National Geographic is launching a new channel dedicated to the best in wildlife programming, which will replace their existing service Adventure One.

The upcoming channel will be known as National Geographic Wild and it will broadcast for 18 hours a day when it launches on 1st March 2007.

Content for the new channel comes from co-productions and international acquisitions. Confirmed programmes at launch include new episodes of National Geographic's 'Hunter Hunted' and new series of 'Rogue Raiders' and 'Infested'.

National Geographic said the launch would complement its core channel, which will expand its contemporary science, history and technology strands.

The launch follows National Geographic's deal with Orange last month to offer its programmes on mobiles for a monthly subscription fee.