Buildings, roads, and industrial areas are increasingly shaping not only our cities but also rural areas in Central Europe. For many wild animals, this is the everyday reality that forces them to adapt. At the same time, new habitats are being created as part of conservation efforts. The ORF Universum documentary explores this tension. It shows a wilderness that no longer exists in its original form but consists of fragmented spaces where rare species find refuge.

A prime example is the bearded vulture, a species that was extinct in the Alps for over a century but has been successfully reintroduced. Through its eyes, we see a dramatically changed world and encounter other species adapting to these changes.

Unlike many documentaries about wildlife in the city, this film focuses on rural environments. It showcases transformed landscapes and highlights how conservation efforts can be successful in the modern world. Ecological corridors connect habitats and allow species to move freely, while abandoned industrial areas have become thriving ecosystems. Buffer zones along railway lines, highways, and solar parks serve as alternative habitats for many species. And unexpected sanctuaries, like a small wasteland near a shopping center, prove that even minimal untouched land can support wildlife.

Filmed over 90 days in Austria, Germany, Italy, and Romania, "Wildlife 2.0 – Adapting to a new World" tells the story of adaptation, survival, and the delicate balance between human progress and nature.

Best European Film Nature Conservation