The mammals are the most diverse group of animals ever to live on Earth, from the smallest – the two-inch pygmy shrew, to the largest – the blue whale; from the slowest – the sloth, to the swiftest – the cheetah; from the least attractive – the naked mole rat, to the most irresistible – a human baby. We are particularly fascinated by this group of animals, perhaps because we are mammals ourselves.

The Life of Mammals is the latest programme in the Life series from David Attenborough. It is the story of 4,000 species that have outlived the dinosaurs and conquered the farthest places on earth. With bodies kept warm by thick coats of fur and their developing young protected and nourished within their bodies, they have managed to colonise every part of the globe, dry or wet, hot or cold.

The Life of Mammals marks David Attenborough’s fiftieth year of broadcasting for the BBC and his unfailing enthusiasm and warmth for his subjects is still plainly obvious and his narration still totally engaging.

Episode Listing:
A Winning Design
Insect Hunters
Plant Predators
Chisellers
Meat Eaters
Opportunists
Return to Water
Life in the Trees
Social Climbers
Food for Thought