Produced by: Manoj Kumar
The Bajau, known as "sea nomads," spend up to eight hours a day diving to impressive depths, relying on unique adaptations to thrive underwater.
Their enlarged spleens, driven by a rare gene mutation, release oxygen-rich red blood cells during dives, enabling prolonged underwater endurance.
The Bajau can dive as deep as 70 meters without equipment, holding their breath for up to 13 minutes, a feat few can replicate.
Similar to marine animals like seals, the Bajau’s adaptation includes spleen enlargement for oxygen storage, showcasing a striking parallel in evolution.
Research by Melissa Ilardo at Cambridge links the Bajau’s abilities to elevated thyroid hormones that stimulate spleen growth and enhance their diving performance.
Commercial fishing, resource depletion, and lack of citizenship jeopardize the Bajau’s traditional way of life and unique diving abilities.
Modern pressures threaten the preservation of ancestral knowledge and the exceptional biological traits developed over generations.
The Bajau exemplify extraordinary human adaptation, offering insight into how humans can evolve to survive in extreme environments.
Protecting the Bajau’s way of life is critical to preserving their remarkable genetic legacy and cultural heritage for future generations.