An OGD colleague wrote : "article on Machu Picchu... Any chance you could
resend to Orchid Digest in English"
Too costly to translate...
So I used the following
http://www.google.ca/language_tools?hl=en
"translate a web page" :
the URL being ``
http://www.diarioelsoldecusco.com/?idn=1850
translation obtained (for what it is worth...) :
"Despite fire in Machu Picchu is controlled
The paradise of the Incas: it destroys
In 1983, UNESCO declared the citadel of Machu Picchu as a World Cultural
and Natural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing not only the value of the
Incas erected beautiful buildings in the valley of Urubamba, but the
importance of its ecosystem and its varied wildlife and flora, with unique
species and other endangered.
This unique world of wildlife that surrounds the spectacular buildings of
the sons of the Sun, have been seriously affected by the accident that
destroyed about 3 thousand hectares of natural pastures.
The theme of flora and fauna is at stake again because it has once again
unmasked the ineptitude of the authorities to address this serious problem.
The balance of the emergency would have fatal consequences.
It should be noted that UNESCO declared sanctuary referred to as the
Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity, to protect its complex
environment that brings together 10 areas of life and more of an endemic
species.
Land of orchids
Some say that Machu Picchu is the "paradise of botanists" with its lush and
varied flora, courtesy of the rugged geography and the various ecological
zones ranging from 1727 meters at the Urubamba River and the 6271 meters at
the summit snowy Salcantay.
They are delicious views of the roads with old trees alder (Alnus
jorullensis), pisonay (Erythrina falcata) and queñuales (Polylepis
racemosa), which gave shelter to many plants epiphytes, as well as
begonias, bromeliads and ferns.
But in this land of green uniformed, orchids, with its incomparable
beauty-colored spots that appear to be breaking the monotony of color and
thick forest tangled.
There are about 30 genera and 200 species that thrive in rotation during
the year, both in open areas and in the midst of the thicket of their forests.
What is regrettable that the danger of extinction threatens some species,
such as the beautiful waqanqi (Masdevallia veitchiana), which in Quechua
means "cry", a beautiful orchid of flesh color and one of the most
identified with Machu Picchu.
Another is the WIÑAY Wayne (Epidendrum secundum) or "always young" to bloom
over a long period.
In the sanctuary there are other beautiful flowers, such as "flowers of
iris" which is situated on the slopes of paths, one must not confuse it
with the nettle that is yellow, but whose beauty is deceptive, because by
touching it expels formic acid, producing an annoying itching.
Birds, bears and reptiles
The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary is home to important species of
fauna, such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos omatus), the curious Pudu
(Pudu Mephistopheles), a small deer, 30 centimeters high, both in danger of
extinction, and the restless cat ( Felis colocolo).
There have been 375 species, including the cock of the rock or tunki
(Rupicola peruviana), the national bird, the majestic condors (Vultur
gryphus) the carrion-largest in the world, or the colorful Cucarachero Inca
(Tryothorus eisenmannii) that only inhabits the area.
There are more animals than in Machu Picchu.
You may enjoy the Brincos and jumps of various genres of monkeys, such as
Cebus sp. and Lagothrix sp., the latter in danger of extinction, or feel
horror at excessively poisonous reptiles, such as mattress Bothrops
(Bothrops atrox) or the coral Micrurus (Micrurus sp.).
Most are harmless and many insects, another of the major natural
attractions of the shrine.
Its beautiful butterflies in bright colors are the best example of this,
having found some 400 species.
There is no doubt.
Visiting Machu Picchu is an enjoyable adventure, not only by the
indescribable spectacle offered by their perfect stone buildings, but also
for his landscapes made of mountain and jungle, which adds another
attraction to its magical beauty. All this is now once again in serious
danger.
Fire Controlled
The director of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu (PAM), Fernando
Astete indicated that the fire occurred in the vicinity of the Inca citadel
and affecting about 3 thousand hectares of natural pastures, it is
adequately controlled.
He argued that while it is true that so steep and the "straw brava" in the
area are recorded outbreaks of fires in other parts of the upper and Wayna
Q'ente Torontoy, these are also controlled.
In the task to control the incident, involving over 600 workers of the
National Institute of Culture (INC Cusco), with support from the city of
Machu Picchu (10) and INRENA (30) and firefighters (15).
"The fires did not affect nor undertake any archaeological monument and the
influx of tourists to the Inca citadel and the Inca Trail is completely
normal," the official said.
It should be noted that the wildfire began several days ago at two points
near the railroad Cuzco-Machu Picchu.
"The more complicated phase of the emergency is over," he added.
He insisted that the fire never endangered any archaeological rest of Machu
Picchu, and clarified that the tourists suffered no major damage or mishaps.
Did you know?
The burning of grass by some villagers, under the belief that they will
improve the land, is a likely cause of the fire."
**************
Regards,
VB
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