Episode Information

Orchid Island is located off the south east coast of Taiwan. Its jagged volcanic landscape, lush tropical jungles and clear blue waters are home to a unique mix of wildlife. Over a thousand kinds of fish and seasnakes populate Orchid Island’s coral reefs, while Lanyu scops owls, whistling green pigeons and birdwing butterflies thrive in forests that teem with life. The Tao people came here from the Philippines nearly a thousand years ago and their guardianship of both forest and ocean has preserved the island’s wild nature. This film is a unique insight into the island’s landscape, wildlife and people. The Tao people’s culture offers powerful environmental messages at a time of global warming and exploitation of nature.