纪录片《我们的地球》 第51期 淡水资源(08)

Lines of wildebeest are on the march.

一队队的角马正在迁徙途中

Each year, nearly two million animals migrate across the Serengeti Plains in search of fresh, green pastures.

每年都会有将近200万只角马横越塞伦盖蒂平原，去寻找新鲜草场

For these thirsty herds¹,

对于这群饥渴难耐的角马来说

the rivers are not only a vital source of drinking water but also dangerous obstacles.

河流不仅是唯一能解渴的重要水源，也是充满危险的关隘

This is one of the largest concentrations of Nile crocodiles in Africa, giants that grow over five metres long.

这里是非洲一处最大的尼罗鳄聚集地，这些大怪物能长到5米多长

From memory, the crocodiles know the wildebeest are coming and gather in anticipation².

鳄鱼凭着记忆得知，角马已经来了，不出所料，它们纷纷下水

The crocodile's jaws³ snap tight like a steel trap.

鳄鱼的巨口像捕兽铗一般紧咬住猎物

Once they have a hold, they never let go.

一旦被它逮住，猎物再无逃脱的机会

It took over an hour to drown this full-grown bull.

它得花上一个多小时才能淹死这只成年公角马

To surprise their prey⁴, crocodiles must strike with lightning speed.

为了突袭猎物，鳄鱼必须以闪电般的速度出击

Here, only the narrowest line separates life from death.

在这里，生与死只有一线之隔。

1 herds   

兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众

参考例句：

• Regularly at daybreak they drive their herds to the pasture. 每天天一亮他们就把牲畜赶到草场上去。
• There we saw herds of cows grazing on the pasture. 我们在那里看到一群群的牛在草地上吃草。

2 anticipation   

n.预期，预料，期望

参考例句：

• We waited at the station in anticipation of her arrival.我们在车站等着，期待她的到来。
• The animals grew restless as if in anticipation of an earthquake.各种动物都变得焦躁不安，像是感到了地震即将发生。

3 jaws   

n.口部；嘴

参考例句：

• The antelope could not escape the crocodile's gaping jaws. 那只羚羊无法从鱷鱼张开的大口中逃脱。
• The scored jaws of a vise help it bite the work. 台钳上有刻痕的虎钳牙帮助它紧咬住工件。

4 prey   

n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨

参考例句：

• Stronger animals prey on weaker ones.弱肉强食。
• The lion was hunting for its prey.狮子在寻找猎物。