Forest fires destroy natural habitats in Puno

Forest fires caused by human activity are destroying natural habitats in Puno, Peru. Lipman Escobar Vera, the sub-manager of Civil Defense for the Provincial Municipality of Puno, warned that the fires are devastating the environments where wildlife finds food and shelter.

Escobar reported finding numerous partridges in burned areas, indicating that the birds have lost their natural surroundings and are now vulnerable to various dangers. The fires are primarily triggered by traditional grass and scrubland burning, which can spiral out of control due to high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and wind.

Civil Defense has urged the population to avoid traditional burning practices during this season to prevent large-scale fires. Authorities noted that once flames exceed human height, they become extremely difficult to control, posing a significant risk to both wildlife and people attempting to extinguish them without proper equipment.