Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. It covers a vast area across several South American countries, stretching from northwestern Brazil to Colombia and parts of Peru. The forest is called a rainforest because of its consistent rainy weather.
Home to over 20 million inhabitants and numerous animal species, the Amazon is believed to contain about one-tenth of the world’s known species, according to scientific studies. The forest is so vast that many species remain unknown to science. The Amazon influences the weather systems of eight countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Indigenous Populations
About twenty million people live under the forest canopy, mostly indigenous populations. In Brazil and Peru, many of these tribes remain isolated from the outside world, known as "uncontacted tribes." French Guiana, a department of France, also has indigenous people living there.
Geography of the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Andes mountains in the west. The forest is about 200 miles wide along the Atlantic coast and 1,200 miles near the Andean hills. Brazil covers more than 60% of the Amazon.
The Andes were formed about 15 million years ago when the South American plate collided with the Nazca plate. This collision caused the Andes to rise and blocked river entrances, turning the Amazon into the largest inland sea forest. As we know it today, Amazon took around 50 million years to form.
The forest is rich in minerals and fertile land, housing over 400 billion trees. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the world's oxygen levels.
Problems Facing the Amazon Forest
The Amazon supports over 10% of the world's known species and insects, which is vital to the climate balance. However, it faces many threats, including illegal farming, mining, and deforestation.
Illegal mining harms the environment and wildlife, especially for valuable minerals like gold. Uncontrolled farming, ranching, and urban development also threaten the forest. Climate change has led to dangerous forest fires, with over 200 million trees burned since 2019. These fires have killed hundreds of animals and destroyed tribal homes and food sources. In 2022, forest fire spots increased by 16.7%.
Food Produced in the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon provides many essential food sources, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and rare spices. Indigenous tribes living by the Amazon River grow vegetables and hunt fish.
The rainforest provides important food items such as Brazilian nuts, cocoa, coffee, avocados, vanilla pods, bananas, rubber, and coconuts. Many trees in the Amazon also provide chemicals used in medicine production.
Animals of the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon is home to more than 100 million animal species, including nearly extinct ones. Notable animals include jaguars, harpy eagles, pink river dolphins, black spider monkeys, and poison dart frogs.
The forest is also home to many poisonous snakes and insects, which can deter explorers. Herbivores like sloths, giant river otters, toucans, and macaws thrive here. The Amazon River houses crocodiles, alligators, and piranhas.
The largest mammal in the forest is the South American tapir, a descendant of the now-extinct Eocene species that lived 55 to 33.9 million years ago. Tapirs are a favorite prey of jaguars, but their numbers are decreasing due to illegal poaching and hunting.
Solutions to Save the Amazon
The health of the Amazon is directly linked to the world's atmosphere and climate. Protecting animal species and trees is essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Illegal hunting, poaching, and deforestation are causing climate disasters both locally and globally. Accidental fires from mining and construction further damage the forest.
To protect the planet's climate and oxygen levels, humans must act to preserve the Amazon. Stopping illegal destruction will help prevent future climate catastrophes and safeguard this vital ecosystem.