elpais.com
Guatemala
In Guatemala's Sierra de Las Minas Biosphere Reserve, biologist Cristina Abugarade and colleagues are using camera traps to monitor wildlife, revealing a healthy population of pumas and jaguars despite threats from agricultural burning.
- What are the main threats to the Sierra de Las Minas Biosphere Reserve, and how significant is their impact?
- While hunting and logging have decreased due to the 1989 Protected Areas Law, wildfires caused by agricultural burning are now the primary threat. In 2024, nearly 5,000 hectares burned, including over 1,000 within the core zone, highlighting the severe impact of human negligence.
- What are the long-term implications for conservation efforts in the Sierra de Las Minas, considering the current challenges?
- The limited number of park rangers (only three to protect over 240,000 hectares) and continued threat of wildfires driven by agricultural practices pose significant long-term challenges. Increased state presence and stricter regulations regarding agricultural burning are crucial for the reserve's continued protection.
- What is the current state of wildlife in Guatemala's Sierra de Las Minas Biosphere Reserve, and what evidence supports this?
- A recent study based on eight years of camera trap monitoring revealed a thriving population of large felines, including jaguars recorded above 2,000 meters and twelve independent puma sightings. Over twenty mammal species were also documented, confirming the reserve's biodiversity.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the challenges and successes in conserving the Sierra de Las Minas Biosphere Reserve. While highlighting the threats from forest fires and agricultural practices, it also emphasizes the positive impact of conservation efforts and the continued presence of diverse wildlife. The narrative structure is chronological, following the experiences of different individuals involved in the conservation work, which helps to present a well-rounded perspective. The headline (if any) would likely further influence framing, but is not provided here.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. There's a clear effort to present factual information without emotional or biased language. Words like "negligence" and "verdugos" (executioners) could be considered slightly loaded, but they are used within the context of describing specific situations and are not pervasive enough to constitute a significant bias. The use of vivid descriptions like "the rugido del mono aullador" (howler monkey's roar) enhances the narrative without introducing bias.
Bias by Omission
The article might benefit from including more diverse perspectives, such as those from local communities directly impacted by the conservation efforts or those involved in agricultural practices. While the perspectives of biologists, firefighters, and park rangers are presented, a broader representation could strengthen the analysis and offer a more comprehensive view of the challenges and solutions. There is no explicit mention of funding sources for the conservation efforts, which would be useful context.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of terrestrial ecosystems within the Sierra de Las Minas Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala. It highlights successful monitoring efforts leading to positive findings about the presence of large felines and other mammals. The article also discusses threats to the reserve, such as forest fires caused by human negligence, and conservation efforts to combat these threats. These actions directly relate to SDG 15, specifically targets related to protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting and reversing land degradation and halting biodiversity loss.