Desert Speaks

Ecuador's Fog Forest: Mists Over The Desert

Host David Yetman travels to the agrarian community of Loma Alta, Ecuador. This city lives in symbiosis with a cloud forest nature preserve situated in the mountains above the city. Before the area was protected, local residents exploited and decimated the forest with little regard for its ecosystem. Though logging was once the cornerstone of the Loma Alta community, the current inhabitants now realize the importance of the fog forest to their livelihood. Fog is captured in the lush vegetation and drips to the ground, eventually flowing down to water the crops of Loma Alta. This episode also features a visit to a "hummingbird oasis" where researchers observe the varied species the forest has to offer.