A snow leopard, one of only 3,500 thought to be left in the wild. Photo: David Willis/BBC

A veteran broadcaster turns his attention to the world’s mountains this weekend in the second programme of a natural-history series.

Sir David Attenborough’s Planet Earth II goes up in the world during Sunday’s episode, to give a high-definition view of the harsh landscape of the planet’s greater ranges.

The programme will screen on BBC One on Sunday. The BBC said: “Only few pioneering animals have what it takes to endure at extreme altitude.

“Mountain animals are also among the most elusive in the world, yet this second episode in the Planet Earth II series provides unique and intimate glimpses into their secretive lives.

Sir David Attenborough. Photo: Ruth Peacey/BBC

“Witness the moment four snow leopards come together when a mother and cub become trapped between two rival males. Join Grizzly bears as they ‘pole-dance’ against trees to rub off their winter fur and soar with golden eagles hunting among Europe’s snow-capped peaks.”

The corporation said Planet Earth II is an immersive exploration of the islands, mountains, jungles, deserts, grasslands and cities of the world.

Planet Earth II will be broadcast at 8pm on Sunday 13 November on BBC One.