Natural World — Season 12

01 Sex, Hot Eruptions and Chili Peppers

Feb 20, 1994

02 Firebird

Feb 27, 1994

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.

03 Killer Whales: Wolves of the Sea

Mar 6, 1994

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.

04 Toadskin Spell

Mar 13, 1994

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.

05 Island of the Ghost Bear

Mar 20, 1994

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.

06 Webs of Intrigue

Mar 27, 1994

Wildlife film capturing the Dinopis spider and Sydney funnelweb amongst others.

07 Vampires, Devilbirds and Spirits: Tales of the Calypso Isles

Apr 3, 1994

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.

08 Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon

Apr 4, 1994

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.

09 The Witness Was A Fly

Apr 17, 1994

Scientists demonstrate ways in which animals, insects and plants can provide clues to the detection of crimes.

10 Untangling the Knot

Apr 24, 1994

Follows Dutch, Canadian and British biologists as they chart the journeys of two groups of knots(shorebirds) from South America and South Africa.

11 Snowdonia: Realm of Ravens

May 8, 1994

Reveals the most complete record of raven life ever filmed, at the National Park.

12 Race For Life: Africa's Great Migration

May 15, 1994

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.

13 Islands in the African Sky

May 22, 1994

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.

14 Comrades of the Kalahari

May 29, 1994

Focuses on the co-operation between the yellow mongoose and the ground squirrel that enables both species to thrive in the arid Kalahari.