Fire destroys quarter of Brazil’s national park

Chaoada dos Veadeiros national Park fire — Chapada dos Veadeiros national Park fire

According to Brazil’s Environment Ministry, arson may be the cause of a wildfire that has destroyed more than a quarter of a national park in the central state of Goias during the past two weeks. Over 160,000 acres of the 595,000 acres Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park has burned. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many orchid species as well as wildlife including jaguars, toucans, and armadillos. Fernando Tatagiba the park director, says arson is the cause of nearly all fires in the region during the dry season and the spot where the fire began showed signs of human action.