The Megafalls of Iguacu

Nearly three times the size of Niagara Falls, the megafalls at Iguacu—powered by 300 individual falls draining its nearby forests, and located along the border of Brazil and Argentina—is a World Heritage site and one of nature's biological hot spots. Formed when lava flows hardened into basalt, the environment around the falls is critically endangered due to wildlife poaching and deforestation (only seven percent of the rainforest remains). Directed by Christian Baumeister, this PBS-aired documentary describes the wonders of Iguacu, where mist from the thunderous falls gives abundant moisture to the surrounding forests. One of the region's most elusive creatures is the jaguar, now in steep decline due to the illegal demand for its colorful pelts. Here, researchers place infrared sensors around the forest, hoping to catch a glimpse of the jaguar's secret life. The scaly river reptile known as the caiman is hunted both for food and leather goods, and—like many of Iguacu's residents—is very sensitive to water pollution caused by local farms. Fortunately, much of Iguacu remains remote or inaccessible, providing a haven for rare animals such as the tree-climbing raccoon-like coatis, and the tapir, the latter an odd-looking descendant of the ancient horse and rhino. It is estimated that Iguacu also contains almost 800 species of butterflies, although less than 300 have been identified. Scientists and researchers are on an urgent hunt to map and document Iguacu's animals (the Great River Otter may have already disappeared; an expedition here yields no sightings), retaining the hope that Iguacu's diversity of life—from tarantulas to the colorful but "pushy" toucan—can yet be saved. Looking at the effects of climate change while offering eye-catching views of the many attractions of this little-known area, this program will appeal to nature lovers and armchair travelers. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)