SCRIPT

Page 1

[To Camera: Attenborough walking down Union Street] 

Mudsharks are best seen in the early evening just before feeding time as this is when they flock together.  A 'binge' of Mudsharks is a sight to see,  as prior to 'binging' they preen themselves for anything from 5 minutes to 3 hrs.  Early morning encounters are rare but some strange behavioural displays can be observed depending on the quality of the evening feed.  If we are quiet and look very closely we may catch a glimpse of a group before their binge.  

 [WA: Mudshark Group crossing street]

Here is a sight that many people see but do not take any notice of:  a groupof Mudsharks,  minutes from their Binge....

[Close Up: Attenborough]

I'm listening for the Mudshark Call.  It sounds, like 'Aaaallll haaaaale theeeeeeeee muuuudshaaaaarks', followed by 'Chiiiiiiip Rollll'.  Scientists believe, that this is used by the Mudsharks to find each other. And there it is.....

[Close up: Mudshark]

A mudshark has made the call and is answered by the rest of the group.  This is exciting, I had assumed that this group near me were the only Mudsharks present, but I definitely heard a cry from further up the street.  Look, just over there, is a single Mudshark.  Lets observe the group at their binge.  

[Interior Shot]

[Mudsharks sitting at a table, talking, eating and drinking]

Here we see them at their most attractive.  

[ Pan Camera over group]

This is the one of the few times that Mudsharks can be seen together.  They generally are a secretive and shy breed. 

Page 27

[Exterior Short: Attenborough sitting in a country garden, mudsharks wandering around, glasses in hand, sausage in hand]
[Props BBQ & Food]

Now that these Mudsharks have accepted me into their group, I'll talk about their  habits. 

Mudsharks are native to two areas of the British Isles.  The area between the rivers of the Don and the Dee, in the N.E. of Scotland has the highest number of Mudsharks, although there is a smaller enclave in England.   There are a number of 'mated' pairs in the N.E. but generally the breed tends to live a solitary existence.  There are few breeding pairs but left in the British Isles but offspring when they arrive, are twins or singles.   

[Mudshark Femaile Hands Glass to Attenborough]

There are a number of unconfirmed sightings of Mudsharks in other parts of the world: there Mudsharks in Australia, Brazil and possibly a pair in Israel.  

Mudsharks follow two migrating patterns: 

• Seasonal
• Semi-Permanent

Seasonal migration is only undertaken by some Mudsharks.  This instinct is not a dominant but occasionally a Mudshark will just get the urge to pack a bag and head off to whatever destination comes to mind.  Seasonal migration destinations have in the past taken them to many of the more popular areas of the world.  It might be fair to say "if there's a restaurant nearby, then nearby there is a Mudshark". 

Semi-Permanent migrations have seen Mudsharks moving to southern regions from anything from one to twenty years, but always the migrating Mudshark returns to the area of birth. 

[Excited Mudsharks welcome newcomer]

Perhaps there is a homing instinct to a Mudshark, but how they manage this, scientists have yet to discover.  This then is the secret life of a Mudshark.

[Attenborough stands up and heads for the BBQ]

[Roll credits]