A rare insight into the secret life of the African leopard and a trio of Asian cats carve out an unseen – until now – life in Thailand's forests
The celebration of 40 years of astounding, ground-breaking wildlife filmmaking continues as National Geographic's 11th Big Cat Month enters its third week. This year's fare also celebrates the conservation work of acclaimed local big cat filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert.
This Emmy award-winning couple have made 35 films for National Geographic, and through the Big Cat Initiative have partnered with some of the world's leading big cat experts since they founded The Big Cat Initiative in 2009.
This week, the two shows selected to be a part of Big Cat Month include a rare and intimate film, Eye of the Leopard, by the Jouberts, about a leopard cub, called Legadema, who they watch grow and transform from playful cub to seasoned hunter. Leopards are secretive and in short supply, a film such as this is a gift for those who want to find out more about these elusive creatures who have so often ended up at the wrong end of a farmer's gun and are so seldom seen on a game drive that they have become myth-like.
On the other side of the world in Thailand's forests live a trio of cats – as secretive and rare to spot as the African leopard. Thailand's Wild Cats follows the clouded leopard, the Asian fishing cat and the king of the Asian jungles, the Tiger, as they carve out territory, find mates and thrive in what is left of their habitat.
Big cats are facing big challenges. Many populations face potential extinction due to habitat loss, degradation and conflicts with humans. In response, The National Geographic Society, with its long history of raising awareness of the plight of big cats and supporting impactful conservation efforts across the planet, has partnered with the Big Cats Initiative. This initiative works with some of the world's leading big cat experts, funding on-the-ground research and innovative conservation projects to safeguard big cats and their critical habitats, while leading efforts to shine a light on the challenges these species face.
Set the timer for more wild premieres this weekend:
Thailand's Wild Cats – Saturday, 19 February at 18:00
Hidden in the jungles of Thailand lies an ancient kingdom, a last refuge for Thailand's wild cats. Apex hunters, nearly invisible, they bide their time as they search for prey, pursue mates and protect their young. Within this tangled forest, a world of drama and unbridled power awaits the clouded leopard, the Asian fishing cat and the king of the jungle, the Tiger.
Eye of the Leopard (Revealed) – Sunday, 20 February at 18:00
National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert set out to create a film on leopards but never imagined they would be seduced by a small, eight-day-old cub named Legadema. Eye of the Leopard follows Legadema's journey from a playful cub to a skilled huntress. Narrated by Jeremy Irons.
Watch Big Cat Month on DSTV: Channel 182 or StarSat: 221 on DTH, 210 on DTT (250 on DTT in Uganda).
Learn more about the Big Cats Initiative and how you can help safeguard big cats in the wild by visiting natgeo.org/bigcats.
