10 great endangered places to see while you still can

— -- Each year, Earth Day serves to remind us of just how beautiful — and fragile — our planet is. To help mark the day, Peter Frank, editor in chief of concierge.com, offers up a list of some of the world's most threatened sites that travelers should see while they still have the chance. He shares his picks with Tim Smight for USA TODAY.

Bosson Glacier Chamonix, France

Glaciers worldwide are melting at a rapid pace. "In the Alps, the glacial retreat is particularly noticeable, so now is the time to see them," Frank says. "One of the most beautiful is Bosson Glacier, situated above the town of Chamonix, the famous ski resort near the Swiss border." Travelers to Chamonix can hit the ski slopes in winter or hike Alpine trails in the summer. www.chamonix.com

South Africa Lion Habitat Kruger National Park, South Africa

"In 2006, it was estimated that fewer than 50,000 lions remained on the entire African continent," Frank says. "Factors ranging from habitat loss and hunting to disease and inbreeding have decimated the lion population. To see this endangered species in the wild, visit South Africa's Kruger National Park and stay at one of the lodges there, such as Singita Game Reserve. Personalized game drives will have you staring wide-eyed at Africa's beautiful landscape populated with elephants, giraffes, hyenas and, of course, the king of beasts." sanparks.org/parks/kruger; www.krugerpark.co.za

Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica

Strolling through this forest preserve has been likened to walking inside a grandiose green cathedral. "Those impressed by natural beauty will be awed by the sheer scale and lushness of this Central American landscape, which is deteriorating because of climate change and deforestation," Frank says. Several hiking trails and guided tours are available, including a "sky walk" featuring six suspended bridges through and above the forest canopy. monteverdeinfo.com/monteverde.htm

The Everglades South Florida

"The 'River of Grass' is a fraction of its former size, thanks to farming and development draining water away from the ecosystem," Frank says. "Despite a federal restoration program begun in 2000, the Everglades — home to many important animals and birds, and a place of stark beauty and intense serenity — is disappearing before our eyes. See it while you still can." nps.gov/ever