Oil Spill Journal Entry
Oil Leaks into Amazon Basin of Ecuador (January 14, 2002)
Rare lowland tapirs and other animals have been harmed by an oil spill in eastern Ecuador. Lowland Tapir Conservation Project.
Oil is leaking from an old well into the Amazon Basin of Ecuador. According to an international conservation group, the spill has been polluting the environment for months but the oil company responsible for the well has not yet taken any action.
The spill has harmed wildlife, including the rare lowland tapir, in eastern Ecuador's Pastaza Province. Several dead tapirs have been found in the area, according to the Lowland Tapir Conservation Project. The spill has polluted an important wildlife salt-lick area. Many animals are ingesting the toxic oil while licking the salt.
