Ecuador has the highest population density of any other South American country and an estimated 70% live below the poverty line. This tiny country also has some of the most diverse geography around—there are rainforests, the majestic Andes mountains, the coastal lowlands, and the flora and fauna rich Galápagos Islands. Ecologists call it a ‘megadiversity hot spot’ for it’s more than 20,000 plant species. In comparison, all of North America only has 17,000 plant species. There are also 1,500 species of birds and 300 different mammals in Ecuador.
The sad news is Ecuador has one of the highest deforestation rates in Latin America. High up in the Andes, poor villagers have burnt large tracts of forest for farming and ranching. Over 90% of the tropical forests between the Andes and the coast have been cleared for banana plantations and other farms.
Endangered species in the Galápagos Islands include the dark-rumped petrel, black petrel, African ass, two species of turtle (green sea and hawksbill), and the Galápagos giant tortoise and 11 of its subspecies. One subspecies of Galápagos giant tortoise is already extinct, and another may be.
Also sad is the fact that man brought many non-native plants and animals to the Galapagos, which have had adverse effects on the indigenous flora and fauna. Now thousands of pigs, goats, and other animals are being eradicated to save the ones that were there in the first place. Kind of sad how humans messed it up originally and now they have to pick which animal species are most important. Countless pig carcasses are just left to rot (instead of feeding the hungry) as there are no roads to be able to cart them off and the construction of roads would in turn harm the fragile landscape…
Ecuador’s natural attractions could lead to increased tourism, benefiting the economy. However, environmental problems, including further endangerment of native plants and animals, could be exacerbated without careful management of the areas attractive to tourists. Just something to think about…
Just another day at 16,000 feet
Wow. I am so glad you wrote this post and shared this info. My bookstore is closed, and in clearing it out, I am trying to be environmentally conscious and to throw out as little as possible. I now have this vivid visual of species facing extinction, and you standing in Ecuador, seeing firsthand the destruction we as humans have caused to the Earth and its ecosystem. As always, thanks for the awesome updates; I am learning right along with you!
The planning horizon for your average South American democracy has always been a bit on the short sighted side. Runaway inflation has always meant your money is never worth more than it is the moment you get it. The policies continue to foment a live for today and cross the burning bridge of tommorrow when you get there. Larger conuntries like Brazil and Argentina, like the US, can destroy some of their natural resources and still have enough left to save when people wise up. A tiny country like Ecuador doesn't have that luxury and their so worried about survival that long term ecological effects don't enter into their thinking. The alarm has sounded before there, and Mother Earth has done an amazing job of regeneration in many cases. But you are so right dear friend, many things have been altered by human forces that can never go back to the pure state they were in. It seems your world tour is now offering you an opportunity to examine things you hadn't planned on before. I don't know about you or my fellow readers and writers, but I think the meaning of your mission has just been heightened. Ciao.