Arson is destroying one of Brazil’s largest natural reserves

Created in 1961, the National Park Chapada dos Veadeiros protects an area that spans nearly 241,000 hectares in central Brazil. The park is a sanctuary, as it features over 10,000 kinds of plants and 1,500 specifics of animals. Now, however, it is in jeopardy. On October 17, a massive fire began to spread across the reserve. Thus far, it’s destroyed over a quarter of the park – and has yet to be controlled.

According to the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), all evidence points to arson. The flames, says the institute, were deliberately ignited. Fernando Tatagiba, a biologist who serves as the park’s director, goes even further, saying that the fire was started by landowners in the region. “There’s no possibility of spontaneous combustion in that region, and 100 percent of fires during the drought season are caused by humans. The spot where the fire began...