Badlands

1994 A Natural World for BBC and National Geographic

The Badlands, set in the heart of North America on the plains of South Dakota, may have been useless to people but they are a refuge for animals, both large and small. The film centres on the private life of the prairie dog, whose colonies act as a magnet for all the other creatures in the area, such as bison, coyotes, burrowing owls and rattle snakes.

This unique film not only deals with the private life of the prairie dog above ground but, for the first time, explores its subterranean world.

Another of Mike’s favourites, for which he is indebted to Huw Cordey for his invaluable field work. Huw lived in this remote area for a whole year. The film is a visual extravaganza, shot by Martyn Colbeck.