ARCAS GuatemalaBiodiversity and protected areas provide essential goods and services for the survival of the population, such as water, oxygen, raw materials, wildlife habitat, conditions for tourism activities, among others. However, they face various threats, including forest fires, which also affect wildlife.
In response, CONAP, with the support of strategic partners like ARCAS, Antigua Exotic, volunteers, and other personnel, has set up a collection center at the Santa María de Jesús Municipality in Sacatepéquez to assist wildlife affected by the forest fire in the Volcán de Agua Protected Area. Mobile stations have also been set up on the volcano slopes. Additionally, personnel are working in the fire control area and monitoring the slopes to prevent illegal hunters from extracting wildlife. Road checkpoints with CONAP personnel, the Municipal Environmental Management Unit (UGAM) of Alotenango, Municipal Police of Alotenango, DIPRONA, and the National Civil Police have also been installed.
On the first day of the forest fire, the carcass of a bird was rescued. Today, Antigua Exotic rescued a live anteater and a raccoon, both seeking refuge in the Palin and Escuintla areas. They have been transported for evaluation, and CONAP will determine the appropriate place for their release.
Pictures from Antigua Exótic
In addition, a charred corpse was rescued, but its species has not yet been determined. It’s important to highlight that all species of wildlife play a role in natural ecosystems, such as seed dispersers, pollinators, pest controllers, among others.
The presence of wildlife maintains ecological balance. Therefore, we emphasize that forest fires damage the biodiversity of the country, as well as other ecosystems of high value to humanity. Forest fires particularly affect chicks or offspring, as parents can abandon nests or the area, resulting in a loss of species diversity.
Amphibians and reptiles also suffer severely during forest fires because they cannot escape quickly and if they have nowhere to take refuge, they are affected by the fire. It’s crucial to note that forest fires also destroy animals’ habitats, including nests and food sources, affecting all wildlife species.
CONAP calls for the prevention of forest fires, as they cause serious damage to our natural heritage, impact life, and have health consequences for humans. Contacts for wildlife rescue on Volcán de Agua, Metropolitan Regional : 56332271, 56332737, 56313496.
Furthermore, CONAP urges reporting illegal activities that threaten the country’s natural heritage to the corresponding authorities: Public Ministry, 37568368; PNC/DIPRONA, 3032-5596; and DIPRONA, 40231746.
Let’s value our megadiverse Guatemala!