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- They live in coastal areas of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines.
- Diving - Bajau’s spleens are, on an average, 50% larger than those of general population, a natural adaptation that allows them to live longer and deep diver.
- Bajau people dive to 20-30 meters and hold breath for minutes.
- This adaptation has been linked to a variation in the PDE10A gene, showcasing the tribe’s remarkable physiological adjustments to their aquatic lifestyle.
- Diet - They hunt fish and other sea creatures. They hunt using handmade spears and traditional wooden goggles.
- Children learn swimming early.
- Habitat - The tribe reside in crafted wooden boats called lepa-lepa, which acts as their home and a primary mode of transportation.
- Heritage - Fishing is crucial to the Bajau survival and also showcases their cultural heritage.
- Through communal fishing, the Bajau preserve their ancestral traditions while fostering strong social ties within their community.
- Threats - Their lifestyle faces threats from increasing tourism, which disrupts traditional fishing routes. Destructive practices like dynamite fishing harm the ecosystem.
Reference
Times of India | Bajau tribe
