Editor's Den

Hank Tyler

Editor

PT Explorers is expanding our coverage of global environments, ecosystems and habitats. Earth supports a wide variety of spectacular. We are pleased to have a number of articles about South America in this volume.

Amrita Das’s detailed two part story on protected area in India illustrates how this densely populated country has managed to set aside vital ecological habitat for its wildlife, and especially endangered species.

Indian artist Mahesh Jangam is one of India’s leading wildlife artists. Mahesh focuses on tiger because of its magnificent features, and its need for protection. I had the pleasure of becoming friends with Mahesh in 2015 when we both participated in “Art for Nature-Nepal” in 2015 in Chitwan National Park.

Priscailla Esclarski, a Brazilian ornithologist and PhD student, describes the importance of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest that is the home and habitat for many rare and endangered species. This important ecosystem has been reduced to scattered fragments of forest habitat along much of Brazil’s coastline.

Argentinian wildlife artist Heidi Lots tells her story of the Andean Condor and trekking in the Andes to see these magnificent vultures. This fabulous vulture of the Andes is constantly under threat from habitat loss and human predation. I was thrilled to see Andean Condors during several visits to Ecuador.

Estela Canaveira’s article on Machu Picchu in Peru discuss the importance of protecting cultural features. Ecotourism is often a major threat to many of the world’s cultural features.

Magnificant photography is a vital tool in documenting and promoting the conservation of special habitats and endangered species. Many wildlife photographers who participate in ecotourism activities at some of the earth’s rarest and most special habitats financially support existing national parks, sanctuaries, wildlife reserves, and cultural features.

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