Arabian Inferno

The Arabian landscape is a virtually waterless desert where rain scarcely falls and animals endure blistering temperatures. However, a remote region on the southwest coast undergoes an astonishing transformation into a lush, verdant oasis.

It sometimes feels like mammals rule the world; there are well over 5,000 species, colonizing every corner of the globe. But in Arabia there's a different story and the land where reptiles rule.

The Arabian Desert is one of the most challenging places on earth, but the animals here are resilient and specialized. Even for the hardiest inhabitants, death is never far away. Creatures must seize every opportunity to find food, shelter and water.

A wadi is a waterhole, a rare place in the desert where hard bedrock traps the tiniest traces of water. A vital valley visited by the creepy and bizarre. All animals must come here to drink, something predators are quick to exploit.

The Arabian Peninsula is the world's transit hub for three billion birds on migration to and from Europe, Africa and Asia. Discover the majestic raptors and magnificent waders, from the largest migrants to the smaller residents.