Over the past week, Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia, has been shrouded in thick smoke due to a series of wildfires. Experts attribute these devastating fires to the spread of highly flammable foreign plant species that have taken root across the city’s surrounding areas.
Species such as eucalyptus, pine, and gorse have been proliferating along the Andean Mountain Range to the east of Bogotá. These invasive trees and shrubs contain oils and saps that are exceptionally flammable, allowing fires to burn intensely for hours and even days. Biologist Arnold Garcia Samaca from the National University of Colombia explains, “These plants not only fuel the fires but also thrive post-burn, enabling them to dominate larger areas and displace native vegetation.”
The situation has been exacerbated by the hot and dry conditions brought about by the El Niño weather phenomenon. In the last three months alone, more than 17,000 hectares of Colombia’s landscape have been ravaged by these flames, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable environmental management.
As Bogotá grapples with these challenges, local authorities and environmentalists are calling for strategies to control invasive species and restore native ecosystems. The battle against these fires underscores the delicate balance between urban development and environmental preservation in our rapidly changing world.
Reference(s):
Invasive vegetation adds more fuel to Bogota fires in Colombia
cgtn.com
