1  
00:00:05,039 --> 00:00:08,799  
旁白：壮丽的喀拉哈里沙漠。  
Narrator: The mighty kalahari desert.  

2  
00:00:10,294 --> 00:00:14,972  
这片焦灼的土地上，只有最顽强的生物才能生存。  
A scorched land where only the toughest survive.  

3  
00:00:22,556 --> 00:00:25,733  
即便如此，这片荒凉之地仍是  
Even so, this inhospitable expanse is home  

4  
00:00:25,809 --> 00:00:29,903  
南部非洲一些最具魅力生灵的家园...  
To some of southern africa's most appealing characters...  

5  
00:00:35,077 --> 00:00:40,039  
它们依靠智慧与团队合作在此繁衍生息。  
That rely on their wits and teamwork to thrive.  

6  
00:00:53,754 --> 00:00:58,932  
对这些非凡的沙漠居民而言，家庭永远是第一位。  
For these remarkable desert dwellers, family comes first.  

7  
00:01:39,967 --> 00:01:43,727  
跨越35万平方英里  
Stretching over 350,000 miles  

8  
00:01:43,804 --> 00:01:48,723  
横贯南部非洲的干渴大地。  
Across southern africa lies an immense thirsty landscape.  

9  
00:01:51,562 --> 00:01:54,655  
古老的喀拉哈里沙漠——  
The ancient kalahari desert--  

10  
00:01:54,731 --> 00:01:59,743  
与非洲大陆同龄，干旱至极。  
As old as the african continent and bone dry.  

11  
00:02:03,749 --> 00:02:08,669  
这里夏季日常温度超过100华氏度  
Here summer days regularly top 100 degrees fahrenheit  

12  
00:02:08,745 --> 00:02:10,921  
降雨稀少。  
And rainfall is scarce.  

13  
00:02:15,752 --> 00:02:19,504  
但这并非典型沙漠。  
But this isn't a typical desert.  

14  
00:02:19,515 --> 00:02:23,925  
干旱的荒野点缀着草丛与荆棘树，  
The arid wilderness is dotted with grasses and thorn trees,  

15  
00:02:23,936 --> 00:02:27,980  
它们从地表深处汲取水分。  
Which suck moisture from deep below the surface.  

16  
00:02:36,198 --> 00:02:39,608  
动物们也在此栖居。  
Animals live here too.  

17  
00:02:39,618 --> 00:02:42,944  
比如这些群居的织巢鸟，  
Like these sociable weavers,  

18  
00:02:42,955 --> 00:02:47,541  
它们用草枝搭建巨大的公共巢穴。  
Who build large communal nests out of grass and twigs.  

19  
00:02:51,630 --> 00:02:55,549  
在这严酷世界，群居是明智之选，  
Group living in this harsh world makes sense,  

20  
00:02:58,721 --> 00:03:04,308  
猫鼬也采用了这种策略。  
A strategy also adopted by meerkats.  

21  
00:03:07,221 --> 00:03:11,064  
定居于此的家族拥有超乎寻常的坚韧。  
Resident families are as hardy as they come.  

22  
00:03:15,479 --> 00:03:19,072  
猫鼬属于獴科，体长可达12英寸  
Meerkats are a type of mongoose measuring up to 12 inches  

23  
00:03:19,149 --> 00:03:22,951  
体重不足2.5磅。  
In length and weighing less than two-and-a-half pounds.  

24  
00:03:30,169 --> 00:03:34,171  
它们是肉食动物，捕食多种猎物，  
They are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey species,  

25  
00:03:34,248 --> 00:03:38,592  
如小型爬行动物、幼虫、蝎子和甲虫。  
Such as small reptiles, grubs, scorpions and beetles.  

26  
00:03:50,356 --> 00:03:51,680  
它们与同样顽强的地松鼠  
They share their range  

27  
00:03:51,690 --> 00:03:54,524  
共享这片领地。  
With equally tenacious ground squirrels.  

28  
00:04:02,943 --> 00:04:04,526  
这些邻居有许多共同点，  
These neighbors have much in common,  

29  
00:04:04,536 --> 00:04:06,912  
尤其是关键的生存策略。  
Not least their key survival tactic.  

30  
00:04:09,124 --> 00:04:12,701  
它们在地面互相照应时，  
While they look out for each other on the surface,  

31  
00:04:12,711 --> 00:04:16,755  
成功的秘诀却在地下。  
Their secret to success is going underground.  

32  
00:04:19,551 --> 00:04:22,210  
在这里，两种生物都能避开  
Here both species are insulated  

33  
00:04:22,221 --> 00:04:25,806  
恶劣气候和饥饿捕食者。  
From the elements and can escape hungry predators.  

34  
00:04:28,644 --> 00:04:31,469  
在四通八达的洞穴庇护下，  
From the safety of interconnected burrows  

35  
00:04:31,480 --> 00:04:35,065  
它们外出探索广袤大地。  
They venture out to explore the vast landscape.  

36  
00:04:46,912 --> 00:04:49,246  
对高度社会化的猫鼬  
For the highly social meerkats,  

37  
00:04:49,323 --> 00:04:52,574  
及其周边生物而言，沙漠生活的每一步  
And those around them, desert life is challenging  

38  
00:04:52,584 --> 00:04:55,168  
都充满挑战。  
Every step of the way.  

39  
00:05:06,932 --> 00:05:09,591  
经历数月干旱后，  
After many months of drought,  

40  
00:05:09,601 --> 00:05:13,103  
喀拉哈里迎来最严酷的时期。  
The kalahari is at its most punishing.  

41  
00:05:26,952 --> 00:05:29,369  
生存不仅依赖个体  
Survival depends not only on individual  

42  
00:05:29,446 --> 00:05:34,750  
与集体的力量，还需要罕见的天时。  
And collective strength, but also on a rare event.  

43  
00:05:44,294 --> 00:05:46,762  
终于，雨云聚集。  
Finally rain clouds are building.  

44  
00:06:04,731 --> 00:06:08,992  
黎明时分，湖床蓄满雨水。  
Dawn reveals water-filled lake beds.  

45  
00:06:11,321 --> 00:06:14,823  
但这些短暂的水洼很快会渗入  
But these ephemeral pools will soon soak away  

46  
00:06:14,833 --> 00:06:17,709  
沙漠焦渴的沙土中。  
Into the desert's parched sands.  

47  
00:06:22,174 --> 00:06:24,999  
一只雌性猫鼬率先探查  
A female meerkat is the first to investigate  

48  
00:06:25,010 --> 00:06:27,344  
这雨露初临的世界。  
Her freshly watered world.  

49  
00:06:31,842 --> 00:06:34,684  
今晨的土地凉爽湿润，  
The land is cool and damp this morning,  

50  
00:06:34,761 --> 00:06:37,187  
充满希望。  
Full of possibility.  

51  
00:06:39,349 --> 00:06:43,276  
很快，家族其他成员相继现身。  
Soon other members of her family follow.  

52  
00:07:08,128 --> 00:07:13,056  
经历寒夜后，它们在晨光中取暖。  
After a cold night they warm up in the early morning sun.  

53  
00:07:28,991 --> 00:07:33,243  
但即使日光浴时也须保持警惕，  
But even while sunbathing they must be wary,  

54  
00:07:33,320 --> 00:07:35,912  
时刻提防捕食者。  
Ever on the look out for predators.  

55  
00:07:43,005 --> 00:07:48,666  
今日的警戒更有特殊原因：  
And today there is extra reason for this vigilance:  

56  
00:07:48,677 --> 00:07:51,011  
幼崽。  
Pups.  

57  
00:08:00,939 --> 00:08:05,517  
这五只幼崽仅三周大，  
These five youngsters are barely three weeks old  

58  
00:08:05,527 --> 00:08:09,279  
此前一直生活在洞穴的庇护中。  
And until now have been confined to a protected life  

59  
00:08:09,356 --> 00:08:11,823  
In the burrow.  

60  
00:08:20,375 --> 00:08:24,503  
这是它们首次见识广阔天地。  
This is their first time out in the big wide world.  

61  
00:08:30,135 --> 00:08:33,970  
对幼小的它们而言，外界危机四伏，  
For such tiny toddlers, it's dangerous out here,  

62  
00:08:34,047 --> 00:08:36,431  
因此紧贴成年猫鼬。  
So they stay close to the adults.  

63  
00:08:56,069 --> 00:08:59,162  
幼崽们将在未来几周断奶，  
The pups will be weaned in the coming weeks  

64  
00:08:59,239 --> 00:09:02,415  
很快就要自力更生。  
And will have to fend for themselves soon.  

65  
00:09:02,492 --> 00:09:06,503  
但目前母乳仍是主要营养来源。  
But for now mum's milk is their main source of nourishment.  

66  
00:09:06,580 --> 00:09:10,507  
离开母亲它们无法存活。  
Without her they can't survive.  

67  
00:09:15,088 --> 00:09:18,840  
猫鼬社会由雌性主导，首领雌性  
Meerkat society is matriarchal and the dominant female  

68  
00:09:18,850 --> 00:09:23,853  
生育了约80%的新成员。  
Gives birth to around 80 percent of all new family members.  

69  
00:09:33,365 --> 00:09:36,190  
她佩戴着无线电项圈，  
She is wearing a radio collar,  

70  
00:09:36,201 --> 00:09:39,869  
便于研究人员追踪其族群动向。  
Which enables researchers to keep track of her and her troop.  

71  
00:09:58,724 --> 00:10:02,550  
作为首领雄性，父亲也承担重要职责  
As the dominant male, dad also plays an important role  

72  
00:10:02,561 --> 00:10:06,396  
但在家族中的影响力不及母亲。  
In the family, but has less influence than mum.  

73  
00:10:14,573 --> 00:10:19,034  
虽然有时他会照看顽皮的幼崽...  
Although he's sometimes left to babysit the playful infants...  

74  
00:10:25,575 --> 00:10:29,544  
它们正在建立对未来至关重要的羁绊。  
Who are forming bonds that will be important for their future.  

75  
00:10:39,681 --> 00:10:41,839  
这位雌性首领责任重大。  
The alpha mother has a lot of responsibility.  

76  
00:10:41,850 --> 00:10:46,678  
她还要照顾已长成青少年的  
She also has to look after her older set of pups  

77  
00:10:46,688 --> 00:10:49,189  
上一胎幼崽...  
Who are now teenagers...  

78  
00:10:50,684 --> 00:10:54,778  
同时领导族群中的成年成员，  
As well as leading the adults of the pack,  

79  
00:10:54,854 --> 00:10:57,614  
它们大多有血缘关系。  
Most of whom are related.  

80  
00:11:04,956 --> 00:11:08,500  
这个复杂家族约有20只猫鼬，  
There are about 20 meerkats in this complex family hierarchy,  

81  
00:11:11,630 --> 00:11:14,297  
全都参与育儿工作。  
And they all help with babysitting.  

82  
00:11:15,801 --> 00:11:17,467  
如同人类婴儿，  
Just like human infants,  

83  
00:11:17,544 --> 00:11:22,463  
这些小家伙需要持续关注与照料。  
These little ones need constant care and attention.  

84  
00:11:22,474 --> 00:11:26,017  
保护它们免受捕食者侵害是全职任务。  
Protecting them from predators is a full-time job.  

85  
00:11:33,143 --> 00:11:37,362  
所幸总有哨兵值守。  
Fortunately there's always a sentry on duty.  

86  
00:11:44,162 --> 00:11:47,330  
如同人类家庭，猫鼬住所也有  
Like any household, there are chores to do  

87  
00:11:47,407 --> 00:11:49,416  
日常事务要处理。  
At the meerkat residence.  

88  
00:11:53,329 --> 00:11:54,662  
维护洞穴入口  
Maintaining the burrow entrance  

89  
00:11:54,673 --> 00:11:59,843  
至关重要，这是遭遇危险时  
Is crucial, as it serves as their getaway  

90  
00:11:59,919 --> 00:12:01,469  
的逃生通道。  
When danger strikes.  

91  
00:12:03,348 --> 00:12:06,933  
这是全家共同的任务，  
It's a job shared by all the family,  

92  
00:12:07,010 --> 00:12:08,768  
包括青少年成员。  
Including one of the juveniles.  

93  
00:12:20,866 --> 00:12:24,534  
但有些好动的青少年另有打算。  
But some of the boisterous teenagers have other ideas.  

94  
00:12:30,292 --> 00:12:33,376  
看似激烈，实则只是打闹...  
It looks rough, but it's just play-fighting...  

95  
00:12:43,797 --> 00:12:47,348  
这些活泼小兽最爱的消遣。  
A favorite pastime of these feisty little mammals.  

96  
00:13:01,731 --> 00:13:06,734  
这种行为的原因尚未完全明了。  
The reason behind this behavior is not fully understood.  

97  
00:13:06,745 --> 00:13:10,238  
可能与社会等级确立、  
It may have implications for social ranking  

98  
00:13:10,248 --> 00:13:12,749  
群体凝聚力培养、  
And group cohesion,  

99  
00:13:12,826 --> 00:13:15,418  
以及敏捷性与力量锻炼有关。  
As well as honing agility and strength.  

100  
00:13:27,766 --> 00:13:31,267  
母亲现身了，但她似乎  
Mum makes an appearance, but it seems  

101  
00:13:31,344 --> 00:13:33,812  
不用参与摔跤游戏。  
She is exempt from wrestling.  

102  
00:13:41,446 --> 00:13:45,615  
一只青少年正用锁喉技对付兄弟...  
One of teenagers has got his sibling in a headlock...  

103  
00:13:51,873 --> 00:13:54,874  
转眼自己却被压在最下面。  
But soon he's at the bottom of the pile.  

104  
00:13:58,380 --> 00:14:00,872  
无论这种打闹出于何种原因，  
Whatever the reason for this rough-housing,  

105  
00:14:00,882 --> 00:14:03,258  
看起来确实乐趣十足。  
It certainly looks like fun.  

106  
00:14:24,322 --> 00:14:27,574  
玩乐之余，全家饥肠辘辘，  
Games aside, the family is hungry  

107  
00:14:27,650 --> 00:14:30,410  
不能浪费宝贵的狩猎时间。  
And they can't afford to waste valuable hunting time.  

108  
00:14:37,586 --> 00:14:39,827  
这是幼崽们首次参与  
This is the first time the babies are joining  

109  
00:14:39,838 --> 00:14:43,923  
觅食行动，母亲深知它们面临的危险。  
A foraging mission and mum is aware of the perils facing them.  

110  
00:14:46,669 --> 00:14:50,430  
但夜雨预示着丰富的食物来源。  
But the overnight rains promise an abundance of food.  

111  
00:14:54,603 --> 00:14:57,770  
在这饥荒常胜于饱餐之地，  
In a place where famine often trumps feast,  

112  
00:14:57,847 --> 00:14:59,931  
她明白必须抓住  
She knows they must take advantage  

113  
00:14:59,941 --> 00:15:02,358  
每个机会。  
Of every opportunity.  

114  
00:15:08,533 --> 00:15:12,285  
幸运的是她早有防范措施。  
Luckily she has security measures in place.  

115  
00:15:13,696 --> 00:15:17,290  
辽阔领地上遍布逃生洞，  
Her large territory is dotted with bolt holes,  

116  
00:15:17,367 --> 00:15:19,116  
确保家族成员  
Ensuring that the family  

117  
00:15:19,127 --> 00:15:20,701  
随时能找到掩护，  
Is never far from cover,  

118  
00:15:20,712 --> 00:15:24,213  
应对众多捕食者的突袭。  
Should one of their numerous predators arrive.  

119  
00:15:26,626 --> 00:15:30,595  
她还安排了哨兵驻守制高点。  
She also has sentries posted on elevated lookout points.  

120  
00:15:32,715 --> 00:15:36,217  
通常由低等级雄性担任警戒。  
It's often the lower ranked males that are put on duty.  

121  
00:15:36,227 --> 00:15:40,388  
它们执勤一丝不苟。  
They take their jobs seriously.  

122  
00:15:40,398 --> 00:15:42,390  
必须如此。  
They have to.  

123  
00:15:42,400 --> 00:15:44,817  
全家的安全系于其身。  
The safety of the family depends on them.  

124  
00:15:46,571 --> 00:15:49,697  
今日它们的警觉性尤其高。  
And today they're on high alert.  

125  
00:15:52,068 --> 00:15:55,495  
幼崽极易成为捕食者目标。  
The youngest pups are extremely vulnerable to predators.  

126  
00:16:00,752 --> 00:16:03,378  
这让母亲倍感焦虑。  
This makes mum very nervous.  

127  
00:16:07,425 --> 00:16:11,469  
危险可能随时从任何方向降临。  
Danger could come from anywhere at any time.  

128  
00:16:16,935 --> 00:16:22,438  
对幼崽而言，户外是全新体验，  
Being out in the open is a new experience for the tiny pups,  

129  
00:16:24,934 --> 00:16:28,611  
它们呼唤成年猫鼬，竭力跟上队伍。  
Who call to the adults and do their best to keep up.  

130  
00:16:32,608 --> 00:16:36,193  
这是整个家族压力重重的时刻。  
This is a stressful time for the family.  

131  
00:16:36,204 --> 00:16:37,945  
它们需教会幼崽觅食，  
They need to teach the babies how to find a meal  

132  
00:16:37,956 --> 00:16:41,615  
同时确保幼崽不会沦为  
While making sure that they don't become one  

133  
00:16:41,626 --> 00:16:43,793  
其他生物的盘中餐。  
For something else.  

134  
00:16:48,791 --> 00:16:52,960  
所幸今日有现成点心。  
Luckily there's an easy snack up for grabs today.  

135  
00:16:52,971 --> 00:16:57,974  
雨水催发了白蚁的涌现。  
The rain has triggered the emergence of termites.  

136  
00:17:08,987 --> 00:17:13,147  
受交配与筑巢本能驱使，  
Driven by the need to mate and create new colonies,  

137  
00:17:13,158 --> 00:17:14,532  
它们振翅腾空。  
They take to the skies.  

138  
00:17:18,154 --> 00:17:20,997  
但白蚁往往飞不远...  
But often the termites don't get very far...  

139  
00:17:22,742 --> 00:17:27,503  
转眼就成了饥饿猫鼬的美餐。  
Simply becoming a welcome bite for the hungry meerkats.  

140  
00:17:29,090 --> 00:17:30,590  
这些富含蛋白质的  
Packed with protein,  

141  
00:17:30,666 --> 00:17:33,593  
小虫是完美早餐。  
The tiny insects make a perfect breakfast.  

142  
00:17:34,679 --> 00:17:36,596  
虽然这只幼崽对  
Although this youngster isn't sure  

143  
00:17:36,672 --> 00:17:39,348  
带鳞翅膀心存疑虑。  
About eating the scaly wings.  

144  
00:17:46,024 --> 00:17:48,349  
学习新技能的最佳方式  
Often the best way to learn new skills  

145  
00:17:48,359 --> 00:17:50,860  
常是观察父母。  
Is by watching your parents.  

146  
00:17:56,943 --> 00:17:59,285  
幼崽必须掌握的重要课程  
One of the most important lessons  

147  
00:17:59,362 --> 00:18:02,371  
就是挖掘技巧。  
A youngster must learn is digging.  

148  
00:18:04,375 --> 00:18:08,711  
这是猫鼬立足沙漠的秘诀之一。  
It's one of the secrets to a meerkat's success in the desert.  

149  
00:18:19,057 --> 00:18:20,548  
成年猫鼬爪长锋利，  
Adults have long claws,  

150  
00:18:20,558 --> 00:18:22,558  
堪称挖掘高手，  
Which make them powerful diggers,  

151  
00:18:22,635 --> 00:18:25,561  
瞬息便能刨出沙堆。  
Shifting heaps of sand in seconds.  

152  
00:18:26,973 --> 00:18:31,025  
幼崽们尚需勤学苦练。  
A skill that the young ones have yet to master.  

153  
00:18:38,660 --> 00:18:41,402  
幼崽离独立觅食  
The babies still have a long way to go  

154  
00:18:41,412 --> 00:18:44,080  
还有漫漫长路。  
Before they can forage for themselves.  

155  
00:18:54,759 --> 00:18:58,085  
即使像这只成年猫鼬般的挖掘能手，  
Even master diggers, like this adult,  

156  
00:18:58,096 --> 00:19:02,557  
有时也需竭尽全力才能觅得食物。  
Sometimes need to work incredibly hard to find food.  

157  
00:19:06,846 --> 00:19:09,981  
它的挖掘速度惊人。  
He excavates with remarkable speed.  

158  
00:19:19,275 --> 00:19:23,911  
沙层深处藏着诱人猎物。  
There's something enticing hidden deep in the sand.  

159  
00:19:36,042 --> 00:19:39,210  
挖掘时猫鼬能闭合耳道  
While digging, meerkats can close their ears  

160  
00:19:39,220 --> 00:19:43,130  
防止沙粒灌入。  
To stop them being filled with sand.  

161  
00:19:43,141 --> 00:19:46,601  
当半个身子埋进沙洞时这招尤为实用。  
A useful trick when you're tail deep in a hole.  

162  
00:20:00,158 --> 00:20:01,565  
然而最终，  
Finally though,  

163  
00:20:01,576 --> 00:20:03,576  
所需付出的努力  
The promise of his reward is outweighed  

164  
00:20:03,653 --> 00:20:06,662  
超过了潜在收获。  
By the effort required to find it.  

165  
00:20:23,673 --> 00:20:26,173  
猫鼬在喀拉哈里食物链中  
Meerkats are in the precarious position  

166  
00:20:26,184 --> 00:20:30,978  
既是捕食者又是猎物的双重身份。  
Of being both predator and prey in the kalahari's food chain.  

167  
00:20:32,190 --> 00:20:36,984  
这片天空栖息着多种猛禽。  
These skies are home to a range of raptors.  

168  
00:20:46,037 --> 00:20:49,029  
其中最为凶悍的  
None of these birds of prey is more formidable  

169  
00:20:49,040 --> 00:20:53,542  
当属非洲最大猛禽——战雕。  
Than africa's biggest-- the martial eagle.  

170  
00:20:55,037 --> 00:20:58,706  
翼展可达八英尺，  
With a wing span of up to eight feet,  

171  
00:20:58,716 --> 00:21:03,302  
利爪强健且具备超远视力，  
Massively powerful talons and incredible long distance vision,  

172  
00:21:03,379 --> 00:21:06,222  
这种雕是猫鼬的终极梦魇。  
This eagle is a meerkat's worst nightmare.  

173  
00:21:08,801 --> 00:21:12,553  
但猫鼬的眼睛也经过特殊进化。  
But a meerkat's eyes are specially adapted too.  

174  
00:21:12,563 --> 00:21:17,474  
眼部黑毛可减少眩光，使其能  
They are surrounded by dark fur, reducing glare and allowing them  

175  
00:21:17,485 --> 00:21:20,144  
直视艳阳的同时  
To scan the sky for threats,  

176  
00:21:20,154 --> 00:21:24,240  
警戒空中威胁。  
Even while looking straight into the sun.  

177  
00:21:30,498 --> 00:21:33,490  
哨兵发出警报。  
The sentry sounds the alarm.  

178  
00:21:45,838 --> 00:21:49,307  
幼崽们夺命狂奔。  
The babies run for their lives.  

179  
00:21:57,442 --> 00:21:58,691  
凭借警觉与协作，  
Through vigilance and teamwork,  

180  
00:21:58,768 --> 00:22:03,237  
族群智胜了战雕。  
The gang have outsmarted the eagle.  

181  
00:22:15,451 --> 00:22:18,252  
但家族仍心有余悸。  
But the family is shaken.  

182  
00:22:31,050 --> 00:22:35,135  
全体成员展开谨慎侦查，  
Cautious reconnaissance is done by all,  

183  
00:22:35,146 --> 00:22:38,314  
确认威胁是否解除。  
Checking that the threat has gone.  

184  
00:22:46,157 --> 00:22:51,652  
哨兵安抚的低鸣宣告危机解除。  
The sentry's reassuring grunts confirm the coast is clear.  

185  
00:22:51,662 --> 00:22:55,706  
族群时刻保持交流。  
The group is in constant communication.  

186  
00:22:59,420 --> 00:23:03,339  
正是这种强迫症般的警觉让它们存活。  
It's a compulsive paranoia that keeps them alive.  

187  
00:23:10,423 --> 00:23:14,934  
空中威胁形态各异。  
Airborne threats come in many shapes and sizes.  

188  
00:23:15,010 --> 00:23:20,347  
包括数种猫头鹰、鵟鹰、  
Including several species of owls, buzzards,  

189  
00:23:20,358 --> 00:23:24,026  
乃至鸢等小型猛禽。  
And even smaller birds of prey like kites.  

190  
00:23:30,443 --> 00:23:34,778  
猫鼬领地横跨沙漠，  
The meerkats' territory extends far across the desert,  

191  
00:23:34,789 --> 00:23:37,456  
得以定期开拓新觅食区。  
Allowing them to forage new areas regularly.  

192  
00:23:39,452 --> 00:23:42,169  
母亲熟知最佳觅食点。  
Mum knows just where to go for the best pickings.  

193  
00:23:49,137 --> 00:23:53,139  
统领族群并非易事。  
Calling the shots is hard work.  

194  
00:23:53,215 --> 00:23:58,394  
但首领自有特权。  
But being the boss has its perks.  

195  
00:23:58,471 --> 00:24:02,648  
她的姐妹捕获了大型啮齿动物。  
Her sister has caught a large rodent.  

196  
00:24:02,725 --> 00:24:06,727  
雌性首领立即据为己有。  
And the alpha female wastes no time in claiming it for herself.  

197  
00:24:06,737 --> 00:24:13,117  
正值哺乳期的她需要大量食物。  
Still nursing her pups, she needs all the food she can get.  

198  
00:24:18,583 --> 00:24:23,252  
夺取姐妹猎物既获得营养，  
By taking her sister's meal, she gains the sustenance  

199  
00:24:23,329 --> 00:24:27,173  
又节省捕猎能耗。  
Of the rodent as well as saving the energy it took to catch it.  

200  
00:24:33,422 --> 00:24:38,267  
同时巩固了对族群的控制权。  
She also re-asserts her position of control over the mob.  

201  
00:24:41,013 --> 00:24:42,688  
雌性首领通常维持统治  
Females usually maintain dominance  

202  
00:24:42,765 --> 00:24:47,318  
约两年半，而她正值巅峰。  
For around two-and-a-half years, and she is in her prime.  

203  
00:24:52,441 --> 00:24:55,275  
其他成员面临简单选择：  
For the others the choice is simple:  

204  
00:24:55,286 --> 00:24:57,119  
若想留在族群，  
If you want to be part of the gang,  

205  
00:24:57,196 --> 00:24:59,788  
就得遵守她的规则。  
You follow her rules.  

206  
00:25:02,293 --> 00:25:05,118  
但如同所有沙漠生灵，  
But like all animals living here,  

207  
00:25:05,129 --> 00:25:08,047  
猫鼬仍受制于严酷环境。  
The meerkats remain at the mercy of the desert.  

208  
00:25:23,814 --> 00:25:27,641  
成年猫鼬与青少年探查一具  
Some of the adults and older pups investigate the carcass  

209  
00:25:27,652 --> 00:25:30,069  
大耳狐的尸体。  
Of a bat-eared fox.  

210  
00:25:34,158 --> 00:25:37,910  
但幼崽们避之不及。  
But the youngsters won't go anywhere near it.  

211  
00:25:41,073 --> 00:25:43,499  
蛆虫密布的尸体  
Already covered in maggots,  

212  
00:25:43,576 --> 00:25:47,336  
已死亡多时。  
This individual has been dead for some time.  

213  
00:25:53,177 --> 00:25:55,919  
这骇人景象揭示了  
It is a grisly sight that illustrates a harsh reality  

214  
00:25:55,930 --> 00:25:58,347  
沙漠生存的残酷真相。  
Of life here.  

215  
00:26:00,184 --> 00:26:04,478  
在喀拉哈里，生存绝非理所当然。  
In the kalahari, survival is not a given.  

216  
00:26:13,447 --> 00:26:15,689  
阴郁插曲很快被遗忘，  
The grim encounter is soon forgotten  

217  
00:26:15,700 --> 00:26:19,526  
家族重拾最擅长之事：  
As the family gets on with what they do best:  

218  
00:26:19,537 --> 00:26:21,328  
寻觅食物。  
Looking for food.  

219  
00:26:28,212 --> 00:26:31,288  
幼崽从阿姨处获得肥硕幼虫，  
One of the babies scores a big grub from his aunt  

220  
00:26:31,299 --> 00:26:34,883  
兴奋之情溢于言表。  
And he can't contain his excitement.  

221  
00:26:41,392 --> 00:26:44,893  
这顿大餐让它专注啃食...  
This substantial meal keeps him occupied...  

222  
00:26:47,398 --> 00:26:51,975  
母亲得以享用最爱的  
Giving mum a moment to enjoy her favorite delicacy--  

223  
00:26:51,986 --> 00:26:54,486  
多汁蝎子。  
A juicy scorpion.  

224  
00:26:57,232 --> 00:27:02,620  
但这美餐来之不易，需技巧应对。  
But it's not an easy meal and tackling it requires skill.  

225  
00:27:09,670 --> 00:27:13,413  
先咬断毒刺可消除威胁，  
By eating the poisonous sting first she neutralizes the threat  

226  
00:27:13,424 --> 00:27:18,052  
同时避开巨螯。  
Of its venom, while also avoiding the large pincers.  

227  
00:27:35,946 --> 00:27:38,864  
饱餐后，母亲带领家族  
After her meal, mum leads the family  

228  
00:27:38,941 --> 00:27:41,617  
前往附近据点。  
To one of their nearby bases.  

229  
00:27:45,122 --> 00:27:48,207  
树荫对防止猫鼬  
Shade is vital for the meerkats to avoid overheating  

230  
00:27:48,283 --> 00:27:51,168  
在烈日下过热至关重要。  
In the brutal african sun.  

231  
00:27:59,795 --> 00:28:04,181  
每个成员都需要休整时间。  
Everyone in the family needs a bit of downtime.  

232  
00:28:09,471 --> 00:28:13,273  
一只青少年似乎身体不适。  
And one of the teenagers seems to be ill.  

233  
00:28:19,824 --> 00:28:22,991  
姐妹守在身旁。  
Her sister stays close.  

234  
00:28:37,174 --> 00:28:39,133  
母亲也前来查看。  
Mum comes over to take a look too.  

235  
00:28:41,512 --> 00:28:45,255  
但这只萎靡的幼崽  
But the lethargic youngster appears to recover  

236  
00:28:45,266 --> 00:28:48,016  
被家族嬉戏吸引而恢复活力。  
As she gets caught up in the family antics.  

237  
00:29:03,367 --> 00:29:04,691  
然而它们的邻居  
Their neighbors however,  

238  
00:29:04,702 --> 00:29:07,536  
无暇午休。  
Don't have time for a midday break.  

239  
00:29:15,287 --> 00:29:18,288  
非洲地松鼠放弃树栖生活，  
African ground squirrels have abandoned life in the trees  

240  
00:29:18,299 --> 00:29:21,467  
在沙漠地表艰难谋生。  
To scratch a living out on the desert floor.  

241  
00:29:24,305 --> 00:29:27,047  
作为素食主义者，它们与猫鼬  
Being mostly vegetarian, there is no competition  

242  
00:29:27,057 --> 00:29:28,640  
不存在食物竞争，  
With the meerkats for food,  

243  
00:29:30,135 --> 00:29:32,394  
故能共享领地。  
Which allows them to share territory.  

244  
00:29:38,235 --> 00:29:41,236  
与猫鼬不同，地松鼠  
Unlike the meerkats, male and female ground squirrels  

245  
00:29:41,313 --> 00:29:44,156  
雌雄分群而居，  
Live in separate groups,  

246  
00:29:44,233 --> 00:29:46,992  
地位之争通常  
Where dominance disputes are typically settled  

247  
00:29:47,069 --> 00:29:49,453  
速战速决。  
At lighting pace.  

248  
00:30:03,585 --> 00:30:08,680  
地松鼠食谱多样，包括植物、种子与根茎。  
Ground squirrels eat a varied diet of plants, seeds and roots.  

249  
00:30:17,441 --> 00:30:21,568  
它们需终日觅食才能饱腹。  
They have to forage throughout the day to get enough food.  

250  
00:30:30,112 --> 00:30:34,114  
本季有它们最爱的美食：  
This season brings one of their favorite treats:  

251  
00:30:34,124 --> 00:30:37,284  
魔鬼刺植物的嫩叶  
The young leaves and juicy flowers  

252  
00:30:37,294 --> 00:30:42,130  
与多汁花朵初绽。  
Of the devil thorn plant have just emerged.  

253  
00:30:43,968 --> 00:30:47,594  
花朵实属难得珍馐。  
The flowers are a rare treat.  

254  
00:30:58,399 --> 00:31:00,899  
地松鼠能耐受高温  
Ground squirrels can tolerate high temperatures  

255  
00:31:00,976 --> 00:31:03,569  
与灼晒。  
And baking sun.  

256  
00:31:08,066 --> 00:31:12,578  
若体温过高，它们有妙招：  
If they overheat they have an ingenious solution:  

257  
00:31:12,654 --> 00:31:15,581  
撑起遮阳伞。  
They simply erect their umbrellas.  

258  
00:31:18,168 --> 00:31:20,160  
这使地松鼠能在  
This allows ground squirrels to forage  

259  
00:31:20,170 --> 00:31:21,587  
最炎热时段觅食，  
Even in the hottest part of the day,  

260  
00:31:21,663 --> 00:31:26,258  
而此时猫鼬只能暂停活动。  
When the meerkats are forced to take a break.  

261  
00:31:34,018 --> 00:31:35,767  
午后气温下降，  
As afternoon temperatures drop,  

262  
00:31:35,844 --> 00:31:38,604  
猫鼬们准备活动。  
The meerkats are ready to get moving.  

263  
00:31:40,015 --> 00:31:44,401  
新陈代谢旺盛的它们食欲永不满足。  
With high metabolisms, they have insatiable appetites.  

264  
00:31:54,780 --> 00:31:58,624  
母亲带领族群再次外出觅食。  
Mum leads the pack out for another session of foraging.  

265  
00:32:01,119 --> 00:32:04,204  
日益壮大的家族需要喂养众多饥肠，  
Her growing family has lots of hungry mouths to feed,  

266  
00:32:04,214 --> 00:32:06,423  
必须争分夺秒。  
So there's no time to waste.  

267  
00:32:19,730 --> 00:32:23,774  
她再次夺取族员的猎物。  
Again she claims a free meal from one of her gang.  

268  
00:32:27,980 --> 00:32:29,863  
但不会与幼崽分享。  
But she won't share it with her pup.  

269  
00:32:31,575 --> 00:32:35,077  
看似残忍，实则需要食物  
It may seem cruel, but she needs the food  

270  
00:32:35,153 --> 00:32:38,571  
为所有幼崽产奶。  
To produce enough milk for all of her babies.  

271  
00:32:38,582 --> 00:32:42,742  
这位"超级母亲"只是遵循本能——  
This "super mum" is simply following her instinct--  

272  
00:32:42,753 --> 00:32:46,380  
保全整个家族。  
To keep her whole family alive.  

273  
00:32:58,093 --> 00:33:02,020  
这只尚不能自立的幼崽，  
For this youngster, who is still too young to fend for himself,  

274  
00:33:02,097 --> 00:33:07,401  
跟着兄长或许更有收获。  
Hanging around behind his older brother may prove more fruitful.  

275  
00:33:08,612 --> 00:33:12,948  
这次它获准分享...  
This time he is allowed to share...  

276  
00:33:13,025 --> 00:33:16,026  
但慷慨不会持久。  
But this generosity won't last.  

277  
00:33:18,864 --> 00:33:22,791  
很快幼崽们将没有免费午餐。  
Soon there will be no free lunches for the pups.  

278  
00:33:25,045 --> 00:33:27,045  
它们必须自力更生，  
They'll have to find food for themselves,  

279  
00:33:27,122 --> 00:33:29,840  
这绝非易事...  
Which is hard work...  

280  
00:33:36,807 --> 00:33:40,392  
正如兄长示范的那样。  
As their older brother is demonstrating.  

281  
00:33:43,230 --> 00:33:48,808  
它嗅到地下有美味，  
He can smell something delicious beneath the surface,  

282  
00:33:48,819 --> 00:33:52,404  
但佳肴往往来之不易。  
But sometimes the tastiest treats take some getting.  

283  
00:34:06,920 --> 00:34:12,466  
终于发现：一只肥硕幼虫。  
Eventually he finds it: A fat grub.  

284  
00:34:16,838 --> 00:34:19,931  
和多数昆虫一样，马陆  
For millipedes, like many insects,  

285  
00:34:20,008 --> 00:34:24,561  
在雨季寻找配偶。  
The rains signal that it's time to look for a mate.  

286  
00:34:28,025 --> 00:34:32,944  
幼崽不知如何应对。  
This baby doesn't know what to make of it.  

287  
00:34:33,021 --> 00:34:37,074  
面对如此骇人的食物不知所措。  
He's unsure how to tackle such an intimidating meal.  

288  
00:34:45,042 --> 00:34:48,284  
马陆遇险时会分泌  
Millipedes secrete a stinky, distasteful substance  

289  
00:34:48,295 --> 00:34:50,045  
恶臭液体。  
When threatened.  

290  
00:34:52,791 --> 00:34:55,884  
幼崽对此兴致缺缺。  
An unappealing prospect to a youngster.  

291  
00:35:02,643 --> 00:35:04,643  
但若饥饿难耐，  
But if hungry enough,  

292  
00:35:04,719 --> 00:35:07,813  
猫鼬会食用某些马陆，  
Meerkats will eat certain species of millipede,  

293  
00:35:07,889 --> 00:35:11,399  
尽管只是次等选择。  
Even though they often prove to be a second-rate dinner.  

294  
00:35:16,064 --> 00:35:20,909  
一只胆大的青少年尝试攻击这多足生物。  
One of the older, braver pups gives the scaly creature a go.  

295  
00:35:24,164 --> 00:35:26,156  
但对幼崽而言，  
But for the little ones,  

296  
00:35:26,166 --> 00:35:30,752  
这些远古模样的爬虫实在可怕。  
These prehistoric looking crawlies are downright menacing.  

297  
00:35:36,009 --> 00:35:40,053  
喀拉哈里有更美味的选项。  
There are tastier options on the kalahari's menu.  

298  
00:35:49,690 --> 00:35:52,682  
这只幼崽发现了最爱美食。  
This meerkat youngster has found a favorite meal.  

299  
00:35:52,693 --> 00:35:56,570  
它咬住了看似大蠕虫的尾部。  
He's caught the tail end of what looks like a big worm.  

300  
00:35:58,782 --> 00:36:01,032  
实为无腿爬行动物——  
It's actually a legless reptile,  

301  
00:36:01,109 --> 00:36:04,119  
铲吻蜥蜴。  
Known as spade-snouted worm lizard.  

302  
00:36:10,961 --> 00:36:13,920  
但它无法抓住其余部分。  
But he can't seem to get his paws on the rest of it.  

303  
00:36:16,208 --> 00:36:18,550  
经验让它改变  
He's experienced enough to solve the problem,  

304  
00:36:18,627 --> 00:36:21,094  
攻击角度解决问题。  
By changing his angle of attack.  

305  
00:36:26,218 --> 00:36:28,476  
这是顿大餐。  
It's a big meal.  

306  
00:36:35,894 --> 00:36:40,730  
它的弟弟也发现了铲吻蜥蜴。  
His younger sibling has also found a worm lizard.  

307  
00:36:40,741 --> 00:36:44,034  
但难以咬穿。  
But he's struggling to get through it.  

308  
00:36:48,999 --> 00:36:52,876  
对小猫鼬来说太过勉强。  
It's just too much for the little meerkat.  

309  
00:37:06,174 --> 00:37:08,099  
傍晚时分，饱餐后的地松鼠  
By late afternoon, the ground squirrels  

310  
00:37:08,176 --> 00:37:11,094  
开始享受  
Have also eaten their fill, and take a moment  

311  
00:37:11,104 --> 00:37:16,024  
社交活动：相互理毛。  
To enjoy a more social pastime: Grooming.  

312  
00:37:16,101 --> 00:37:19,861  
这能巩固群体纽带。  
This reaffirms the bonds within the group.  

313  
00:37:24,609 --> 00:37:26,868  
显然也令人放松。  
It's also apparently very relaxing.  

314  
00:37:28,863 --> 00:37:30,196  
当地松鼠放慢节奏时，  
While the ground squirrels are slowing down,  

315  
00:37:30,207 --> 00:37:34,542  
猫鼬青少年却活力四射。  
The meerkat teenagers are speeding up.  

316  
00:37:37,956 --> 00:37:41,633  
它们找到理想的沙坑  
They have found a sandy ditch that's the perfect arena  

317  
00:37:41,710 --> 00:37:43,635  
进行摔跤游戏。  
For some play-fighting.  

318  
00:38:12,165 --> 00:38:15,166  
青少年们精力过剩，  
The teenagers may have extra energy to burn,  

319  
00:38:15,243 --> 00:38:18,411  
其他成员则将剩余时间  
But the rest of the family devote the remaining hours  

320  
00:38:18,422 --> 00:38:21,256  
用于觅食。  
Of the day to finding food.  

321  
00:38:25,086 --> 00:38:30,432  
这只幼崽分不清什么可食用。  
This little one is confused about what exactly is edible.  

322  
00:38:33,345 --> 00:38:37,147  
父亲的尾巴活像肥美蠕虫。  
His dad's tail looks just like a juicy worm.  

323  
00:38:46,950 --> 00:38:49,534  
蚂蚁是更可口的小食。  
Ants make a tastier snack.  

324  
00:38:49,611 --> 00:38:55,040  
但对新手而言捕捉不易...  
But for the inexperienced, catching them can be tricky...  

325  
00:38:56,618 --> 00:38:59,669  
因为蚂蚁会反击。  
Because ants bite back.  

326  
00:39:04,634 --> 00:39:07,719  
有些教训总是痛的。  
Some lessons in life are painful.  

327  
00:39:20,650 --> 00:39:22,725  
蚂蚁并非唯一需要防范的  
Ants aren't the only biting things  

328  
00:39:22,736 --> 00:39:26,196  
带刺生物。  
That these meerkats need to worry about.  

329  
00:39:32,737 --> 00:39:35,372  
它们天敌众多。  
They have many natural predators.  

330  
00:39:44,007 --> 00:39:47,342  
其中之一是黄金眼镜蛇。  
One such menace is the cape cobra.  

331  
00:39:49,838 --> 00:39:53,840  
幼猫鼬正适合做这个冷血杀手  
A baby meerkat is just the right size to make an excellent meal  

332  
00:39:53,850 --> 00:39:56,351  
的美餐。  
For this cold-blooded killer.  

333  
00:39:59,189 --> 00:40:01,013  
但族群不仅拥有  
But the pack not only has the advantage  

334  
00:40:01,024 --> 00:40:03,733  
数量优势...  
Of strength in numbers...  

335  
00:40:09,107 --> 00:40:14,110  
猫鼬还对蛇毒具有惊人免疫力，  
Meerkats also have remarkable immunity to snake venom  

336  
00:40:14,121 --> 00:40:18,873  
能承受足以杀死成年人的毒量。  
And can survive a bite that would kill a fully grown man.  

337  
00:40:24,214 --> 00:40:28,708  
觅食时猫鼬会搜查蛇类藏身的  
While foraging, meerkats search for food in fallen trees  

338  
00:40:28,718 --> 00:40:31,719  
倒木。  
Used as hideouts by snakes.  

339  
00:40:36,726 --> 00:40:39,394  
因此常狭路相逢。  
This means their paths often cross.  

340  
00:40:39,471 --> 00:40:44,983  
返程途中，父亲发现沙中异样。  
Heading home, dad spots something in the sand.  

341  
00:40:47,821 --> 00:40:50,905  
新鲜的蛇蜕。  
A recently shed snake skin.  

342  
00:40:56,079 --> 00:40:59,330  
它谨慎探查。  
He investigates cautiously.  

343  
00:41:00,909 --> 00:41:04,327  
对它而言这散发着危险气息。  
To him it reeks of danger.  

344  
00:41:04,337 --> 00:41:07,255  
但族群选择共同应对。  
But the pack tackles it together.  

345  
00:41:24,774 --> 00:41:30,069  
猫鼬游走于好奇与谨慎的边界。  
Meerkats tread a fine line between curiosity and caution.  

346  
00:41:31,865 --> 00:41:33,781  
智慧与协作之外，  
Along with intelligence and teamwork,  

347  
00:41:33,858 --> 00:41:35,950  
这些特质构成抵御  
These attributes are an effective defense  

348  
00:41:36,027 --> 00:41:37,911  
天敌的有效防线。  
Against predators.  

349  
00:41:39,956 --> 00:41:43,616  
猫鼬以围攻毒蛇著称。  
Meerkats are known to mob snakes.  

350  
00:41:43,627 --> 00:41:46,869  
这能阻止爬行动物  
It is believed this discourages the reptiles  

351  
00:41:46,880 --> 00:41:50,298  
在猫鼬领地定居。  
From taking up residence in the meerkats' living quarters.  

352  
00:42:03,480 --> 00:42:07,440  
母亲监督年长孩子撕扯蛇蜕。  
Mum supervises as the older kids pull the skin apart.  

353  
00:42:11,738 --> 00:42:12,979  
最终有只幼崽  
Eventually one of the pups  

354  
00:42:12,989 --> 00:42:15,365  
鼓起勇气靠近。  
Plucks up the courage to approach.  

355  
00:42:22,749 --> 00:42:25,750  
这是关键一课。  
This is a vital lesson.  

356  
00:42:25,827 --> 00:42:28,169  
明白蛇类危险且需  
Learning that snakes are dangerous and to be treated  

357  
00:42:28,246 --> 00:42:31,005  
极度谨慎，可能关乎  
With extreme caution could mean the difference  

358  
00:42:31,082 --> 00:42:33,967  
生死存亡。  
Between life and death.  

359  
00:42:39,516 --> 00:42:43,175  
经历惊险一天后，家族该返回  
After a day of close calls, it's time for the family  

360  
00:42:43,186 --> 00:42:46,354  
安全洞穴了。  
To retreat to the safety of their burrow.  

361  
00:42:59,360 --> 00:43:02,620  
对幼崽而言，首次外出  
For the youngest pups, their first outing  

362  
00:43:02,697 --> 00:43:04,196  
既刺激  
Has been an exciting  

363  
00:43:04,207 --> 00:43:06,541  
又充满挑战。  
But challenging journey.  

364  
00:43:16,386 --> 00:43:19,554  
学习成为合格猫鼬令人精疲力竭。  
Learning how to be a meerkat is tiring work.  

365  
00:43:21,558 --> 00:43:26,060  
它们困得几乎站不稳。  
They are so exhausted, they can hardly stay standing.  

366  
00:43:44,247 --> 00:43:47,239  
对整个族群都是意义非凡的一天，  
It's been a momentous day for the whole gang,  

367  
00:43:47,250 --> 00:43:50,585  
充满重要课程和亲情时刻。  
Full of vital lessons and bonding experiences.  

368  
00:44:04,851 --> 00:44:08,353  
母亲圆满完成任务。  
For mum it's a job well done.  

369  
00:44:11,107 --> 00:44:14,600  
茁壮成长的家族在严酷的喀拉哈里  
Her growing family is well-fed and home safe  

370  
00:44:14,611 --> 00:44:19,280  
又熬过艰辛一日后饱食归巢。  
After another grueling day in the mighty kalahari.  

371  
00:44:34,381 --> 00:44:38,290  
在坚定雌性首领带领下，  
Under the leadership of a determined alpha female,  

372  
00:44:38,301 --> 00:44:42,637  
这个猫鼬族群逆境求生。  
This meerkat troop is enduring against the odds.  

373  
00:44:49,220 --> 00:44:52,814  
艰苦的生活暴露在  
It's a tough existence, lived out under the glare  

374  
00:44:52,890 --> 00:44:54,640  
沙漠烈日  
Of the desert sun  

375  
00:44:54,651 --> 00:44:57,360  
与天敌注视下。  
And the gaze of predators.  

376  
00:45:13,161 --> 00:45:17,496  
猫鼬虽弱小，  
Meerkats may be small and vulnerable,  

377  
00:45:17,507 --> 00:45:20,007  
却坚韧不拔。  
But they are tenacious characters.  

378  
00:45:21,836 --> 00:45:26,347  
团结让它们成为不可小觑的力量。  
Together they are a force to be reckoned with.  

379  
00:45:30,261 --> 00:45:32,261  
对这个成长的家族，  
For this growing family,  

380  
00:45:32,272 --> 00:45:35,606  
协作不仅是生存之道，  
Teamwork is not only keeping them alive,  

381  
00:45:35,683 --> 00:45:39,777  
更是繁荣之基。  
It is enabling them to thrive.  

382  
00:45:45,610 --> 00:45:49,537  
真正的喀拉哈里生存专家。  
A gang of true kalahari survivors.