Steppe Pumas

Mission Earth, Nature & Wildlife 4 x 48' 2023 4K

Filmed amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Patagonian steppe, this captivating 4-episode documentary series delves deep into the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. The age-old strife between imposing predators and livestock producers is far from novel, yet we find ourselves at a critical juncture where our very natural ecosystems are on the brink of collapse.

Over millennia, the puma, nature's apex predator, has traversed vast distances, stretching from the northern reaches of Alaska to the southern expanse of Patagonia. It has conquered a myriad of challenges, adapting seamlessly to different environments, from lush jungles to arid deserts, dense forests to towering mountains.

This gripping narrative unfolds within the confines of three National Parks, where the puma has held its dominion for centuries. Here, the tension between these majestic predators and their cohabiting neighbors, comprising of large-scale sheep farmers and indigenous communities, escalates. The tension increases and decisions have to be made.

For over half a decade, ecologist Emiliano Donadio has dedicated his life's work to spearheading South America's most ambitious project— to understand the ecology of a top predator such as the puma and generate coexistence mechanisms in shared landscapes. Together with his team, he ventures through the challenging Patagonian canyons and plateaus in search of the elusive animals: They meticulously place cameras to pinpoint their whereabouts, set traps to capture pumas, guanacos, and rheas, use collars to meticulously observe their movements and migrations. The work is intense, spanning both day and night, amid biting cold and scorching heat. The team ceaselessly strives to unveil the enigmatic dynamics between these predators and their intricate environment.

Can a more peaceful coexistence be achieved?