The tragic beauty of Europe's vanishing forest
One of the world's oldest ecosystems is under siege by a tiny, deadly force
(De Agostini / G. Cappelli Universal Images Group/Newscom)That this ancient forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and its wildlife are so well preserved is a testament to decades of conservation efforts. But, despite such protection, the Bialowieza Forest remains threatened by a deadly force: An infestation of bark beetles that are consuming spruce trees at an alarming rate.The situation has splintered environmentalists. Many are adamant the infestation is a natural part of the forest and must be left alone. Others — including the Polish government — are uncompromising in the belief that humans have a duty to actively stop the infestation by chopping down trees where the bark beetles live. For now, the Polish government has won — the logging campaign began in the spring of 2016. But in 2017, a World Heritage Site committee will evaluate the logging's consequences on the otherwise undisturbed ecosystem and determine a new conservation plan. Until then, take a closer look at what's left of Europe's lush primeval forest and its inhabitants.
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
A Laetiporus Murrill mushroom called "Chicken of the woods" grows on a tree in a protected area of Bialowieza forest.
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
A tree marked for culling. In May, authorities began sanitary logging, chopping down infested trees along routes used by tourists.
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
(REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
