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The Amazon
Lower canopy of the Amazon rainforest
The Amazon rainforest covers 98% of the Amazonas. It is the largest tropical rainforest in the
world and 60% of it is within Brazil. The Amazon “houses at least 10% of the world’s known
biodiversity and is the home ground of more than 16,000 different species of trees, 2.5 million
insect species, 40,000 plant species, 2,200 fish species, 1,300 bird species, 427 mammals,
430 amphibian species and 380 reptile species” (Conserve Energy Future).
Jaguar in Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve
Among the many animals that call the Brazilian Amazon home, is the jaguar (pictured above).
The jaguar resides at the very remote Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve.
Swimming mammals like the Amazon river dolphin (also known as the pink river dolphin) and
giant river otter live in its freshwater rivers and riverbanks. The three-toed sloth and howler
monkey dwell in its dense canopy. The colorful crimson topaz hummingbird and king vulture,
one of the largest vulture species, fly in its skies.
The Amazon River
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