species of the week

the Shield mantis is just one of millions of species found in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador – one of the most biodiverse places on earth thanks in part to the fact it never froze over during the last ice age. the rainforested area is home to an incredible array of wildlife ranging from fish and birds to reptiles and amphibians, as well as several uncontacted human tribes

in 2007, the Ecuadorian government launched an initiative to leave oil reserves under the park alone if the international community contributed financially to preserve the forest – a recent feature in The Guardian provides a good in-depth update on the plan. you can find out more about the project – and donate directly – at mptf.undp.org/yasuni