Cardinal fish swarm in the depths

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:18:29 +0200

Cameraman Barry Skinstad explores one of his favourite diving destinations - the aptly named "Fish Basket", a reef that attracts a variety of marine life. After spotting huge schools of cardinal fish, he chances upon a two-metre sand shark.

Elephants take a mud bath

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:10:27 +0200

A herd of elephants in Zambia's Kafue National Park escapes the heat of the African sun by taking refuge in a muddy pool. Filmmakers watch the tranquil scene - from a safe distance...

Crabs rekindle childhood memories

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:49:54 +0200

Cameraman Darryl Sweetland pays a nostalgic visit to the island of Penang on the western coast of Malaysia, where he spent many happy days as a child.

Bottlenose dolphins frolic in crystal clear water

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:59:09 +0200

We finally had a good weather day here in Sodwana Bay. A slight offshore breeze was gently puffing across the ocean, giving us the perfect opportunity to spend a day looking for bottlenose dolphins.

Whale shark swims with mouth agape

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:59:54 +0200

A decision to dive in unfamiliar territory turns up a pod of dolphins, a whale shark and a manta ray.

Boteti brings forth new life

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:05:50 +0200

The transformation of this area since last year is unbelievable. The most noticeable change is in the Boteti River itself, which has metamorphosed from a series of muddy pools to a beautiful, free-flowing river.

Cliffs aflutter with birds

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:09:34 +0200

Red Cliffs is a perennial nesting spot for hundreds colourful southern carmine bee-eaters.

Elephants display their strength in Moremi

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:04:07 +0200

A bachelor herd of elephants had gathered on the fringe of a forest. There is a hierarchy within these herds and it is usually the older, bigger bulls that are more dominant.

Regal crab feeds on leaves

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:44:29 +0200

Among the leaf litter on the forest floor at Huai Khayeng near Thong Pha Phum National Park, a pretty crustacean fed on composted leaves. This crab was discovered in 1983 and was named in honour of the Thai royal monarch, Queen Sirikit.

Majestic rays on Manta Reef

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:40:58 +0200

Manta Reef is so named for the number of large rays found in this particular spot.

Injured elephant recovers

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:35:35 +0200

Today was warmer than it had been during the previous week and due to the higher temperature, elephant herds began to move out of the mopane and onto the flood plains.

Boteti River flows once again

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:51:50 +0200

For the past 20 years the Boteti River has been nothing but a dry, dusty riverbed. Now all that has changed and the river is flowing once again, bringing life-saving water to the animals that live in the region.

Wild dog pups arrive

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:38:54 +0200

While we were filming the hippo in the pools, we heard the distinctive sound of Wild dogs and headed in that direction.

Nightlife in Mozambique

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:08:32 +0200

The tides were perfect for us to do our first full night dive. The major difference at night, is that the animals allow you to approach much closer.

Small pond brims with life

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:25:44 +0200

Phu Kiew Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast plateau situated at 800m above sea level. One of the most striking features here is the amount of standing water which has attracted a variety of animal species.

Leopard leaps

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:12:12 +0200

We spotted a leopard resting in the branches of an ebony tree. As we moved closer we saw that it was a male that we had not seen since the previous December.

Namaqualand blooms

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:09:34 +0200

Since our arrival in the Namaqualand region I have been continually on the lookout for the pollinators of these colourful flowers and vegetation.

Underwater treasure hunt in Mozambique

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:36:22 +0200

We decided to dive in the Pomene Estuary in Mozambique which provides a nursery for many juvenile marine species and is home to some of the ocean's most bizarre creatures.

Elephants gather on flooded Delta

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:52:48 +0200

There were a large numbers of breeding elephant herds moving through this area. This has been a particularly busy week on the elephant front.

Elephant seals sleep in the snow

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:46:03 +0200

Further inland we crossed a small stream running down to the beach through the snow covered tussock grass. Here we made our first acquaintance with Southern elephant seals.

Sunrise wakes up Sani Pass

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:06:03 +0200

As the sun rose, little heads started popping up from beneath the earth. A number of Sloggett's ice rats shuffled their bodies into position, facing the sun until they had warmed themselves sufficiently.

Monitor lies on forest floor

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:27:49 +0200

We walked on foot through the breathtaking Shokwe Forest in the Nyamithi Pan. Our focus quickly adjusted to an adult water monitor lizard that lay on the forest floor before us.

Eight legs, three hearts, one brain

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:48:05 +0200

A large octopus settled on the reef next to us. This was one of the largest individuals I have ever seen here and it seemed quite relaxed in our presence.

Baitball bonanza

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:01:45 +0200

Mayhem in the deep blue

Lyle's flying foxes hang around temple

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:04:44 +0200

Flying foxes inhabit temple gardens

Rock pool extravaganza

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:06:31 +0200

Spring low tides expose a myriad tiny marine creatures hiding in rock pools along the Western Cape coast of South Africa.

An epic struggle

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:18:55 +0200

WARNING: Footage may upset sensitive viewers.

Insect frenzy in Ndumo

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:55:31 +0200

The buzzing noise was all around us but we had to venture into the undergrowth to find out where it was coming from.

Crocodile rests under the papyrus beds

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:43:38 +0200

These underwater caves were bigger than usual due to the higher water levels.

Lion takes down buffalo with surprising ease

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:34:39 +0200

The male lion tosses the buffalo, much larger and heavier than himself, to the ground and tightens his suffocating grip on her throat.

The largest sardine run predator makes an appearance

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:49:40 +0200

One of the major highlights of the sardine run, that has evaded the crew up until now, is witnessing the Bryde's whale consume hundreds of sardines in a single mouthful.

Crocodile lurks in the Okavango

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:17:41 +0200

This year the water in the main Nxamaseri channel was clearer than we have ever seen it.

Gannets steal the shoal

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:35:38 +0200

As the sun broke the horizon, the diving gannets increased in intensity and large numbers of common dolphins joined the feast.

Air assault in Port St Johns

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:18:00 +0200

Poor visibility but a lot of sound and excitement as Cape Gannets pierce the surface of the water in Port St Johns

Mass migration of tiny paddler crabs

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:19:04 +0200

One of the most remarkable mass migrations that we have ever witnessed involves the Ngoboseleni lake system and tiny paddler crabs.

Giant scorpion ventures out in the rain

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:03:09 +0200

As the sun emerges and picks out the arthropod's greenish colouring, it heads for cover in the forest.

Lone wildebeest calf falls victim to cheetahs

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:30:11 +0200

WARNING: Footage may upset sensitive viewers. Spotted predators drag their prey out of sight of vultures and eat the animal while it's still alive.

Water dragon clings to tree trunk

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:19:07 +0200

Lanternflies are so named due to the long extensions on their heads.

A rare and beautiful plant

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:34:15 +0200

The recently discovered Brunsvigia elandsmontana is found nowhere else on the planet.

Komodo dragons terrorise a deer

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:04:53 +0200

Three large lizards have attacked a buffalo and a deer; now they wait for the animals to weaken and fall.

Dolphins at play in the bay

Mon, 25 May 2009 15:11:18 +0200

Mother and calf pairs show a keen interest in a strange mammal that's entered their territory.

EXPEDITION: Cichlids hide in grass beds

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:41:57 +0200

Lake Malawi presents a new perspective on underwater species.

EXPEDITION: Fiddler crab feeds amid the mangroves

Tue, 12 May 2009 17:08:08 +0200

The dappled environment of an estuarine swamp is home to many small crustaceans.

EXPEDITION: Dolphins stranded on beach

Mon, 11 May 2009 17:59:39 +0200

The reason for these animals' death is likely to remain a mystery.

EXPEDITION: Exquisitely coloured fish live in the dark

Thu, 07 May 2009 17:29:15 +0200

The 'Malawi butterfly' puts on an electrifying mating display.

EXPEDITION: Dinosaur footprints uncovered

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:44:31 +0200

Preserved evidence of animals from a bygone era is laid bare in a dry riverbed.

EXPEDITION: Old female hyena protects elite group

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:28:30 +0200

Clans are matriarchal and females select the most suitable mates.

EXPEDITION: Cichlids abound in Lake Malawi

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:26:29 +0200

More than 800 endemic species have populated every part of the massive lake.

EXPEDITION: Vultures flock to wildebeest carcass

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:37:49 +0200

The birds land with talons ready to fight for their place at the feast.

Buffalo rescue cow from lions

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:57:43 +0200

When an injured buffalo is attacked by an entire lion pride, her bellows recall the herd, which saves her life - for now.

Wild dog pups on the way

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:08:17 +0200

With two pregnant females in the pack, the canines are likely to look for a new den.

EXPEDITION: Elephant seal comes for a closer look

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:35:54 +0200

A young king penguin is having a bad day after getting soaked to the skin.

The vital role of water

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:12:16 +0200

Water is an element that's vital to all life forms, from tiny water insects to a huge hippos.

EXPEDITION: Indonesia leaf monkeys forage in the tree tops

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:08:06 +0200

These beautiful primates move along the ground in a series of leaps.

Cheetah kills wildebeest calf

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:14:35 +0200

WARNING: Footage may upset sensitive viewers. Despite a gallant effort to evade its spotted predator, a lost wildebeest calf is finally captured.

Seahorse hides under a jetty

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:05:45 +0200

School of cuttlefish hunts in the waters of the Knysna estuary.

Flatworm and sea hare inhabit lagoon

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:00:09 +0200

This intertidal zone is a favoured habitat of these small invertebrates.

Lechwe graze on a waterlogged plain

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:45:37 +0200

Lion pride makes a buffalo kill, but after feeding they uncharacteristically move away from the carcass.

Beetle cleans itself

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:11:25 +0200

The insect's yellow and black colouring can be clearly seen in the morning light.

Baboons cartwheel down rocky slopes

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:20:24 +0200

When they reach the valley floor, an alarm call warns the troop that a martial eagle is circling overhead.

EXPEDITION: Albatrosses skim the Southern Ocean

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:34:06 +0200

Further south, icebergs appear and Antarctic fur seals bob in the waves.

Animals appear ghostlike in morning mist

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:33:43 +0200

Zebra, kudu, buffalo and jackal appear and disappear on the grassy plains as morning fog swirls across the landscape.

Water monitors feed on fish

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:28:12 +0200

Large lizards live in a capital city where they co-exist with humans.

Bat-eared foxes hunt termites

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:14:40 +0200

An acute sense of hearing enables these creatures to detect insects underground.

Macaques forage on volcano slopes

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:48:43 +0200

Primates follow human pathways in the hope of scrounging food.

Hyena feeds on stolen carcass

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:03:42 +0200

A female cheetah is robbed of her impala kill by two scavengers, but not before she has eaten well.

Lion cubs give male a wide berth

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:23:34 +0200

Young lions indulge in playful antics, but are wary of their father, who shows little tolerance towards his progeny.

Octopus mimics background colours

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:53:41 +0200

A small cephalopod uses its exceptional camouflage ability to remain hidden from predators.

Polar bears head north as bay freezes over

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:12:10 +0200

Once they can cross Hudson Bay, polar bears migrate towards the Arctic to hunt for seals.

Shrimps hold starfish captive

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:35:21 +0200

Their attractive appearance masks some unappealing behaviour.

Maggots writhe on nyala carcass

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:13:48 +0200

A dead antelope becomes a source of food for numerous other species.

Mantas swim with mouths agape

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:49:17 +0200

Snappers and fusiliers take advantage of a nutrient upwelling on the incoming tide.

Lions cat-nap after eating their fill

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:29:04 +0200

Having fed well over the past few weeks, the Xakanaxa pride is back to full strength.

Flatworm drifts down onto shipwreck

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:36:18 +0200

Sunken Japanese cargo ship provides a platform for corals, sponges and oysters.

Meerkats on the move in Makgadikgadi

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:42:22 +0200

Blistering heat bakes the salt pans as we follow the creatures to their evening resting place.

Featured videos