Paraguay images: Unique ecosystems and wildlife8 July 2011
Our recent fact-finding trip to Paraguay revealed the fragile beauty of its natural environment.
Agriculture has shrunk the Atlantic Forest to less than a tenth of its original size. The forest stretches from Brazil across eastern Paraguay to Argentina. It's home to around 8,000 unique plant species and more than 20 critically endangered species including the white-collared kite, and black-faced lion tamarin.
Here's some of what we found still standing.
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Paraguay images: Unique ecosystems and wildlife
© Friends of the Earth
A bright Heliconia rostrata, or Lobster claw, adds a splash of colour to a rare patch of Atlantic Forest in southern Paraguay. The downward-facing flowers of this native South American plant are a source of nectar for many birds.
© Friends of the Earth
A hummingbird takes a break.
© Friends of the Earth
Flowers at sunset.
© Friends of the Earth
Dawn mist over soy fields and remnants of the Atlantic forest in Alto Parana department.
© Friends of the Earth
Signs of recent deforestation are hard to miss in the eastern department of Canindeyu.
© Friends of the Earth
A burnt tree trunk is a lonely reminder of the forest destroyed to clear land for cattle ranching.
