Wallace Line mystery: Why even birds won’t cross this 15-mile line dividing Asia and Australia

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Hidden Divide

Only 15 miles wide, this invisible barrier splits Asia and Australia, creating two completely separate ecosystems.

Species Split

On one side, tigers and elephants roam. On the other, kangaroos and cockatoos thrive—despite their close proximity.

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Deepwater Barrier

Unlike other regions that connected during ice ages, the Makassar Strait never dried up, keeping species isolated for millions of years.

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Wallace’s Discovery

In 1859, Alfred Russel Wallace noticed a sudden change in wildlife, laying the foundation for biogeography and natural selection.

Flying Puzzle

Even birds don’t cross—hornbills and pheasants stay in Asia, while cockatoos and parrots remain in Australia, adapting to their environments.

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Redrawing Lines

New research suggests the Wallace Line may be misplaced, as genetic studies reveal deeper evolutionary connections across the region.

Human Impact

Even ancient human migration followed the Wallace Line, shaping distinct languages, genetics, and cultures on either side.

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Climate Threat

Rising temperatures and habitat destruction may be blurring the Wallace Line, allowing species to cross for the first time.

Nature’s Barrier

More than just an ocean trench, the Wallace Line is an evolutionary force, proving geography can shape life itself.