Cornwall research project inspires major new BBC series

The four-part series starts at 7pm on 21 February 2010 on BBC2.

Scientists from the Universities of Exeter and Cambridge have been running the Banded Mongoose Research Project for more than ten years and have revealed some fascinating insights into these creatures’ lives. The research project is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.

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 begins as a new generation of banded mongoose is about to be 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 of the University of Exeter's School of Biosciences (Cornwall Campus) 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”