National Geographic Animals & Nature
Witness nature's inspiring, beautiful, terrifying and deadly moments in award-winning programs from National Geographic that offer unique insights into the environment, the natural world and the incredible creatures that inhabit it.
-
Arctic Kingdom: Life at the Edge
National Geographic cameras take viewers to the Arctic ice edge; a land held captive each winter and set free by the sun each summer, abundant with wildlife beyond the imagination. For six months of the year, the Arctic is cloaked in darkness; Earth and water are ice-bound, frozen in mind-numbing, endless winter. The Arctic rhythm has slowed to a steady beat, as all creatures lie waiting...for the sun to come again and breathe light and life into this apparent wasteland. In spring, the darkness recedes and as the sun first pours its rays onto the ice, it breaks up and sets free a fountain of life. All summer long the animals of the land and sea will feast, building up reserves to sustain them through the coming six months of darkness.
-
Wild Chronicles: Longevity, Tigers & Whale Sharks
Longevity- With the world population aging, Wild Chronicles goes in search of the secret to a long and happy life. Statistics tell us that Japan and Italy harbor pockets of amazing longevity unexplained by medical advances alone. So while Americans have access to cutting edge health care, it is Sardinia that boasts twenty times as many 100-year-olds. Just what are these centenarians doing right? Tiger Eye- Photographing a wild tiger is one of the greatest challenges any cameraman can face. Notoriously tough subjects, tigers are dangerous, nocturnal, and solitary. But National Geographics Nick Nichols has a plan to capture a tiger on film by taking himself out of the picture. Wild Chronicles joins Nichols in Indias Badhavagarh National Park as he deploys an array of remote camera traps set with infrared triggers. The images they return are both breathtaking and eye-opening, and may help save this predator in decline. Mark Olson- Wild Chronicles profiles emerging explorer Mark Olson, a botanist whose novel research techniques are taking him to high places. Having traveled the globe studying plants, Olsens current project utilizes a powered paraglider to gain a fresh perspective on the diversity of trees and how evolution has shaped them to make the most of photosynthesis. Whale Sharks- Every spring, the warm waters off Belize host an undersea gathering like no other. Here, amidst thousands of fish species, the enormous whale shark, weighing nearing 20 tons, dominates the stage. At a time when marine populations elsewhere are in precipitous decline, Wild Chronicles dives in with two biologists to find out exactly what is driving this congregation of giants.
-
Shape of Life: Life on the Move
When we think of animals, we think of movement: the elaborate courtship rituals of birds, epic wildebeest migrations, savage elephant battles. Remarkably, scientists believe that the roots of all movement, all behavior can be traced to a single group. What was this group and how did they begin this revolution? One scientist, Jack Castello believes that it is a group of animals that that includes jellies, anemones, and corals. Learn what remarkable contributions these group of animals have made to the Shape of Life.
-
Wild Chronicles: Pygmy Sloths, Monk Seals & Crocodiles
Pygmy Sloth- Wild Chronicles reveals what may be the first-ever pictures of a newly-discovered species of pygmy sloth that has been hidden from us until now. One photographer's wild determination brings him within one foot of the sleepy sloth. Eager to learn more about the mysterious life of this rare and elusive creature, Wild Chronicles follows National Geographic photographer Bill Hatcher as he mucks through swamps of a wild Panamanian island and climbs high into the treetops of sloth-land. Crittercam: Monk Seals- Crittercam reveals crucial evidence that could solve the Northwest Hawaiian Islands mysterious monk seal deaths the only endangered marine mammals found entirely within the United States. While most adults are healthy, eight out of ten Hawaiian monk seal pups are dying before age two. With the help of three juvenile seals, Wild Chronicles follows the Crittercam crew collects evidence of natural and man-made dangers in the marine environment and discovers a key feeding ground in a deep sea plain once thought to be a wasteland evidence that will play a critical role in saving the monk seal from extinction. Poacher Patrol- In the wilds of Cambodia, it's hard to tell the good guys from the bad. Wild Chronicles heads to the frontlines of a war in Cambodia where conflict over animal poaching and illegal logging pits heavily armed rangers against heavily armed poachers. But the struggle isn't just about the theft of wood and animal poaching. It's also a fight to preserve the living space for the animals that call Cambodia's forest "home." Will there ever be a winner in this battle over forests? Predator Crocodiles- Crocodiles have hunted Africa's rivers since the age of the dinosaurs. They are a dynasty built on a design so quick and powerful that it has lasted 60 million years. But even these grand and powerful predators start out small and young crocs must learn to survive in a harsh and often dangerous environment. Wild Chronicles travels to Africa's wilds to track critical moments in an adolescent crocodiles life as it learns the essential skills of being an alert and patient predator.
-
Mission Wild: Costa Rica's Tapirs
Once relatively common throughout Central America, the Bairds tapir is on the decline. Interest in captive tapirs rises as the wild tapir population drops, a situation which some say offers hope for the species. Captive tapir expert Rick Barongi is a firm believer in the power of education to move mountains or help tapirs. An unabashed champion of zoos, Rick helps spread the word about the plight of the tapir, in the hope that visitors will take an interest in the animal and its future. Gradually, a handful of experts have risen to the challenge, and field research into the behavior of wild tapirs is beginning to provide a more complete picture of this elusive animal a picture which Rick hopes will inspire a species-saving solution.
-
Snake Wranglers 2: Jungle Geoff and the Viper Snake
Armed with gear more suited to a rock climber than a herpetologist, Geoff Sorrell (Jungle Geoff to his friends), canoes to work from his island base of Panamas Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation. His main quarry isnt slithering on the ground, its up above him. Geoff ascends 80 feet into the rainforest canopy in search of the Eyelash pit viper. Little is known about this mysterious snake due to its elevated habitat.
-
Cyclone
Anyone, at any time, can fall victim to nature's raging furies. Around the globe, hurricanes, tornadoes, and typhoons strike without mercy and often without warning. In the last century, more than half a million lives were lost to the violent forces of cyclones, tropical storms, and the wicked weather swirling in and around them. National Geographic chronicles some of the world's most shocking storms with gripping footage and scenes of heart-thumping, real-life drama: roofs ripped from houses, trees snapped like toothpicks, and trucks tossed about like children's toys. From twisters sweeping across the Midwest's "Tornado Alley," to the vicious force of Florida's Hurricane Andrew, to the deadly powerful forces of nature are among the most powerful forces on earth. Before the next killer storm, scientists are rushing to unlock the mysteries of the Cyclone!
-
Wild Chronicles EP 112: Bowhead Whales, Hornet Hunters and More
Join National Geographic on a journey to the Arctic where wildlife filmmaker meets bowhead whale one of nature's most long-lived mammals. Not much is known about this mysterious giant, but with a little help from National Geographic's Crittercam® the filmmaker gets a breathtaking glimpse into the whale's secret world. The revealing footage has helped researchers discover how these whales can survive centuries in their freezing habitat. National Geographic also heads to Japan where a brave researcher faces a powerful but tiny predator. He's a hornet hunter and has experienced first-hand the insect's potent venom. Now he's on a mission to find the key to diffusing the hornet's painful sting.
-
Totally Wild EP 5: Marine Iguanas' Dangerous Lifestyle
This episode explores predation, symbiotic relationships, and dangerous lifestyle of various animals around the world. The predation stories include: a relatively small spider snags a bat and makes a meal out of it; a polar bear pounces on a ring seal, making the bears white fur red; a fox pounces gracefully again and again, nose first into the snow, until it catches a vole; chimps hunt for other primates, flinging themselves through trees in pursuit. The symbiotic relationships are: the friendship between hippos and crocs; gobies clean tiger groupers; petizan shrimp clean Nassau groupers; hogfish pluck parasites off Creole wrasses; badgers and coyotes are hunting partners; and the one-sided friendship of a sargassum fish that has camouflaged itself as a sargassum plant, and hides out in the plant waiting for prey. The life of danger stories are: a young gazelle becomes hunting practice for a cheetah cub; four species of birds try to live on the edge of a dwindling water source amid chomping crocodiles; marine iguanas encounter danger after danger from the moment they are born, including incidents involving a hawk, a snake, a heron and some sea lions.
-
Totally Wild EP 6: Vampire Bats
This episode is full of creepy images and weird scenarios, with some trademark beautiful footage thrown in there to balance it out. Burying beetles line up on their backs under a shrew corpse, lift it up, and pass it forward to each other, transporting it to their burrow. There, they lay their eggs near it and chew it into food for their babies. Then, its on to more pleasant images in the Galapagos Islands: stunning footage reveals birds called boobies, common dolphins and seal lions all diving for the same huge school of fish. Fire ants swarm a worm and dismantle a dragonfly. Narwhals are the unicorns of the sea they are arctic whales with an overgrown tooth coming out of their head that resembles a unicorns horn. The pangolin in Botswana, Africa is a scaly mammal with no teeth that resembles an artichoke. The frilled neck lizard is a highly entertaining creature; when threatened, it runs on its hind legs with its giant mane-like frill puffed out around its face. And then theres the shoebill stork. It looks like it stole its powerful beak from a pelican, its legs from a flamingo, and its head from an eagle. Catfish that consume cichlid fish babies and then steal their mommies. Bed bugs bite humans. And lastly, vampire bats suck blood from pigs.
-
Whales in Crisis
Few creatures are as mysterious and captivating as the whale. Embark on a globe-spanning journey with National Geographic to discover the most recent findings about these majestic, highly intelligent creatures. After hunting whales for generations, we have brought their widespread slaughter to an end, but these graceful giants still face threats on a number of fronts and the battle to save them goes on. Its a gripping, sometimes emotional voyage to the front lines of research as a new breed of champions battles to understand and preserve these spectacular giants of the sea.
-
Gorillas on the Edge
National Geographic takes an exclusive in-depth look at current conditions facing the endangered mountain gorilla in war-torn Rwanda. National Geographic has teamed up with scientists from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI) to reestablish contact with the highly endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda. For two years, the gorillas' home - Volcanoes National Park - was closed because of violent unrest that threatened the region. The gorillas that roam the rain forest were left unprotected, at the mercy of poachers and gunfire. When the park finally reopened this past summer, National Geographic became the first film crew in the world allowed back in to assess the damage and see how the gorillas are faring. The key to the gorillas' survival is the health of their habitat. By using cutting edge, remote-sensing technology to map Volcanoes National Park, National Geographic is helping to support pioneering research and usher in a new era of gorilla conservation. Coinciding with DFGFI scientists on the ground, a team of experts from Idaho-based Earth Search Sciences, Inc. flew a groundbreaking mission to Rwanda. Using hyperspectral imaging technology that was first developed by NASA, the Probe 1 instrument is attached to a fixed wing plane. The two hundred pound device analyzes light waves reflected from ground objects, creating an ultra-high resolution map that will provide scientists with the most accurate data ever recorded. National Geographic has exclusive coverage of the mapping mission and the results of the aerial survey. National Geographic first chronicled the work of anthropologist Dian Fossey in the 1970's. While studying the gorillas, Fossey was able to develop such a trusting relationship that, eventually, they allowed her to sit among them. Although she was mysteriously murdered in 1985, Fossey's legacy continues as her intimate observations provide the foundation for modern gorilla research and conservation. Join National Geographic for an exclusive in-depth look at the current conditions facing Dian Fossey's beloved and endangered mountain gorillas in war-torn Rwanda.
-
Wild Chronicles: Singing Whales, Mongoose Pups and More
National Geographic's Wild Chronicles goes on a river expedition to Makira, a remote and virtually undisturbed region of Madagascar, with a team of scientists who are in for one wild ride. The team must negotiate unexplored rapids, brave dangerous waterfalls, and portage through dense forests to reach the vast biological riches that lie deep in the jungle ahead. Wild Chronicles also follows a tale in Uganda where mongoose pups are disappearing under mysterious circumstances. Researchers are using a special camera developed by National Geographic to catch the culprit in the act. When the footage reveals critical clues from inside the den, one desperate mongoose mother becomes the prime suspect in a string of murders.
-
Mission Wild: Brazil's Black Lion Tamarins
As elusive as it is charming, the black lion tamarin faces the threat of extinction. Native to Brazil, the monkeys depend on the countrys rainforest habitat for survival, so their plight worsens as more and more rainforest disappears. A successful captive breeding program for black lion tamarins in the Jersey zoo, located in the Channel Islands, offers promise for wild tamarin populations. Dominic Wormell, who runs the New World Primates section of the zoo, plays a crucial role in the plan. Working with a husband-and-wife conservation team in Brazil, Dominic will release tamarins bred at the British zoo into the wilds of Brazil. The success of the program hinges on finding just the right wild, dominant female to swap with the dominant captive female, so that once the group is released, she can lead the captive-bred tamarins in the ways of the wilderness.
-
Snake Wranglers 2: Jesus and the Devil Boas
Countless visitors flock to Cozumel Island, this small, sultry oceanic land mass sits just 12 miles off of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula and is home to several endemic species of birds, reptiles and mammals. However, there is one uninvited guest that has been recently wreaking havoc on the island but is unable to leave: the Boa constrictor. Although the island has a range of wildlife, these boas were not part of Cozumels original biodiviersity recipe. Sightings of boas have only been reported over the past thirty years a mere fraction of time on the ecological scale. National Geographics constrictor expert Jesus Rivas teams up with local researchers to study the origin, and the consequences, of this reptilian disaster - before it gets any worse.
-
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
This century's most powerful volcanic eruption created a land of fire and ice, turning the Katmai region of Alaska into a dichotomy on that extraordinary day in 1912. National Geographic compares the two seemingly inconsistent portraits of a place that experienced unbelievable devastation captured on archival footage from expeditions into the area soon after the cataclysmic explosion with recent films displaying the gradual renewal of life in the surrounding area. In VALLEY OF TEN THOUSAND SMOKES, viewers witness the transformation of pristine Alaskan wilderness into a barren wasteland of ash and lava as well as its gradual rebirth.
-
Mission Wild: Australia's Flying Foxes
With more and more people moving into bat habitat in Australia, the flying fox, has become the object of antagonism in urban areas. A biologist in the city of Brisbane, Australia, is spearheading a campaign to save the flying fox from extinction. Ultimately, Marcus and her team want to determine how feasible it would be to move the animals away from their disgruntled new neighbors. With rainforest habitat disappearing from many regions of Australia, the flying fox isnt the only species on the decline. But deforestation has had an especially dramatic impact on the bats, whose survival is inextricably linked to rainforest health. For Marcus, the bottom line is clear: Australians need to tolerate the flying fox as a neighbor worthy of conservation.
-
Mission Wild: Thailand's Elephant
At the first-ever National Elephant Day in March of 1999, 12 domesticated Asian elephants wandered into the wilderness to begin new lives. But their path to freedom had been an arduous one. The end of illegal logging operations left many domestic elephants, homeless and ill-equipped to fend for themselves in the wild. To address the crisis, the Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, Thailand rehabilitates the animals with the goal of releasing them into protected areas and then monitoring their well-being through the use of radio collars. Through dedication to their mission of giving these magnificent animals a new lease on life, the Elephant Conservation Centre boosts wild populations, as well. Thanks to their work, its the dawn of a new era for the Asian elephant in Thailand.
-
Snake Wranglers 2: Hunt for Africa Viper Giant
Hungarian herpetologist Zoltan Takacs has been fascinated by snakes since childhood and the more lethal, the better. Now, hes out to prove his latest theory -- that venom does more than kill. Zoltan believes that enzymes in venom help snakes digest their prey. To prove it, Zoltan needs venom samples from the field and hes got the ideal candidate in mind. The Gaboon viper is the undisputed king of all vipers and produces more venom than any other snake in the world. To collect these samples, Zoltan heads out on a two-month expedition deep into the remote rainforests of Cameroon.
-
Snake Wranglers 2: Jake's Flying Tree Snakes
Join herpetologist Lee Grismer as he leads an expedition to the virgin rainforests of Tioman Island, off the coast of Malaysia, to hunt for new species of snakes.
-
True Originals: David Alan Harvey
Explore the life and work of one of the world's most talented color photographers--David Alan Harvey. Travel with Harvey to Brazil during Carnival and watch him in action. From his triumphs and his disappointments, to his on-the-road lifestyle, David shares details of his fascinating life.
-
Strange Days on Planet Earth: Predators
Around the world, from the forests of Venezuela to Yellowstones majestic wilderness to the Caribbeans coral reefs, researchers are discovering predators play a vital role in the health of our natural systems. Knowing this, should we learn to live with predators? Can we? Join National Geographic to see how predators impact your life and discover why others think these animals are so vital. Hosted by Edward Norton.
-
Crittercam: Lions
In northern Kenya, lions have begun to break into bomas, corrals made of densely woven vegetation, and take cattle. The people of the region are poor and their cattle are their wealth and means of life. Why have the lions suddenly started doing this? Predator expert Dr. Lawrence Frank hopes to use National Geographic's CRITTERCAM, a portable camera and research device, to enter the territory of the elusive lions on the high plateau of northern Kenya. But this is the first terrestrial deployment for Crittercam. Can it take the beating of a 300 pound lion, and will it go where no one has ever gone?
-
Lords of the Everglades
Florida's Everglades boasts an extraordinary collection of reptiles, including two deadly predators--the American crocodile and the alligator. In LORDS OF THE EVERGLADES, filmmakers compare and contrast the lives of a pod of fresh-water alligators with salt-water crocodiles, revealing crucial differences between the two species and the distinct environments they inhabit.
-
Shape of Life: Explosion of Life
In the 4.5 billion year history of Earth, a mere 10 million years seems rather insignificant--the equivalent of two months in the life of a 75 year-old man. Yet, during a 10 to 20 million year stretch of time, beginning about 540 million years ago, life evolved at an explosive rate. National Geographic reveals theories and findings about the rapid appearance of new animals during what scientists call the "Cambrian Explosion."
-
Shape of Life: Survival Game
Behind the beautiful shapes and colors of seashells is the story of how a group of animals called mollusks evolved in order to survive. The wide variety of mollusks includes clams, oysters, snails, mussels, squid, and octopus. The word mollusk comes from Latin meaning "soft," a good description of the group's fleshy bodies. Of course, in an ocean filled with predators, a soft body is easily eaten. The early mollusks that happened to develop hard shells not only managed to survive but also succeeded in launching an ever-escalating 500 million year old battle between themselves and their predators. Join National Geographic as evolutionary Biologist Geerat Vermeij studies how mollusks succeeded in the ocean's arms race.
-
Yellowstone: Realm of the Coyote
When a young coyote named Cain is cast out by his pack, he must learn to survive in a wilderness both beautiful and treacherous. As the coyote's journey unfolds, he'll encounter a large cast of wildlife characters in what has been called America's own Serengeti. Set against the natural beauty of Yellowstone's changing seasons, from the steamy geysers in winter to the raging fires of summer, Cain's year-long adventure of hardship and triumph will culminate in a final life-or-death confrontation with his original pack.
-
Storm of the Century
Power lines down, amazingly high speed winds, and deadly cold temperatures raged through the eastern United States with one violent bang. Storm of the Century presents an up close and personal look into the terrifying effects of these acts of nature. National Geographic has compiled shattering footage of some of the worst catastrophes to hit the Floridas Gulf Coast and all the way to Canada. Witness one familys horrible ordeal to survive a 12-foot-high storm surge that wipes away what was supposed to be a happy weekend. Experience these deadly forces of nature that we truly have no control over in National Geographics Storm of the Century.
-
Strange Days on Planet Earth: Invaders
Across the world, plants and animals are silently finding their way into places where they don't belong. These interlopers, called invasive species, have enormous powers they spread disease, they devour our buildings. Some are destroying the very land under our feet. Odds are these species that evolved in one place and now live destructively in another may have even infiltrated your own backyard. Join actor Edward Norton to uncover mysterious threats to the environment caused by invasive species.
-
Totally Wild: Killer Whales Hunt Sea Lions
Explore the lifestyles, competitions, and predation techniques of various animals around the world, including the demanding life of a termite queen continuously producing millions of eggs, newborn loggerhead turtles on the quest for safe waters, and the shocking visual tale of orcas snatching sea lion pups off the shore.
-
Totally Wild: Coral Reef Spawning
Explore everything from top predators missing out on their prey, to fragile newborns and beautiful underwater creatures trying to survive in the natural world.
-
Wild Chronicles: Gorilla, Sharks, Polar Bears & more
Catch an exclusive glimpse of newly documented animal behavior of gorillas, sharks, polar bears and walruses.
-
Wild Chronicles: Megaflyover, Humpback Whales, Jaguars & more
Explore the amazing landscapes and wildlife of Africa, Alaska, South America, and Japan.
-
Snake Wranglers: Diamondback Survivors
Join a rattlesnake expert to learn how America's largest venomous snakethe diamondbackhas been able to thrive in the wake of human encroachment.
-
Sea Stories: Save the Wave
At first glance, the typical surfer dude might not seem to be the most obvious candidate to deserve the label "environmental advocate." But wait until you meet the members of the Surfrider Foundation. An international organization of hard-core surfer-environmentalists, Surfrider has 25,000 members in seven countries. Glenn Henning, one of the organization's founders, sums up the philosophy on which Surfrider was built: "No surfer in the world can be a surfer without first being an environmentalist." Now pushing 50, Glenn took a hard look at the surf scene about 15 years ago and didn't like what he saw. Join National Geographic and see how Glenn started "making waves" to draw attention to the plight of oceans, reefs, and beaches.
-
Secret Killers of Monterey Bay
National Geographic marine biologist Nancy Black tracks killer whales to the California coast to seek answers to the species' mysterious decline.
-
Crittercam: Pilot Whales
Using the latest technology--including National Geographic's Crittercam--host Dr. Mike Heithaus and his team hope to open the door to the pilot whale's hidden life. How does it socialize at depth? Does it vocalize? How does it hunt? And in waters teeming with competition, how does it manage to survive? Join us on a journey of discovery, from the waters off a newborn coast into the world of a living enigmathe pilot whale.
-
Giant Bears of Kodiak Island
Follow the largest carnivore that walks the earth, the great Kodiak bear, down ancient feeding trails, up salmon-rich rivers - even into a den where a mother nurses her newborn cubs. You'll watch cubs learning to fish, bears gorging in berry-laden fields, and a remarkable scene of bears consuming a beached whale carcass. The setting is Alaska's Kodiak Island, where 4,000-foot mountains rise from hundreds of miles of jagged coastline. Today about 2,700 of these larger cousins of the well-known grizzly bear still thrive there. But change looms on the horizon. Portions of the island are open to development. Dramatic home videos of dangerous tourist/bear encounters capture the uneasy clashes of Kodiak's modern and natural worlds. Join National Geographic for a rare look into the lives of the GIANT BEARS OF KODIAK ISLAND, produced and photographed by renowned wildlife filmmaker Wolfgang Bayer.
-
Tsunami: Killer Wave
The globe learned on Dec. 26, that tsunamis can bring death and devastation to the world's coastlines. The product of undersea earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, tsunamis can race across oceans at more than 500 miles an hour, leaving a huge wake of destruction when they hit shore. Because it is difficult for scientists to predict how large these massive waves can be, tsunamis are one of the least understood of nature's forces, and one of the most dangerous. With insight from some of the scientific community's foremost researchers, and vivid accounts from past tsunami survivors, National Geographic's ''Tsunami: Killer Wave'' depicts nature at its most extreme, profiles the efforts being made to curb its effects and illustrates the financial, physical and emotional toll it can leave on its victims.
Selected Picks
Channels
Shows
Joost Link Title
Instructions about what to do next
