University of Exeter research project inspires new BBC
series
A research project funded by the Natural Environment Research
Council has inspired the BBC's latest primetime wildlife
documentary series.
Dr Michael Cant, of the University of Exeter, has helped the BBC
to film Banded Brothers: The Mongoose Mob, a show which follows a
family of banded mongoose at his study site in Uganda. The
four-part series started at on 21 February 2010 on BBC2 in the
UK.
Scientists from the Universities of Exeter and Cambridge have
been running the Banded Mongoose Research Project for more than 10
years and have revealed some fascinating insights into these
creatures' lives.
Dr Michael Cant and his fellow researchers spent six months with
the BBC in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dr Cant acted as
Series Consultant, which meant that he worked with the BBC to help
them achieve the best footage without disturbing the animals. He
also worked with them to ensure the programmes are scientifically
accurate.
The series began as a new generation of banded mongoose were
born. They have a unique and bizarre breeding cycle which results
in all pregnant females giving birth on the same day. The programme
follows the mongoose as they try to protect their new pups from
danger. Regular fights with other mongoose families intent on
taking over their territory are common, giant monitor lizards and
deadly snakes are another ever-present danger and as the dry season
arrives food becomes harder and harder to find. To survive, the
group need to stick together, protect their babies and keep hold of
their prime territory.
Dr Michael Cant said, "Banded mongooses are less well-known than
their 'celebrity' cousins the meerkats, but their social life is
just as sophisticated and in many ways much quirkier.
“Our research over the last decade has revealed a social system
full of surprises. It was a great experience to be involved with
this programme and to have the opportunity to raise awareness of
these amazing little animals.”