Using state-of-the-art camera techniques, these three films (Ruling Reptiles, Smart Reptiles and Future Reptiles)explore what it's like to live in the world of reptiles and reveal that far from being creatures of the past, these cousins of the dinosaurs are assured a definite place in the future.

Today's reptiles are as deadly as dinosaurs, as beautiful as birds, and as caring as mammals. Their image as ancient, unchanging creatures couldn't be further from the truth – they are in fact some of the most adaptable and successful animals on earth. Dragons Alive brings reptiles out of the shadow of dinosaurs – and into the limelight.

Evolved from ancestors that watched grazing herds of dinosaurs, today's reptiles are the ultimate success story. To hunt, they use chemical warfare, strength and stealth. To attract mates they put on shows of astonishing colour, movement and display. They have the skills of a superhero as they fly, hang upside down, spit poison, use x-ray vision and walk on water.

From the bite of the Komodo dragon, to the calculated intelligence of the crocodile, today's reptiles still have the power to shock and surprise us.