One of the greenest areas on the entire planet considered as the "lung" of the Earth is the Amazon. It is a natural space made up of jungle and very dense forests inhabited by millions of species, many of them still unknown today. Biodiversity is an indicator of the quality of the ecosystem and the capacity to support life. Therefore, the Amazon fauna It has become the object of study of numerous investigations around the world.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the fauna of the Amazon.
Amazon fauna
There are many species that are still unknown since they are very dense ecosystems and full of life. There are large plant species given the existing temperature and humidity conditions. The predominant tropical climate is characterized by high rainfall throughout the year and a high degree of humidity. These atmospheric variables provide the necessary environmental conditions to promote the development of life.
We see that both the flora and fauna of the Amazon is one of the largest sources of life on the entire planet. And it is that the Amazon forest is home to around 2.5 million species of insects, tens of thousands of plant species and around 2.000 birds and mammals. To date they have been discovered at least 2.200 species of fish, 1.300 birds, 427 mammals, 428 amphibians and 378 reptilesIt is scientists who discover and classify these animal species based on their characteristics and habitat.
It is known that one in five fish species lives in the Amazonian rivers and streams. It is also known that the same proportion of bird species from around the world live in the Amazon rainforests. Animals that inhabit these places can be found almost anywhere on the planet. Such is the probability that one in ten animal species known anywhere in the world lives in the Amazon rainforest. This data makes the Amazon have the largest collection of animal and plant species in the world. Furthermore, the impact of the collapse of the Gulf Stream also affects these ecosystems.
Impacts on the flora and fauna of the Amazon
Humans cause numerous impacts on the natural ecosystem due to their need to extract its resources. The problem arises when resource extraction exceeds the rate of regeneration. In other words, there is overexploitation of natural resources. The Amazon fauna is being affected. severely affected for decades by human action. And it is that for the extraction of natural resources the ecosystem is altered to the point that it degrades. A degraded ecosystem ends up fragmenting and reducing the quality of the environment, so that organisms do not have a habitat in which to develop.
One of the main environmental impacts in this area is deforestation. Recent forest fires have also had a great effect on the fauna of the Amazon to the point of a reduction of many species. The fauna of this area is in serious danger and many of the animals are in danger of extinction. These forests and tropical jungles have been difficult to explore given their density throughout history. However, with the use of technology it is much easier to penetrate the jungle.
Birds and reptiles
We are going to review all the native Amazon fauna. We start with the birds. Especially inhabit parrots, hummingbirds, toucans, raptors and sparrows. The most famous achievements of this ecosystem are the macaws. They are known to have blue wings and a curved beak.
Toucans are birds that inhabit the Amazon rainforest and it is one of the most widespread species in these places. The most abundant species of toucan is the one with black plumage, white throat and a long orange beak with a black spot on the tip. Other species of birds are the harpy eagle being the most powerful raptor of all. Among the nocturnal birds we have the spectacled owl that has a white body and a round black head.
As for reptiles, we find numerous species. Among the most popular are boas, iguanas and turtles. The most famous iguana is the green iguana. It is so abundant that it is even widespread in captivity. Turtles are very common, including land tortoises such as the enormous yellow-footed tortoise.
Amphibians and mammals
Amphibians have become widespread in the native Amazon fauna. Many of these animals are poisonous, but easily recognizable thanks to their bright color. This color warns predators of the amount of venom the prey may have. One of these amphibians known for its venom is the golden frog. It is considered the most poisonous amphibian in the world. There are other types of tiny frog that can measure up to two cm at most.
On the other hand, the most widespread mammals in the Amazon rainforest are monkeys and felines. The most famous monkey species is the howler monkey. There are numerous subspecies of this species. Its main characteristic is the call that gives it its name. Its tail is prehensile and its vision is very similar to that of humans. As for felines, there are seven different species, each with its own particular characteristics. The most notable are: puma, jaguar, ocelot, margay, colocolo, among others.
Some of the mammalian species with a carnivorous diet present in the fauna of the Amazon are the spectacled bear and the tayra. This animal is omnivorous and looks similar to the weasel. There are also some species of artiodactyls, where we find deer, cows, sheep and pigs.
If we go to the area of the ecosystems belonging to the river we find numerous fish such as freshwater dolphins, discus fish, tambaqui fish, etc. Finally, analyzing insects and arachnids we find numerous species of insects such as moths, bees, wasps, beetles, flies, ants, and mosquitoes. Many of the mosquitoes transmit exotic diseases such as malaria.
This bird with this information can learn more about the fauna of the Amazon and its characteristics.