The Velvet Claw - Season 1
1 - The Carnassial Connection
Air Date: September 7, 1992
Introductory programme of a seven part series, exploring the evolution of the carnivores as a successful and highly diverse mammalian group.
2 - Sharpening the Tooth
Air Date: September 14, 1992
Explores the many different members of the cat family and their rise over 40 million years to represent a powerful group of predators within the Carnivora.
3 - Strength in Numbers
Air Date: September 21, 1992
Looks at the evolution of the dog family, how as generalists and through group predation they have filled a successful niche within the Carnivora.
4 - The Rich Man's Table
Air Date: September 28, 1992
Follows the evolution of the hyaenas within the Carnivora, reveals how they have successfully exploited scavenging strategies, to supplement hunting.
5 - Jacks of All Trades
Air Date: October 5, 1992
The rise of bears and raccoons in the Carnivora, exhibit the most diverse feeding patterns of the group: predators, scavenging omnivores, specialist herbivores.
6 - Small and Deadly
Air Date: October 12, 1992
The weasel family - fast, ferociously skillful killers. This is the story of how one family of carnivores opted for smallness as a positive advantage.
7 - It's Tough At The Top
Air Date: October 19, 1992
Looks at the development of top carnivores and asks if they are really masters of their world or long term losers? The winners are the small carnivores.