Up to 800,000 hectares of the unique Chiquitano forest were burned to the ground in Bolivia between August 18 and 23. That’s more forest area than is usually destroyed across the country in the space of two years. Experts say that it will take at least two centuries to repair the ecological damage caused by the fires, while at least 500 species are said to be at risk from the flames.
The Chiquitano dry forest in Bolivia was the largest healthy tropical dry forest in the world. It’s now unclear whether it will retain that status. The forest is home to indigenous peoples as well as iconic wildlife such as jaguars, giant armadillos, and tapirs. Some species in the Chiquitano are found nowhere else on Earth. Distressing photographs and videos from the area show many animals have burned to death in the recent fires.
Bolivia just lost half a million ha of the unique Chiquitano forest in 5 days. Media is focusing in Brazil, but we need press attention so that the government acts and asks for inter. help. Please report@BBCWorld @guardIaneco @georgeMonbiot @dpcarrington https://t.co/nPmCpANPtQ
— Alfredo Romero (@Alf_RomeroM) August 21, 2019
The ravaged region also encompasses farmland and towns, with thousands of people being evacuated and many more affected by the smoke. Food and water are being sent to the region, while children are...
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