Japanese broadcaster NHK and New Zealand’s NHNZ have greenlit a sequel to 2011′s successful blue chip series Life Force.

Life Force II will also have Science Channel, Discovery Networks International and ARTE on board as coproducers, with Off the Fence distributing the series.

The first series, profiled by realscreen in October of 2010, had NHK, NHNZ, France Télévisions, Science Channel and Animal Planet as copro partners.

According to NHK, the series will once again delve into the mysteries of evolution, and examine how animals in six different environments developed in unique and fascinating fashions.

“We at NHK are thrilled to work with our longtime friends at NHNZ once more,” said Shin Murata, NHK’s executive producer of natural history programs. “This will be the fourth time the two organizations do a true coproduction in the sense that we both play a hands-on role in making the programs. And the participation of our other partners from all continents will enable us to use even newer camera technologies to reveal more of the mysteries of life and evolution on a global scale.”

“It is wonderful to be able to carry on with the momentum gained through the first Life Force series, and have the opportunity to work with the many talented people involved in this coproduction,” said NHNZ managing director Michael Steadman.