The Megafalls of Iguaçu

Gr 5 Up—Beautiful scenes of Iguaçú Falls, which lies between Brazil and Argentina, and some of the denizens of the surrounding forest in Brazil's Iguaçú National Park draw viewers into this informative program. The film follows a few of the wildlife species—swifts, caciques, toucans, jaguar, caiman, butterflies, coati, tapir—and the scientists who are studying the region to gather documentation to give it better protection. The production features engaging footage of the life and resiliency of the wild creatures and presents solid information about the threats to them: human encroachment, pollution, and poaching. The history and geology of Iguaçú as well as the indigenous mythology of the falls' creation are presented. This is a biological hot spot for many of South America's most amazing animals, yet little is known about the wider region, leading to rising concerns that some of the natural treasures of the area may have already been lost. (The area became a World Heritage site in the 1980s.)