Natural World 12

Sex, Hot Eruptions and Chili Peppers (1994)

Firebird (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.

Killer Whales: Wolves of the Sea (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.

Toadskin Spell (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.

Island of the Ghost Bear (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.