The Mating Game

Original version

Simulcast of BBC One Scotland in high definition. From 14/01/2013

BBC One Scotland HD

Documentaries

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

David Attenborough reveals spectacular scenes of courting and companionship.

Finding a mate isn't just about love - the survival of an entire species could depend on it. Sir David Attenborough reveals spectacular scenes of courting and companionship.

Series 1

BBC Two

The BBC East region started on 1st May 1959 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One East.

BBC One East

Formerly part of a wider BBC One South East region that included London and part of the South region. Separated from BBC One London 2001-09-03 following reorganisation of the South East region.

BBC One South East

BBC One Yorkshire

BBC One West Midlands

BBC One London

London

Simulcast of network BBC One in high definition. From 03/11/2010

BBC One HD

BBC One Channel Islands

BBC One Cambridgeshire

The BBC South region started on 5th January 1961 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One South.

BBC One South

The BBC South West region started on 20th April 1961 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One South West.

BBC One South West

The BBC West region started on 1st September 1957 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One West.

BBC One West

BBC One Yorks & Lincs

BBC One region covering Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

BBC One East Midlands

BBC One Oxfordshire

The BBC North East & Cumbria region started in 1959 (tbc) as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One North East & Cumbria.

BBC One North East & Cumbria

BBC One North West

Simulcast of BBC One Northern Ireland in high definition. From 24/10/2012

BBC One Northern Ireland HD

BBC One Wales

Wales

Simulcast of BBC One Wales in high definition. From 29/01/2013

BBC One Wales HD

BBC Northern Ireland region started on 19th April 1955 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One Northern Ireland.

BBC One Northern Ireland

BBC One Scotland

Scotland

BBC Two England

England

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

Simulcast of BBC Two Northern Ireland in high definition

BBC Two Northern Ireland HD

Simulcast of BBC Two Wales in high definition

BBC Two Wales HD

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

BBC Two Northern Ireland

BBC One West HD

Formerly part of a wider BBC One South East region. Separated as BBC One London 2001-09-03 following reorganisation of the South East region.

BBC One London HD

BBC One South East HD

BBC One South HD

BBC One Oxfordshire HD

BBC One South West HD

BBC One Nightlight

BBC One Yorks & Lincs HD

BBC One Yorkshire HD

BBC One North East & Cumbria HD

BBC One East Midlands HD

BBC One Cambridgeshire HD

BBC One Channel Islands HD

BBC One North West HD

BBC One West Midlands HD

BBC One East HD

David Attenborough

Joe Loncraine

Adam Coates

Tara Knowles

Jeff Wilson

Keith Scholey

Silverback Films Ltd

The Mating Game: Series 1: Jungles: In the Thick of It

Jungles: In the Thick of It

BBC One - The Mating Game, Series 1, Jungles: In the Thick of It

To win the mating game in teeming jungles, you need to be able to stand out from the crowd

Jungles are home to 80 per cent of all species, but they cover just two per cent of the planet. When animals in these crowded forests want to mate, how do they stand out?

Jungles and rainforests are home to 80 per cent of all species on earth, but they cover just two per cent of our planet’s surface. To win the mating game here, you need to be able to stand out from the crowd. For some it’s all about putting on a show, whereas others must fight for their chance of victory. And for a few creatures, working together is the key.

Chimpanzees are notorious for their brutality and violence, and for most this is the simplest way to secure a mate. Dominant males can fight off rivals and impress the ladies. But for one younger male, forging long-lasting relationships through care and attention has proved to be an incredibly fruitful method of currying favour with the female chimps.

The abundance of food in the jungle means that many species can focus much of their attention on breeding. In Papua New Guinea, a MacGregor’s bowerbird has spent his life collecting sounds and building a castle, all in the hope of attracting a partner. And for the first time ever in the wild, the courtship display of the great argus pheasant is laid bare for all to see.

Whilst some animals might prefer a more subtle approach to mating, one jungle creature has his desire to breed written all over his face. A mandrill, the largest and heaviest monkey in the world, wears his blue and red face like a badge of honour. Only the strongest males can wear such bright colours, so he’s hoping that his face alone will be enough to warn off any rivals to his throne.

When it comes to winning the mating game, a potential player can’t afford to lose his head. Unless, that is, his intended partner is a cannibalistic mantis. Sometimes, giving everything is the only way to win. Whatever the strategy, when it comes to mating in the jungle, there are few taboos.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Mating Game

Series 1

Jungles: In the Thick of It

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC One Scotland HD

About BBC One