Life on Earth’s Wildest Frontiers with David Attenborough (4K Documentary)

To understand the diversity of life on Earth, we must travel to the remotest parts of our planet. In these extreme locations, varied habitats allow certain species to thrive. They are places of protection from climate and predators, where survival is easier. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the most unique natural environments on the planet, attracting creatures in search of sanctuary from the wilderness of the open [Music] ocean. The Great Barrier protects its visitors in many different ways. That becomes clear when you look at the reef from above. This part of tropical Australia lies right in the path of regular seasonal cyclones. This tangle of limestone walls acts as a barrier against the open ocean. Between it and the land, the waters are warm and shallow, an ideal haven for [Music] visitors. A global community of animals rely on this great wilderness, and that makes it one of the most important and influential habitats on the planet. [Music] Every year, the Great Barrier Reef detracts over a million migrating animals. But there are still large animals whose movements remain something of a mystery. Manta rays are the nomads of the reef. They're huge creatures. They can measure 15 ft 5 m across and weigh almost 1 and 1/2 tons. They come to the reef to feed on plankton, but they also use it as a sanctuary where they can breed or get a good clean. Mantis have traveled hundreds of miles up the eastern coast of Australia to get here. Many make their way to the waters that surround Lady Elliot Island on the southern end of the Great [Music] Barrier. For the visiting manta rays, this is a paradise, a place where these ocean giants can get a little pampering. These are the beauty salons of the reef and they're often run by a pair of rass. These committed cleaners regularly tend to a host of different creatures. They provide a vital service removing the dead skin and parasites from outside and even inside their clients bodies. It may seem like a thankless task, but the cleaner fish are getting a good meal out of it. And of all their clients, the manta rays are their star [Music] customers. When business is brisk, they patiently wait in [Music] line. Like planes in a holding pattern, they circle until an opportunity arrives. When it's their turn, the manta ray surrender themselves completely. Within seconds, a host of fish rush to their side. Manta rays are rarely left waiting for long. Each fish tends to a very specific part of the mant's body, and the cleaning can last a full hour.