"I really hope that these species will be catalogued and this precious patch of land protected."

Calvin, thank you for sharing the link.

I think that you can rest assured that new species will be catalogued. I expect flocks of botanists, taxonomists and students to flood the area.

Protecting the "precious patch of land" is up to the locals. What level of commitment exists there?

--Stitz--

It is true...I always wonder whether environmentalism is a luxury for the rich and developed world. Can we expect impoverished people who can barely find food for themselves invest time, money and energy into environmental protection? Maybe I shouldn't assume that they are impoverished...but that part of the world has certainly seen it's fair share of strife. How high does/should environmental protection sit on their list of priorities?

well stated, Calvin