Photo Credit: Humberto Ramirez
The crisis in Venezuela is forcing scientists to emigrate. Those who stay, work under dangerous conditions where they are targets of assaults and kidnappings. As the general population faces increasing poverty and hunger, the tolls on wildlife are hard.
Even the meat of the huge whale shark now reaches the table, although its taste is not very pleasant and according to studies would be dangerous, because it accumulates high levels of metals. But mainly it is hunted for its fin, appreciated as a trophy and for traditional Chinese medicine. Mining is rampant without studies of environmental impact or regard for environmental legislation. The impact of sedimentation and contamination of water bodies is unknown, because taking samples involves risks in personal safety, as these are areas where violent groups make the law. The original article is in Spanish. Opening in Google Chrome enables easy translation to other languages.