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
Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania
"Scientists don't agree on why, but the snows of Kilimanjaro — the only one of the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on each continent) that can be climbed by everyday Joes — are rapidly disappearing," Frank says. "People are rushing to climb Kilimanjaro now, while the snow is still there." The Marangu Hotel, in the nearby town of Moshi, offers beautiful views of the mountain. "They'll also organize your Kilimanjaro trek — either fully equipped, or 'the hard way.' " tanzaniaparks.com/kili.htm; maranguhotel.com
Tanjung Puting National Park Indonesia
The orangutans and other wildlife inhabiting Borneo — an island shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei — are threatened by the loss of their rainforest habitat as a consequence of logging and farming. "The biodiversity on this third-largest island in the world is amazing," Frank says. "For optimal wildlife viewing, visit Tanjung Puting National Park, a wildlife preserve on the south coast of the island. Rimba Lodge, adjacent to the park, is a great place to stay." www.unesco.or.id/activities/science/env_sci/sitsup_env/211.php; rimbalodge.com
Taj Mahal Agra, India
The Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by the emperor Shah Jahan to honor the memory of his favorite wife, who died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal is a "do before you die" sight on many people's travel lists, Frank says. "But due to emissions from more than 200 iron foundries in the Agra region, the world's most famous mausoleum is under serious threat from soot, particulates and acid rain. See it sooner rather than later." To truly appreciate the Taj Mahal's beauty, the best time to visit is early morning, when the rising sun paints the shrine in shades of pink. tajmahalagra.com
Hudson Bay Polar Bear Habitat Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
"The polar bears of Canada and Alaska live on sea ice, but global warming is rapidly melting that ice and shrinking the habitat of these magnificent animals," Frank says. "To see polar bears in the wild, visit Northern Manitoba's coast (along Hudson Bay) in the fall, when the bears are preparing to hunt seals." Polar bear viewing tours into Wapusk National Park depart from the nearby town of Churchill. pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/wapusk/index_e.asp
Great Barrier Reef Australia
Australia's top tourist attraction, the Great Barrier Reef, is the only living thing visible from space. But the reef is slowly dying because of the global rise in water temperatures and acidity. "Some scientists believe the reef may be dead in as little as 20 years," Frank says. "A great place to experience this natural wonder is the eco-friendly Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge, located in a national park that's surrounded by the Barrier Reef. Canoes, fishing gear and snorkeling equipment are available for guests." www.gbrmpa.gov.au; hinchinbrookresort.com.au
Atchafalaya Basin Louisiana
"The coastal salt marshes of Louisiana and Mississippi act as a buffer, protecting New Orleans and other coastal towns from hurricanes and their storm surges," Frank says. "But Louisiana is losing over 25 square miles of Delta wetlands to the sea each year." The town of Lafayette is an ideal jumping-off point to visit the Atchafalaya Basin, in south-central Louisiana. "This is the bayou as you've always dreamed of it — cypress swamps, gators and some of the best fishing (and cuisine) in America." lacoast.gov/landchange/basins/at/index.asp; lafayettetravel.com