Wild Spain

From the beautiful Mediterranean beaches and spectacular canyon landscapes of Andalusia to the expanse of Extremadura with its holm-oak forests reaching to the horizon. Even in southern Spain, which is very popular with holidaymakers, there is still much to discover. Genetics go on the foray in the shelter of the night. These escrow cats have their largest occurrence in Spain in Europe. Vultures are also more numerous in Spain than anywhere else in Europe. It is an incomparable spectacle when griffon vultures fight over a carcass. In contrast, the European Chameleon feeds itself far more sophisticated: in a fraction of a second, the approximately half meter long tongue shoots out: once targeted, insects have no chance. The hoopoe, which is unmistakable with its typical feather cap, also appreciates the rich offer of insects in Spain. With around 30,000 breeding pairs, white storks have one of their most important distribution areas in Spain. Under water, the animal wealth of southern Spain finally reaches its peak. The protected areas in the Mediterranean have incredible biodiversity: bizarre sea snails almost alien in appearance, graceful seahorses, huge swarms of barracudas and elegant blue sharks have their habitat here. The south of Spain has shaped the people of the region. The documentation accompanies a farmer in Extremadura, the wild west of Spain, and a fisherman who practices sustainable fishing off the coast of the Cabo de Gata sanctuary.

From the Basque Country's reefs, to the fantastic Cantabrian Mountains, to Galicia, with its spectacular coastline, this is the wilderness of northern Spain that offers an undreamt-of variety and shows the visitor the unfamiliar side of Spain. Red deer carry out their fierce fighting in the midst of wetlands during the rut until the water around them seems to seethe. The Cantabrian Mountains are the habitat of around 140 Cantabrian brown bears - the largest bear population in Western Europe. Females roam with their young in search of food. Male bears and steep mountain slopes are a constant danger to the young bears. They are watched by dazzling bluethroats, which defend their territorial boundaries against rivals. Above the tree line is the kingdom of Cantabrian chamois. They share their habitat with the colorful wallcreeper, a very rare bird of the high mountain region. The Asturian Fire Salamander is the only one with a completely yellow tint - on the banks of the river he goes for prey. The numerous streams of the mountains flow into the Atlantic, which is inhabited by giants: from sperm whales to giant sharks, the second largest fish in the world. The rough north has shaped the people of the region. The documentary accompanies a mountain farmer in the Picos de Europa National Park, still a traditional cattle rancher, and a duckbill collector on the Costa da Morte who has perhaps the most dangerous job in the world.