure all of their gear onto an inflatable raft to protect it from the wild rapids.

Steve and his team of fellow kayakers demonstrate how to make a first descent down the rapids of the unexplored Kronotsky river and prepare for what to do if they encounter one of the reserve's famed brown bears.

Steve and team use a drone to get a preview of the next round of rapids they will face down the river. Access to this modern technology allows them to determine that the best way forward is a somewhat unusual one.

Steve Backshall ventures deeper into the unknown, shining a light on unexplored corners of the planet. On a mission to discover fresh insights that could help to secure a future for the world's wildlife, Backshall and his hand-picked team of experts dive with sharks in Mexico's Eastern Pacific, search for apes in Africa's unexplored jungles, paddle into the heart of brown bear territory, and more.