Ep 20. Cuba - Wild Island of the Caribbean

Cuba - Wild Island of the Caribbean is the 20th episode in the first season of the ORF Universum Documentaries series, which is a nature documentary television show that aims to showcase the beauty and complexity of the natural world. This episode focuses on the Caribbean island of Cuba, a place that is famous for its scenery, warmth, and wildlife.

The episode opens with breathtaking shots of the iconic images that Cuba conjures up. The camera pans over crystal clear seas, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical forests teeming with life. The narrator then explains how Cuba is a unique place, not only due to its history and culture but also as a result of its natural features.

We then see the Cuban crocodile, an impressive reptile found only on this island. The episode showcases the animals carefully, showing them in their natural habitats and highlighting their unique features. The Cuban crocodile is, for instance, one of the most aggressive of all crocodiles, with a powerful predatory instinct. The show explains how this has helped prevent it from becoming extinct.

The camera then turns to explore the rich variety of plant life found in Cuba, starting with the Royal Palm, a tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall and is the country's national tree. We see the forests and mountains of Cuba, places that have been declared nature reserves to help protect the island's wealth of biodiversity. This includes Cuba's highest peak, the Pico Turquino.

The show also highlights Cuba's waters and the creatures that live in them, ranging from sharks and giant stingrays to sea turtles and brightly colored fish. The crystal clear waters of Cuba are mesmerizing, and many of the organisms that swim in them are endangered, adding to Cuba's importance as a conservation center.

We meet the iguana of Cuba, another of the island's unique creatures. The iguana is a vegetarian, feeding on the thorny cactus plants that grow in the arid zones of the island. The episode shows the iguanas in their natural habitats, basking in the sun on rocky outcrops or high on a tree.

We also see how the Cuban wildlife and humans have developed a symbiotic relationship as we meet fisherman living in the north of the island. They explain how they use innovative techniques to catch their fish, working with the waves and the tides.

As the episode comes to a close, the show stresses the importance of promoting conservation in Cuba, a country that has faced many challenges over the years. Despite its troubles, Cuba has remained an extraordinary habitat for a range of endangered species of flora and fauna.

Overall, Cuba - Wild Island of the Caribbean is a compelling and insightful episode, offering a comprehensive look at the natural beauty, biodiversity, and uniqueness of Cuba. Like the rest of the series, this episode combines stunning footage with informative narration, giving viewers a deep understanding and appreciation of the wonders of the world around them.