Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FAUNA
One of the world's most diverse ecosystems,
the Amazon harbors an infinite variety of
animal life. There are plenty of remote areas
that provide habitats for jaguars, tapirs, and
wild pigs. However, spotting these elusive
creatures is difficult. Monkeys, sloths, and
alligators are more commonly sighted.
The emerald tree
boa
is not venomous,
but feeds on rodents and
small animals of the forest.
Amazon river winding through dense rainforest
Hoatzins
, one of the
most primitive of
birds, live in flocks
and build their nests
in low canopy trees.
The three-toed
sloth
inhabits the
forest canopy,
moving incredibly
slowly in search of
its vegetarian diet
of fruits, leaves, and
sprouting plants.
The upper canopy
, about
131 ft (40 m) above the
ground, is active with
reptiles, mammals,
tropical birds, and
other wildlife.
Buriti palm
The guamo tree
,
found all across
the Amazon,
grows very fast
to an average
height of 30 ft
(10 m).
Pau-d'arco-
amarelo
bears bright
yellow flowers
from August
to November,
while shedding
all its leaves.
Tapirs
, the largest of all Amazon mammals,
can weigh up to 661 lb (300 kg). These vege-
tarians take refuge in water to escape danger.
Freshwater river
dolphins
, both gray and
pink, live in the main
rivers and lakes of the
Amazon basin.
The black water
owes its color
to its source
in low-lying
forests where
rotting vege-
tation is
absorbed into
the river
system.
Piranhas
are known for
their razor-sharp teeth.
Only a few species pose a
threat to larger animals.
