ANIMAL PLANET PRESENTS 'LIFE OF MAMMALS' - MEET SPECIES WHICH OUT-LIVED THE DINOSAURS

This May, Animal Planet presents a series that introduces viewers to the most diverse group of animals ever to live on Earth. LIFE OF MAMMALS enlightens the stories of 4,000 species which have out-lived the dinosaurs and conquered the farthest places on earth. The most exhaustive study of the evolution and habits of the various mammals has been expressively showcased by Sir David Attenborough.

The series includes episodes showcasing mammal groups and discusses the different facets of their day-to-day existence. Magnificent species - from the smallest - the two-inch Pygmy Shrew, to the largest - the Blue Whale; from the slowest - the sloth, to the swiftest - the cheetah; and from the least attractive - the Naked Mole Rat, to the most irresistible - a human baby. 

LIFE OF MAMMALS will air on Animal Planet every night at 9 pm starting May 1, 2012 onwards.

These 4,000 species managed to sustain over the ages, conquered the farthest places on earth through the protective warm thick coats of fur, developing, protecting and nourishing their young within their bodies and managing to colonize every part of the globe, dry or wet, hot or cold.

The series presents a fascinating insight into this incredible group of animals, with the content graphics allowing the viewers to witness amazing scenes, impossible to film. The subtle, realistic visuals are unobtrusive yet have a definite stylistic quality.

Life of Mammals episode descriptions:

A Winning Design

From the tiniest shrew to the massive blue whale, mammals regulate their own temperatures and nurture their young on milk.  These assets and the ability to adapt have helped mammals become the most widespread of all the animals on earth.

Insect Hunters

When mammals first appeared, insects were abundant on earth and mammals made meals of them.  Some of their direct descendants - tiny shrews and hedgehogs- still do so in the same fashion.  Others specialize in gathering insects wholesale.

Plants Predator

Plants are abundant on this planet but for mammals, they are largely indigestible. Collecting enough food takes time and means they are dangerously exposed to hunters. To combat this, they group in vast herds and adapt physically to this very green diet

Chisellers

Plants store food in roots and seeds; to steal such reserves, mammals need special tools, chiselled sharp front teeth for opening nuts like agoutis and squirrels. Many rodents like Kangaroo Rats cache seeds in elaborate nests or burrows for safe keeping.

Man Eaters

Speed, endurance and manoeuvrability are necessary survival skills for hunters and the hunted.  Some animals, such as leopards and tigers, are solitary hunters, while wolves and lions work in teams to tackle larger prey.

The Opportunists

If an animal is prepared to eat a variety of things, it can take advantage of gluts of certain foods. So bears fish for salmon in spring and collect berries in autumn.  The resourcefulness of omnivores has made them successful.

Return To The Water

Oceans contain huge quantities of food - and some mammals returned to them. Seals, dolphins and whales became the new hunters of the sea.  But to breathe air, give birth to live young and yet swim to great depths posed problems for each species.

Life In The Tree

A third of the earth is covered by forests. A rich larder can be found in the trees; fruit, leaves, eggs and insects. Tree-dwellers must cling and climb safely; hunt or hide.  A range of adaptations from sucker-feet to gripping tails help them get around.

The Social Climbers

The most brilliantly coloured mammals are the monkeys and apes.  The scarlet face of a uakari and bright blue bottom of a mandrill are aimed at attracting females. Another advantage of colour-vision is the keener ability to find ripe fruits and flowers.