ORF-E
English
1 x 52 min

North of Australia lies a little-known natural treasure: Timor-Leste. This remote island combines untouched wilderness, isolated mountain regions, and one of the richest coastal ecosystems in the world. In its mangroves and freshwater lagoons, powerful saltwater crocodiles lurk – revered as ancestral spirits by the local population, yet still a real threat. Wildlife photographer Potenzo Lopez and crocodile researcher Brandon Sideleau are working on a conservation concept that bridges tradition and science. The sea is the lifeline of the country. Dolphins, sperm whales, and even blue whales pass just offshore. Beneath the surface lies a hidden gem: the coral reefs of Timor-Leste, where more than a thousand fish species have been recorded. Te Aquila, the country’s first female diving instructor, is passionately committed to protecting this fragile underwater world.
On uninhabited Jaco Island, wild deer roam freely, while along the coast a peculiar resident thrives: the mudskipper – a fish that moves with ease on land. The mangrove forests provide vital habitat and protection for countless species. In the treetops, Javan macaques swing from branch to branch.

Another remarkable inhabitant is the Timor flying dragon, a gliding lizard often seen high in the palm canopies. Males display vivid throat fans to attract females and engage in aerial duels – only the most impressive wins the right to mate.

Even the caves pulse with life. In Mundo Perdido – once a place of refuge during the Indonesian occupation – large colonies of bats now dwell. In other caves, prehistoric rock paintings share space with nesting swallows and wild honeybees, creating a moving intersection of natural life and ancient culture.

Timor-Leste is a haven for endangered species – and a nation in transition. Over half of its population is under 18. A new generation is growing up with a deep sense of identity and responsibility, committed to preserving the natural riches of their homeland. Faustino, a coastal farmer lives in harmony with nature. While dragon fruit ripens in his fields, young whale researchers and scientists observe migrating blue whales from his land. Timor-Leste lies along one of the most important migration corridors for large whales – a key region for their protection in a rapidly changing world.