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Deep Dive: The Serengeti Rules (2018)

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The Serengeti Rules
The Serengeti Rules is a documentary that focuses on the work of five scientists—Tony Sinclair, Mary E. Power, Bob Paine, John Terborgh, and Jim Estes—who conducted research in various ecosystems, including the Serengeti and the Amazon jungle. Their studies led to the identification of keystone species, which play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. The film narrates their adventures and the profound impact of their findings on modern ecology. Through interviews and storytelling, the scientists share how their discoveries changed the understanding of ecological relationships. The film emphasizes the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems, illustrating how the removal of keystone species can lead to ecological collapse. It also conveys a message of hope, suggesting that the rules governing these ecosystems can be utilized to restore and upgrade damaged environments.

Why Watch

  • •Meet pioneering ecologists like Tony Sinclair and Mary Power.
  • •Find out how sea otters support kelp forests.
  • •See how wolves influence river clarity and forest health.

Did You Know

•The Serengeti Rules premiered on April 21, 2018, at the Tribeca Film Festival.
•The film aired as an episode of PBS's Nature on October 9, 2019.
•The documentary received a News & Documentary Emmy Award nomination in 2020 for Best Nature Documentary.
•The film features the song 'Society' performed by Eddie Vedder, written by Jerry Hannan.

Perfect For

Ecology enthusiastsNature documentary fansStudents of environmental science