8 minute read
travel
see them while you can
Each of five exotic endangered species around the world can inspire a memorable trip. By Darius Amos
Is the Bramble Cay melomys on your bucket list? Or the Saudi gazelle, or the Christmas Island pipistrelle? Or a bird called the white-chested white-eye? If so, forget it. Within the past two decades these exotic species have gone extinct. You’ve missed your chance.
There are, however, fascinating creatures you can still see today—animals that, sadly, may not be around for your grandchildren to glimpse. Global warming, deforestation and habitat loss are devastating to wildlife and animals, many of which are experiencing a rapid decline in population.
Now that the world is re-opening to travel, catching sight of one of these species whose numbers are dwindling is an achievable goal. And happily, the countries they’re found in also offer a dazzling variety of other sights and experiences, in each case adding up to a vacation you won’t forget.
SNOW LEOPARD
Great Himalayan National Park, India:
The Himalayans are well known to attract alpinists and peak baggers, many of whom head to the region to conquer the world’s tallest mountains. And why not?—10 of the world’s 14 highest peaks are located here. But there’s much more to the mountain range than snowy summits. Visitors to Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site that covers 452 square miles in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, can sign up for one of six guided (though somewhat rigorous) treks through the area’s wilderness. Scenic rivers, terraces, cliffs and slopes cut through the forests and mountains of the four designated valleys. Sightseers can enjoy spiritual stops at the Shringa Rishi
Temple and Chaihani Fort in Banjaar. But because of its diminishing population and its elusiveness, a snow leopard roaming in its natural habitat would be the ultimate sight. Of the 31 animal species protected in the park, the snow leopard is among the most vulnerable—a recent state wildlife survey counted 73 of the big cats in Himachal Pradesh. According to the World Wildlife Federation (WWF), the snow leopard census is estimated at between 450 to 500 globally.
GIANT PANDA
Chengdu Panda Breeding Center, Chengdu City, China:
Ancient marvels such as the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army are relics from this country’s long-gone dynasties, while metro regions like Shanghai are global leaders for commerce and innovation. The city of Chengdu, the capital of
Sichuan in western China, is another epicenter for visitors, with plenty of culture (the Sichuan opera is considered as good as any in the world), business and economy. But perhaps its best-known attraction is the giant panda, the Chinese national symbol and the face of all endangered animals. (It’s also the WWF’s logo.) At the Chengdu Research Base of
Giant Panda Breeding, staff members study the behavior and genetics of the species—it’s currently classified as vulnerable—with hopes of population conservation. The center is also a top destination for visitors, who can safely observe pandas and everything they do: eat, drink, eat, play, eat, interact with their young and eat.
NORTHERN WHITE RHINO
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya:
Even before the pandemic, vacationing in Africa always came with health advisories. Visitors are recommended (in some cases required) to obtain inoculations before traveling to certain countries, but rest assured, many resorts and wildlife sanctuaries do their part to keep everyone safe. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, considered one of the safest, welcomes more than 110,000 guests annually, all of whom can design their safari experience according to their abilities and interests. Day and evening excursions will take the curious up close and personal with lions, zebras, chimpanzees and elephants. Travelers will also see more than 100 critically endangered black rhinos, but the can’t-miss opportunity is catching a glimpse of (and even touching) the “functionally extinct” northern white rhino subspecies. Only two of these awesome animals exist in the world, and both (mother and daughter) are cared for and protected by Ol Pejeta. Staring the last of a kind in the face can be emotional, but the center is trying to reverse the “extinction.”
It offers educational activities and workshops that provide visitors with insight into researchers’ work to preserve northern white rhino embryos—with hopes that they can be used to produce offspring.
BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador:
Some 560 miles off the western coast of South America is this famed archipelago of volcanic islands, a popular destination for travelers. It’s a double World Heritage Site, as both its land and sea are protected to preserve the delicate wildlife and environment. The eco-systems are the major attraction, and tourists have many ways to safely visit them. For instance, there are guided hikes around the Sierra Negra crater and across Isabela, an island with six volcanoes. Snorkeling and diving are offered for those wanting a look at
Darwin Island’s sharks, rays, sea lions and turtles. But whether you’re in the water or staying dry, there’s a good chance you’ll see a very unusual web-footed bird. The blue-footed booby is a common sight throughout the tropical regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean, and the birds have even reached mainland U.S. But they’re abundant in the Galapagos, where they choose the miles of undisturbed lava rocks and divots in the ground to safely nest. While the species isn’t officially “endangered,” its global population decline since 2014 has raised a red flag. Environmentalists note that the blue-footed boobies, in general, are having increasing problems in breeding; they suspect the decline of sardines, a major part of the birds’ diet, as a contributing factor.
TASMANIAN DEVIL
Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, Australia:
Even the smallest continent has plenty to explore; Australia’s landscape is as diverse as any. From the unforgiving Outback to tourist havens Sydney and Melbourne, destinations are legion in the land Down Under. And there are plenty of things to see and do—the Opera
House and Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Federation Square and the National Gallery of Victoria (and a cup of coffee) in Melbourne, for instance. Beyond those man-made structures, koala and kangaroo numbers are bouncing back after brushfires decimated both species last year, but one other animal is making a different kind of comeback. Disease and predators all but wiped out the Tasmanian devil population on mainland Australia, but conservationists began to slowly reintroduce them back into the wild last year. While seeing them in the wild is still a challenge, globetrotters can see them without fail on Tasmania. This island state is about an hour by plane (10 by ferry) south of Melbourne and home to the Tasmanian Devil “Unzoo,” the first wildlife park of its kind. The absence of cages and barriers gives animals their independence throughout the habitat. Varied presentations, nature walks and feeding times are offered to visitors, who can also “track” the park’s Tasmanian devils—all but guaranteeing that they’ll see one of the feisty marsupials.
FALL/WINTER 2021 |
autumn splendor
WHETHER YOU DRESS TO IMPRESS OR WANT TO
KEEP IT CASUAL, YOU’LL FIND THE SEASON’S TOP LOOKS AT GARMANY.
Photography by Michael Cogliantry
Photographed on location at Garmany, Red Bank
This page, cardigan and button-up shirt by President’s, pants by PT Torino. Opposite, dress by Rococo Sand, necklace by Dripping in Gems.
This page, turtleneck and jeans by Jonathan Simkhai. Opposite, vest and jacket by Baldassari, shirt by Tintoria Mattei, pants by Marco Pescarolo, tie by Albizzati, shoes by Christian Louboutin.
This page, dress by Alexis, necklace by Dripping in Gems. Opposite, jacket by Iro, blouse by L’Agence, skirt by Iro.
This page, turtleneck by Iro, jeans by Veronica Beard. Opposite, sportcoat by Kiton, turtleneck by Drumohr.
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