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It will launch exclusively on the Sky satellite platform in the UK and Republic of Ireland on 1 April.

The launch is the sixth channel to be launched by National Geographic in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It will be positioned alongside its other channels National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.

National Geographic said the HD launch has been driven by an increase in ratings for Nat Geo Wild's standard definition channel, with shows such as The Dog Whisperer helping increase its share of viewing in November by 160% year on year, according to BARB figures.

Launch programmes on Nat Geo Wild HD will include Blue Whale Odyssey, Darwin's Lost Voyage and the second series of Strange Days on Planet Earth, narrated by Hollywood actor Ed Norton.

Nat Geo Wild HD programming will also be available at launch on Sky Anytime, Sky's video-on-demand service.