CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS

Sunday, January 11, 2009

THE AMAZON RAINFOREST


The Amazon rainforest is the largest remaining tropical rainforest in the world. Known as "Oriente", it covers more than half the area of Ecuador, located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes. In its incredible biodiversity is one of the wildest, most wildlife packed rain forest on the planet with a greater density of plants and animals.

A tree of the Amazon can host more ant species across England, a hectare of forest boasts the largest number of frogs of all species such as North America, and the vast extent of forest contains more than twenty percent of land species of vascular plants. Upper Amazon is the greatest diversity of trees outside world, with over 1500 species and an average of about 300 trees per hectare.

Birdwatchers can observe that about 100 birds per day, the smallest hummingbird to the great king vulture and the largest bird of prey, the harpy eagle famous. The forest is also home to various types of mammals, for example, 12 species of primates are recorded in the Yasuni National Park. Sometimes, a jaguar can be observed along the river as often as other capybaras, tapirs, caimans, river otters and dolphins.

Amazon Tours, Ecuador Amazon Basin, Amazon River Basin, the Amazon flows ToursTrough one-sixth of all freshwater on earth and all the rivers of Ecuador river tributary of the vast Amazon River.

Both rivers are classified into different types, mud brown "whitewater" rivers like the Napo river and "black water" river system and the number of Lagartococha or Cuyabeno area.

In a series of marked trails guides explain to visitors the different types of forests. The terra firme (upland) contains the greatest diversity of forest plants, including the river is the "Várzea" (seasonally flooded forest), swamps are home to a large part of Mauritius and palm "igapó" forest (the time black water floodplain forests) again undergoes a variety of different trees.

The rainforest is home to nearly 200 distinct nations. In Ecuador, there are culturally different groups Kichwa, Siona, Secoya, Cofán, Shuar, Achuar, Huaorani and Zaparo wild.

Yasuni National Park, Ecuador national parks, Amazon BasinThey are former guards and custodians of this biological heritage. They live in the forest and learn all the useful medicinal plants and their home.

Unfortunate the Amazon basin is also rich in industrial products which are exploited on a large scale, such as latex, wood, oil, gold and other minerals. The settlers are also a major threat to forests and hunting pressure on wildlife that set back deeper into the forest.

Some national parks are trying to protect the last tracts of primary tropical forest undisturbed. Founded in 1979, the Yasuni National Park is the largest park in mainland Ecuador (982,000 hectares) and UNESCO has declared an International Biosphere Reserve in the same year.

Northern Yasuní National Park, there are animals Cuyabeno Reserve, has done well in 1979 and covers an area of 655.78 hectares. It has become an important reserve for its 14 spectacular lagoons created by the rainforest of floodplain and many rivers traversing the area.

Most flats are located in or near the Park and Reserve and their enormous biodiversity unmatched.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Photography and the Jungle


The jungle can be a mysterious and frightening place. It is a place where wild animals roam without inhibition, where humidity is at an all time high, and where Mother Nature reigns supreme. More importantly, the jungle is a place we humans are at the mercy of a domain where we have absolutely no control over.

However, as daunting as the jungle may seem, it is a place where you can encounter strange animals and plants. It also the home of various hunter-gatherer tribes who still depend on the forest for sustenance. As such, the dark and foreboding jungle presents a wonderful photographic experience for those who are willing to venture into the sea of trees and foliage.

As a photographer, going into the jungle presents a challenge not only to your physical and mental state, but also on the aspects of your photography. In this article, I will highlight several things that you should keep in mind when shooting in the jungle.

Be well-prepared

In the jungle, you obviously don't have the convenience of stopping at a supermarket or a mall to get supplies. Therefore, be sure to be fully equipped before venturing out. Make sure you have everything you need: rations, first aid kit, compass or GPS system, spare batteries, memory cards, portable storage devices etc. Consult a well-experienced outdoorsman for a complete list and advice.

Plan meticulously

Be sure you know where you are headed when going on your jungle adventure. Know when and where you want to take your photographs and get an experienced guide who knows the area well. It helps to hire a person who has good knowledge of the terrain and the animals that are present within the vicinity. Also, devise a contingency plan in case something should go wrong.

Keep your carry-on weight in check

We as photographers tend to carry everything in our equipment arsenal except for the kitchen sink. However, while initially you are able to carry a heavy load, that weight will take its toll as the trek progresses. The last thing you want to do is to straggle behind others (if you are travelling in a group) and become the sole reason of slowing the others down. It is very important to always be in control of your own situation, because when it comes to entering the jungle, you are dealing with your own survival.

To keep your carry-on weight to a minimum, here you have to make several compromises in terms of your photography gear. Whatever your choice of lens and accessories are, you have to bear in mind that first and foremost, safety comes first. You have to be mobile enough to react when you are facing untoward situations.

Respect Mother Nature

Many people seem to think that if they physically fit, they are able to tackle the jungle easily. You have to remember that the forest is a totally strange environment for city dwellers. We are so used to modern conveniences that we are not frequently exposed to the raw element of danger in the jungle. Yes, the danger is very real, be it an encounter with a poisonous snake or a slip off a treacherous ridge. When an accident happens, you have to deal with the possibility that there is no cellphone signal to call for help. The best advice is to be humble and alert when entering the jungle. Respect every slope, every river and every hill you encounter.

Avoid provocation

When shooting photographs in the jungle, take extra precautions not to provoke the animals within the area. Animals can be very protective of their territory, and any signs of danger will make them become agitated and defensive. As such, be prepared for low-light conditions by avoiding flashes and using a fast lens instead. Also, turn off the sound of your camera.

If you are visiting a tribe, do not barge immediately in their settlement with your camera. This might upset some people, especially the children, as there is a possibility they don't encounter outsiders very often. Observe their customs and respect them. Researching about the tribe beforehand can help you to understand their culture. Getting a local guide who is able to act as translator helps a lot. But most importantly, nothing breaks the ice better than a huge friendly smile. When the tribe is comfortable with your presence, then you may introduce your camera and start photographing them gradually.

Protect your gear

The jungle is a very humid environment which can cause damage to your equipment. To protect your gear from moisture, be sure to bring along these items: waterproof sacks, a nylon poncho and anti-humidity packets. Waterproof sacks are simply tightly-knit nylon pouches, that when properly sealed, will prevent its contents from getting wet when submerged in water. Every reputable outdoor shop should have these in stock. When it is raining, a nylon poncho is a better alternative than an umbrella. Wear this over yourself and your bags to guard from splashes. Anti-humidity packets are designed to absorb moisture. Place these in your equipment bag and waterproof sacks to protect your gear from humidity.

Faye Osman is a freelance writer and photographer based in Sarawak, Malaysia. She writes about her thoughts and travels as she journeys around Borneo to immerse herself in local culture.



Thursday, January 1, 2009

Discover the Wonderful Wilderness of Bandhavgarh Jungle


At that time, where the city has transformed the concrete jungle and stay in the lap of the nature of flora and fauna is the best option to rejuvenate itself. Our country is blessed with vast forests, wild, virgin green land provides homes for various species of animals that reserved government as sanctuaries and national parks.

The central part of our country, ie the state of Madhyapradesh is covered in lush canopy of the forest is full of rare species. Bandhavgarh National Park which is located at distance of 164 km north-east away from Jabalpur, Madhyapradesh. This is for the Vindhyan mountain ranges.

The wild ride of grass is home to 22 species of mammals that includes Tigers, rhesus macaques, Porcupine, langur, Golden jackal, Indian gazelle, Bengal Wolf, Fox, ratel, sloth Bear, ruddy mongoose , Small Indian civet, Common Palm civet, leopard, Wild boar, Indian Muntjac, Sambar Nilges, Gaur, Indian pangolin, Northern Palm squirrel, hare, Chitale, Four-horned Antelope, Black-male and 250 types of birds. The site of nightmarish animals to ensure
feel the excitement of the jungle. The only theory which is applicable to the forest of Darwin is survival of the fittest theory.

The beginning of this region has a maximum limit of the Tigers, but now its strength is reduced to only 42 to 56. With that in years 1968, it declared an Indian government national park to increase the number of Tigers and also the impact of endangered white Tigers of Rewa.

An elephant safari is the best safari tourists in place of the tiger stalk hares, deer and other herbivores. In addition to elephant safaris, tourism also takes four wheels to get it into park. Binoculars are a must in safari because it is looking to stray from a safe distance.

This is what is really known as Bandhavgarh fort which is hidden in the heart of Bandhavgarh National Park. The opinions of the entire region of the park above the high of 800 m in height, is a fabulous experience. Another spectacular place near the national park is Kalchuri Archelogical parks which house rare artifacts of the period.

With a small shop outside the park where you can buy souvenirs, t-shirts printed with tiger in them, books and maps as a souvenir of the trip.