With a user rating of 9.5/10 on IMDB, Netflix’s nature documentary, Our Planet has become the 6th highest rated TV-Series of all time. A unique oeuvre of wildlife, it is replete with dazzling videography and a bold script narrated by the legendary David Attenborough.

What sets this docuseries apart is its emphasis on how humans are complicit to the radically changing state of forests, oceans, and mountains and the life they provide.
The stark, beautifully detailed imagery of the wild is juxtaposed with discomfiting truths about how anthropogenic activity has destroyed habitats and driven many species to near extinction.
Even then, it is laced with hope. It talks about endeavours like sustainable fishing, bans on whaling, conservation efforts and how they have helped restore balance.

We handpicked 5 striking scenes in the series that will fascinate you no limit and are a must watch.

1. Cordyceps

Fungus with superpowers

An eerie scene which looks like its straight from a fiction movie, this is about the parasitic fungus, Cordyceps.

A colony of ants is shown going about its business when one of them behaves oddly and starts climbing a tree – something that is not typical. It seems that the ant is not acting out of its own volition, but is being controlled by Cordyceps fungus which causes it to bite down on the vegetation. The fungus then erupts from the body of the ant, its fruit bursting from its head, creating spores that will create more victims.
Sir David then profoundly adds,

“Checks and balances like these means no one species can ever dominate, so protecting the jungle’s incredible diversity”

Sir David Attenborough

2. Oarfish

A 10-metre long creature from the deep

Thought of as sea serpent or sea monster and a popular part of Japanese folklore, Oarfish is a rare deep-sea creature that is over 10 metres long. They are hardly ever seen alive and the footage in this episode of Our Planet (episode 6) is a truly unique capture.
The deep makes up 95% of all the space available for life and yet has no protection and is largely ungoverned. A global agreement is required to safeguard the mysteries of the deep.

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3. Narwhals

Unicorns of the Ocean

Narwhals are toothed-whales with a tusk protruding from the canine tooth. They were the origins for legends of unicorns.
Narwhal populations have a “near threatened” status and are reducing in numbers because of melting sea ice and warming oceans.

4. Black Sicklebill

The Dancing Bird of Paradise

From the wildlife hotspot of the forest of New Guinea, Black Sicklebill is a bird unlike any other. With its ingratiating dance, and Night King like blue eyes, it attracts a female with a carefully choreographed routine. Fun to watch with a happy ending!

5. Macarenia Plant

The Rainbow River, Colombia

A freshwater plant, bright magenta in colour, Macarenia grows in the Colombian river in the summer months when sunlight reaches the river’s surface. You can see hues of yellow, blue and green as well. The river is hence dubbed, liquid rainbow. Catch in the episode 7 of the series.