From the editor.

• Position: Editorial

Our hemisphere offers a bottomless store of surprises. Archaeologists always seem to be finding previously unknown civilizations, and scientists discover new species or come up with resourceful ways to protect those at risk. The region's natural beauty never ceases to amaze us, nor does the infinite creativity of our artists.

In this edition of Americas, we set out to highlight some of these surprises and pique your interest in continuing to explore. Who knows, maybe you'll be the one to make the next find! Chris Hardman brings us good news from Suriname, where scientists have discovered five new species of frogs, five species of fish and thirteen of dung beetles, as well as a new ant species. She also notes the rediscovery of a variety of fish that had been thought to be extinct. Less encouraging is Bill Konstant's story on the fungus decimating frog populations in Panama--yet it brings to light the ingenuity of scientists who have designed a plan to rescue and protect the frogs until a way can be found to eliminate the threat.

Graham Chandler shows us a surprise that was hidden under the boreal forests of northern Alberta, Canada. In the course of conducting impact studies required before oil extraction could begin, archaeologists found traces of a civilization that inhabited the region some 11,000 years ago.

Not all surprises are hidden underground; some are in plain sight...