GreenFixes

Nearly 150 years ago, Henry David Thoreau wrote, "...in Wilderness is the preservation of the World." Thoreau meant this statement literally. He saw that his countrymen had become disconnected from the natural world and that they were naturally impoverished as a result. Thoreau's words are even more relevant today. Scientists warn us that global warming presents an unprecedented challenge to humanity and that we must take action quickly to slow its progress.

It is even more relevant as we see plants and animals face growing threats all over the world. Some scientists calculate that thousands of species become extinct every year. Fortunately, mountain ranges provide a vital refuge for plants and animals that used to flourish over wider areas. Even in these bastions, though, pollution and human encroachment post a threat. Perhaps nowhere else is this more evident than in Europe, one of the most densely populated parts of the planet.

In Pyrenees, several national parks serve to provide refuge for the local flora and fauna. In such protected areas as these, visitors get a chance to see what has become a last frontier for many endangered species.

Species fighting for survival:
Flowers. Some of the most beautiful wildflowers grow at altitudes above 5,000 ft. Snow gentians and trumpet gentians with their vivid-blue petals, carpet slopes well above the tree line. Farther down the slopes, nestled among beech trees, a grove of endangered lady's-slipper orchids flourish. Hundreds of visitors come here every year just to view the beautiful flowers.

Butterflies and Bees. Unspoiled alpine meadows with abundant wildflowers like the above mentioned provide refuge for colorful butterflies. The large Apollo butterfly, with its vivid-red wing spots, fly here freely. Smaller flowers receive constant visits from blue butterflies and copper butterflies of the Lycaenidae family. Painted-lady and tortoiseshell butterflies briskly patrol the higher slopes. The air also is a-buzz with bees flying from one flower to the next pollunating them. Each species share this amazing world with the other.

Animals. Many of the larger animals of Europe once roamed over vast tracts of the continent. But some have been hunted almost to extinction. Wolves, bears, lynx, bison, chamois, and mountain goats are just a few that now survive in just a few mountain ranges or only found in the far north regions.

The majestic animals, plants, and insects in these Pyrenean reserves offer a reminder of the wildlife that once abounded in these mountains. It makes those who are visiting wonder what the future holds for the few that remain.