To most visitors, the slice of land deep in the far reaches of the western Amazon basin resembles any other rainforest. Even the scientists studying
the region, on the northern edge of Yasuni National Park, say it is difficult to appreciate the extreme levels of biodiversity found here. So many
species remain hidden from view or undescribed by science. But camera traps have begun to yield a treasure trove of images of large predator species
cloaked in the darkness of night. Triggered by infrared beams planted around mineral deposits known as salt licks, the cameras have already captured
five species of cats, with jaguars (pictured) and ocelots most well represented, as well as a host of other species. To see more, check out our freely
available slideshow and the feature story in this week's issue of Science
on how researchers are fighting to preserve this habitat.
See more ScienceShots.
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