Sir David Attenborough to Present Landmark BBC Series Asia

Image: BBC Press / Sam Barker)

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced an exciting new natural history series titled Asia, which will be presented by the legendary Sir David Attenborough. Spanning seven episodes, this ambitious project will explore the wildlife and landscapes of the largest continent on Earth, bringing to the screen dramatic moments and behaviours that have never been filmed before. Scheduled to air on BBC One and iPlayer, the series promises to take viewers on an unforgettable journey across the continent, showcasing its remarkable biodiversity and some of its most iconic and unexpected inhabitants.

Filmed over the course of nearly four years, this is the first time Asia has been the primary focus of a major BBC wildlife series. The production team has covered the vast and varied terrain of the continent, from the scorching Gobi Desert to the lush jungles of Borneo, and from the frozen expanses of Siberia to the vibrant coral seas of the Indian Ocean. Every corner of Asia has been scouted to reveal its hidden treasures, providing a comprehensive look at a region where nature and wildlife flourish in the most spectacular ways.

Each of the seven hour-long episodes will focus on thrilling wildlife encounters that range from the bizarre to the awe-inspiring. Audiences will witness, for example, a group of rhinos in Nepal engaging in a peculiar courtship ritual, while in the Himalayan foothills, the elusive red panda – one of Asia's most endearing mammals – will make an appearance. Further north, on the Tibetan Plateau, a lone wolf will be shown in a relentless pursuit of antelope, showcasing the raw determination and endurance of predators in the wild. In a lighter but equally intriguing moment, elephants in Sri Lanka will be observed as they playfully disrupt traffic, having learnt to "hold up" buses for food. Additionally, the underwater world of the Western Pacific will offer a glimpse of sea snakes and fish collaborating in massive shoals to hunt.

The series is not limited to wildlife spectacles; it also captures the breathtaking beauty of Asia's landscapes. Locations such as Lake Baikal, the world's oldest and deepest lake, the vast expanse of the Siberian taiga forest, and the forbidding Lut Desert in Iran will be featured prominently. Other notable sites include the Empty Quarter in the Arabian Peninsula, one of the largest continuous sand deserts, as well as bustling urban environments like Tokyo, Bangkok, and Singapore, which illustrate the contrast between Asia's thriving cities and its wild, untouched areas.

Asia's natural world is as diverse as it is full of extremes. The continent hosts a remarkable range of species, including six different types of bear, five species of big cats, and three kinds of rhinos – more than any other continent. But it's also home to some of the most unusual creatures on the planet, such as the sea bunny, a small, mysterious marine animal, and the fluorescent deep-sea firefly squid. The series will also reveal the eccentric mudskipper, known for its ability to live both on land and underwater, and the elusive purple frog, a species so rare that it was only discovered in recent years.

Cutting-edge filming technology will be used to capture intimate moments of wildlife behaviour in stunning detail, ensuring that the visuals are as immersive and captivating as possible. Audiences will be able to appreciate the smallest gestures and grandest vistas, gaining a newfound appreciation for the rich biodiversity of Asia and the intricate balance that sustains life there.

The series will also confront the challenges faced by wildlife in a continent where human populations are vast and growing. Conservation stories will play an important role in Asia, highlighting the efforts being made across the continent to preserve these extraordinary habitats. The dedication of local conservationists and the innovative methods being used to protect species and ecosystems will be an inspiring aspect of the series, shedding light on the urgent need to safeguard Asia's natural world.

The Head of Commissioning for Natural History at the BBC, Sreya Biswas, expressed her excitement about the project, calling it "a feast for the eyes" and noting the significance of having Sir David Attenborough present the series. Attenborough's unparalleled knowledge and passion for the natural world will undoubtedly elevate the production, adding depth and insight to the stunning visuals.

Produced by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit and co-produced with BBC America, France Télévisions, and ZDF, Asia is set to be a landmark series for BBC One. The team behind the project, including Executive Producer Roger Webb and Series Producer Matthew Wright, has worked tirelessly to ensure that this epic exploration of Asia's wildlife will be both educational and deeply moving. With its blend of captivating wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and urgent conservation messages, Asia promises to be a groundbreaking series that will leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.