The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rain Forest is the biggest rain forest on the planet covering 2.124 million square miles. 20% of earth's oxygen is produced there. It is home to 10% of all known species in the world. The trees are so tightly packed that it can take 10 minutes for rain to hit the forest floor. Over half of the rain forest is located in Brazil. It has been experiencing drought in the last few years.
Deforestation
It is estimated that around 18 million acres of forest is permanently destroyed each year. The land that is cleared is used for agriculture or for developing housing. it is said that 70% of rainforest animals have their habitats affected. Healthy forests help control greenhouse gas emissions, but when trees are cut down, they become sources of carbon emissions.
Amazon RainForest Animals
Bullet Ant: It is known for having one of the most painful stings in the world, feeling remarkably like a bullet. Most only grow to slightly over an inch long. Are used as initiation rights in some south american tribes to see if the boys are strong enough to be warriors. They live in trees, and rarely nest on the ground.
Spider Monkey: Inhabits the canopy of the rainforest trees. Eats fruits, seeds, and leaves. It can grow up to 2 feet long, including the tail. They like to hang upside down using only their powerful tails to hold onto the branches.
Sloth: Known for being very slow movers. Most live for around thirty years. They live in the canopy, rarely coming down to the forest floor. They may start to look green because they move so slowly that algae starts to grow in their fur. They hang upside down in the trees and even give birth upside down.
Giant Anteater: 5-7 feet long and the largest of its family, and can get to be 90 pounds. Use sharp claws to dig into ant nests. They have very long snouts to stick into the anthills and a tongue that is 2 feet long to lap up the ants. They have no teeth, but their dangerous claws can fend off even a jaguar or a puma.
Toucan: There are 40 different types of toucans, and they all live in the tree canopy. The bright colors on the bill help to attract a mate. They are known to be very loud animals. The bill is used to squish the many types of fruit and berries that it eats. Live in pairs or flocks.
Poison Dart Frog: Known for their brightly colored bodies which ward off predators. Most are only the size of a paperclip, but contain enough venom to kill 10 men. The only known predator of the frogs is a snake that has developed a resistance to their venom.
Jaguar: The largest cats of the Americas, growing from 2-300 pounds and can grow over 6 feet long. They can live for 12 years. Recognized for the pattern on their fur. Roar sounds deep and throaty. Unlike most cats, jaguars love water, and will often go in after fish. They eat pretty much anything they can catch.