Letter from Indonesia

Article Abstract:

El Nino is blamed for severe drought resulting in catastrophic fires all over Indonesia. Rain forest trees 150 feet tall and, in some cases, a century old are falling to the ground. The drought may be the worst in recorded history, but dry forests will not burn unless set afire by accident or with intent. Fire is a cheap way to clear land, and clearing is helpful to logging companies and plantation owners who want to plant rubber, oil-palms, rice and timber. Loggers on occasion burn forests to destroy evidence of illegal actions.

Indonesia, Forest fires

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Letter from Peru

Article Abstract:

Storms and floods on the normally dry coast are being attributed to El Nino in Peru. At one of the few refuges for marine life remaining in Peru, Punta San Juan, there would normally be large numbers of South American fur seals, sea lions, great colonial populations of Guanay cormorants, boobies, brown pelicans and Humboldt penguins. Breeding, especially among sea lions, has been affected. Wildlife populations thought to have been safe may be at much greater risk than realized.

Peru, Sea birds, Marine fauna, Marine animals, Seabirds

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To catch a frog

Article Abstract:

Frogs, toads, and salamanders are increasingly disappearing from such regions as the United States, Central America, and Australia. Scientists are uncertain as to why it is occurring now, but many factors such as El Nino and acid rain may contribute to this catastrophe. The permeable skin of frogs and their place in the food web make them good indicators of environmental change.

United States, Australia, Central America, Natural history, Salamanders, Frogs, Acid rain, Acid deposition, Toads

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