Seasons & episodes
S12 · E1Sex, Hot Eruptions and Chili Peppers 1994-02-20
No episode summary available yet.
S12 · E2Firebird 1994-02-27
An atmospheric account of the lesser flamingo, Firebird explores the incredible adaptations these resilient birds possess in the hostile environment of East Africa's Great Rift Valley.
S12 · E3Killer Whales: Wolves of the Sea 1994-03-06
An extraordinary glimpse into the world of these incredibly efficient predators, Killer Whales: Wolves of the Sea is an intriguing celebration of the species’ ingenious hunting methods, sophisticated communication skills and strong family ties.
S12 · E4Toadskin Spell 1994-03-13
Looks at the extraordinary properties of frog and toad skin, showing how it enables them to survive hostile environments. Amphibian skin contains many chemical compounds, including antibiotics, fungicides, anti-viral agents and toxins, which serve as built-in barriers against infection and protection from predators. Scientists in America have even identified an anti-cancer agent in the skin of certain amphibians. One sequence reveals a dangerous and illegal craze in California for toad licking - the skin of some toads contains hallucinogens so powerful that the US Drug Enforcement Agency puts it in the same class as heroin. The programme features toad and frog species from Britain and the continents of Africa, America, Asia and Australia.
S12 · E5Island of the Ghost Bear 1994-03-20
Reveals the life of the snow-white black bears that inhabit a remote island off the coast of British Columbia in Canada. The whiteness of the bear is believed to be caused by a double recessive gene.
S12 · E6Webs of Intrigue 1994-03-27
Wildlife film capturing the Dinopis spider and Sydney funnelweb amongst others.
S12 · E7Vampires, Devilbirds and Spirits: Tales of the Calypso Isles 1994-04-03
A celebration of Caribbean wildlife, Vampires, Devilbirds and Spirits: Tales of the Calypso Isles takes an entertaining look at the myths and legends of Trinidad and Tobago, and many of the creatures on which they are based. Nature plays a significant role in the country’s folklore, with narration by a local person and extensive role-play, the production interweaves these intriguing tales with impressive photography of the abundant wildlife, including infra-red footage of the elusive cave-dwelling oilbirds.
S12 · E8Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon 1994-04-04
Filmed in the nature reserves of the mixed bamboo forests of the Sleeping Dragon Mountains in Sichuan province, central China. Focuses on the predicament of the giant panda and on the lessser-known red panda. The giant panda's digestive system is more suited to meat eating yet, because it feeds almost exclusively on bamboo, which has a low nutritional value, the animal must feed virtually around the clock to survive. Other animals that live in the forests include parrot bills, bamboo rats, golden monkeys, tufted deer, wild dogs, golden pheasants and the takin - a distant relative of the musk ox. The giant salamander, known as the water dragon, the world's largest amphibian is also to be found in the area.
S12 · E9The Witness Was A Fly 1994-04-17
Scientists demonstrate ways in which animals, insects and plants can provide clues to the detection of crimes.
S12 · E10Untangling the Knot 1994-04-24
Follows Dutch, Canadian and British biologists as they chart the journeys of two groups of knots(shorebirds) from South America and South Africa.
S12 · E11Snowdonia: Realm of Ravens 1994-05-08
Reveals the most complete record of raven life ever filmed, at the National Park.
S12 · E12Race For Life: Africa's Great Migration 1994-05-15
Records the epic joiurney of more than a million and a half wildebeest, travelling in a 500 mile arc across the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
S12 · E13Islands in the African Sky 1994-05-22
An atmospheric and evocative portrayal of the wildlife in East Africa's rugged mountain ranges, Islands in the African Sky was widely acclaimed for its stunning soundtrack. The second part of an African trilogy, the production explores the extraordinary adaptations and unusual appearances that have evolved to aid survival in this extreme climate. Straddling the equator, the mountains undergo vast temperature changes as scorching days give way to arctic nights. The intriguing footage is brought to life by Gunning's powerful score, the haunting sounds emphasising both the eerie beauty and intense mystique of this hostile land.
S12 · E14Comrades of the Kalahari 1994-05-29
Focuses on the co-operation between the yellow mongoose and the ground squirrel that enables both species to thrive in the arid Kalahari.
S13 · E1Mysteries of the Ocean Wanderers 1994-11-27
Focusing on a pair of albatrosses during the year they produce and raise a chick, Mysteries of the Ocean Wanderers is an engaging and atmospheric insight into the wildlife of the sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands. Delving into a previously unknown area, the film follows the intriguing work of French scientist Henri Weimerskirch as he uses satellite tracking and time-depth recorders to follow the ever changing population of these remote isles.
S13 · E2Badlands 1994-12-04
Documentary on the prairie dog of the South Dakota Badlands.
S13 · E3Hunters of the Sea Wind 1994-12-11
Documentary showing life under the Pacific Ocean and the predatory life of the marlin, sailfish, sea snakes, dolphins and tuna, birds and turtles.
S13 · E4Parrots: Look Who's Talking! 1995-01-15
Examines the parrot in the wild and sees how its natural behaviour is modified in a domesticated environment.
S13 · E5Avenue of the Volcanoes 1995-01-22
Records the rare and unusual wildlife that lives in a remote volcanic area of Ecuador
S13 · E6Ytene: England's Ancient Forest 1995-01-29
Documentary, filmed over a two year period, exploring the wildlife found in the New Forest in southern England, which the Saxons called Ytene. The woodland, bogs and heaths of the area are home to wild ponies, fallow deer, badgers, foxes, wildfowl, and insects. Seasonal changes are shown, and some elusive species, such as firecrests, hawfinches, woodlarks and tadpole shrimps are pictured. The programme is interwoven with a history of land use in the area from mediaeval times.
S13 · E7Gentle Jaws of the Serengeti 1995-02-12
Focuses on a clan of spotted hyenas.
S13 · E8Monkey in the Mirror 1995-02-19
Observes some of the behaviour of the Bonobos, pygmy chimpanzees that inhabit a remote area of rainforest in Zaire. The species is considered to be man's closest living relative.
S13 · E9Ocean Drifters 1995-02-26
Examines the weird planktonic animals that drift in the current of the Gulf Stream as it passes Florida and enters the Atlantic. Follows a baby loggerhead turtle which hatches on a Florida beach and heads out to the Atlantic.
S13 · E10The Call of Kakadu 1995-03-05
Follows a pair of kookaburras over the course of a year in the Kakadu National Park in Australia.