Amazon forests. Disappearing Amazon rainforests What are the Amazon rainforests called?

1. The Amazon rainforest or the Amazonian jungle is located on a vast, almost flat, plain that covers almost the entire Amazon basin.

2. The forest itself covers 5.5 million square kilometers. It is located on the territory of nine states (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana). The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world, accounting for half of the total remaining rainforest on the planet.

3. The tropical rainforests of South America are the most biodiverse. The variety of animals and plants there is much greater than in the tropical forests of Africa and Asia. Every tenth described species of animal or plant is found in the Amazonian jungle. At least 40 thousand species of plants, more than 3 thousand species of fish, 1,300 species of birds, about 500 species of mammals, more than 400 species of amphibians, almost 400 species of reptiles and about 100 thousand species of various invertebrates have been described here. Here is the largest variety of plants on Earth. According to some experts, there are 150 thousand species of higher plants per 1 km2, including 75 thousand species of trees.

12. Over the past 10 years, new animal species have been discovered in the Amazon forest region.

This colorful poison frog, Ranitomeya benedicta, was discovered in 2008 in Peru. The poison of this frog can be used in the manufacture of painkillers.

13. Forest falcon Micrastur mintoni, characterized by bright orange coloring around the eyes. The first time this bird was discovered in 2002, but scientists still do not know much about the forest falcon.

14. The tree frog Osteocephalus castaneicola was identified as a new species after a discovery in the Bolivian Amazon in 2009.

15. This snake Atractus tamessari was discovered as a new species in 2006 in Guyana. She has distinctive red markings on brown scales, as well as a black and yellow underbelly.

16. Rio Akari marmoset (Mico acariensis) was discovered in 2000. The first individual discovered is kept as a pet by the inhabitants of a small settlement in the Brazilian Amazon.

17. Purple flowers protruding from a Bromelia araujoi plant identified as a new species in 2008. Such plants belong to the same family as pineapple.

18. The Amazonian lowland is very poorly populated. The main means of communication are rivers; along which there are small settlements and two large cities: Manaus - at the mouth of the Rio Negro and Belen - at the mouth of the river. Pair; to the last of the city of Brasilia there is a freeway. Due to ongoing climate change and deforestation, vast tracts of the Amazonian rainforest may turn into cerrado, the predominant type of arid savannah in present-day Brazil. Based on satellite observations of the Amazon floodplain over the past few decades, scientists have noted a 70% reduction in forests. Deforestation has negatively affected the fragile ecological balance of the Amazonian forests and led to the disappearance of many species of trees, plants and animals. In addition, the decomposition of the remains of wood and other vegetation as a result of deforestation and burning of forests leads to a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. This, in turn, enhances the greenhouse effect.

Someone aptly noted that a person who has fallen into the forests of the Amazon twice experiences acute joy - when he first enters this "green paradise" and when he finally gets out of this "green hell". We invite you to an amazing land unusually rich in flora and fauna. It is called the lungs of the planet, and the death of the Amazonian forests threatens a worldwide ecological catastrophe ... and they are dying.

Edge of eternal summer

The Amazon Basin is home to the world's largest tropical rainforest. Its boundaries are clearly delineated by the eastern foot of the Andes and the slopes of the Brazilian and Guiana highlands. The forest is located on the territory of nine states, but most of it is in Brazil.

The equatorial climate is depressingly monotonous - humid and hot air masses dominate all year round. Regardless of the season, the temperature fluctuates between 25–28 °C and does not fall below 20 °C even at night. But even such a moderate heat is hard to bear due to the high humidity of the air and the lack of night coolness - you feel as if you found yourself in a greenhouse in the summer.

But local residents do not need weather forecasts. A day without rain is a unique phenomenon here. All year round, every new day begins with a cloudless morning. By the middle of the day, clouds roll in, the wind rises, and under the deafening peals of thunder, streams of water fall on the ground. After 2–3 hours, the downpour ends, and a quiet clear night sets in.

Horizontal and vertical

The Amazon surprises with the richness of flora and fauna, the biodiversity of these forests is much greater than the forests of Asia and Africa. The species composition and appearance of plantations varies depending on their "relationship" with the rivers. Three types of forest vegetation are distinguished on the Amazonian lowland: forests in river valleys, flooded for several months a year (in the local language - "igapo") and for a short time ("varzeya"), and forests in watershed spaces, not flooded ("ete" ). There are also mangroves on the Atlantic coast.

Under the rule of the rivers

The Igapo forests are not so rich in vegetation diversity. Usually they are devoid of soil cover and filled with boggy silt, enveloping tree trunks to a height of several meters. Often there are representatives of the flora with respiratory roots and prop roots. Lots of vines and epiphytes. And the surface of the waters is covered with various algae and aquatic plants, among which the royal Victoria (from the Nymphaeaceae family) is noteworthy, with leaves up to 2 m in diameter, capable of withstanding a weight of up to 50 kg. Its flowers during flowering change their color from white to purple.

Vegetation "varzei" is not much richer in species. The main trees in these forests are palm trees. Often there are representatives from the families of legumes, mulberries (the genus ficus), euphorbia, including the famous rubber plant - hevea. And in the lower tiers, various types of theobroma (chocolate tree) are not uncommon. There are also many vines and epiphytes in these forests, including orchids. In the rich grass cover, there is an abundance of ferns, plants from the banana and bromeliad families.

But the “ete” forests are distinguished by their special splendor and variety. They can safely be considered the richest type of vegetation on Earth. There are no dominant trees here. Although the abundance of species is great, the number of plants of each species is usually small. Characteristic trees of the upper tiers are Bertholletia, or castaneiro (Brazil walnut - a tree that often lives up to 1000 years, with a trunk diameter of 1–2 m), ceiba (sacred Mayan tree), palm trees, as well as plants from the families of laurel, myrtle, mimosa , legumes. There are many creeping, creeping plants, the stems of which are not inferior in thickness to ropes. Ferns reach several meters in height, and grasses that do not grow in flooded areas are also found in the herbaceous cover.

In the eastern part of the Amazon, the climate is already subequatorial, and deciduous tree species, patches of light forests and savannahs appear on the watersheds, only the “igapo” and “varzei” strips remain evergreen.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), due to global warming and deforestation, about half of the Amazon rainforests could be damaged or destroyed in 20-30 years. Already, due to climate change, droughts (contributing to forest fires) have become more frequent in this region.

Problems of the Amazon

Many have heard that the Amazon forests are called the green lungs of the Earth. All plants produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. But the Amazon rainforest produces about 50% of the planet's oxygen. Therefore, the death of this important "organ" can have the most serious consequences for the entire Earth.

In the 60s of the last century, intensive, uncontrolled cutting began. Both banks of the Amazon between the mouth and the city of Manaus were subjected to the greatest devastation. Once along the entire coast of Brazil (and this is 8500 km!) Tropical rainforests stretched, and today only 7% of them have survived there.

Despite bans on timber exports, felling rates continue to rise. Often, trees are cut down by poachers, floating them down rivers to seaports, and from there they are legally sent to consumers. Even worse, when forests are simply burned out for agricultural land. Feeding deforestation and increasing demand for soybeans - increasing soybean field area. Selective logging is also very harmful - when only selected trees are cut down, and the forest around remains untouched. Indeed, at the same time, perennial giant trees disappear and simply thickets appear, the value of which in the existing ecosystem is much lower. Cutting down even one type of tree has a devastating effect in all tiers of the "forest house".

In some areas, they are now trying to revive the forest, and, of course, it is being restored. But such plantations contain only a small part of the original species diversity.

But in some places, tropical forests have been completely turned into a desert, as, for example, in the industrial zone near the Trombete River - one of the world's largest centers for the development of bauxite. Watching the wind raise clouds of dust from the cracked reddish earth, on which there is not the slightest sign of life, it is hard to imagine that just 10 years ago this place was covered with thickets.

Having cut down the tropical forest, it is easy to turn its territory into a new Sahara. Rains very quickly wash away the upper, fertile layer from the soil that is not protected by plants. And the sun and wind complete their work.

Not thinking about the future...

The most terrible paradox is that the deforestation of the Amazonian forests is for the most part completely unnecessary in terms of economic development. Now in the Amazon basin, as a result of the inept use of land, the exploitation of agricultural land and pastures on an area equal to the territory of Germany has been stopped. If these lands are rehabilitated, there will be no need to take away the territory from the forest. Moreover, the soil of tropical forests cannot be called fertile. A farmer who has cleared a piece of forest for himself will be surprised to find that the yield of the land drops sharply after 2-3 years (in the beginning, the ash from the burned forest serves as fertilizer). In the Amazonian rainforest, plants do not get their nutrients from the deep layers of the soil. Some of the substances come with raindrops, which “wash” all plants on their way to the ground, and the other part comes as a result of the decomposition of forest “garbage” (fallen branches, fruits, leaves). Every year, about 8 tons of litter falls on 1 hectare of rainforest. Processed by the residents of the "forest house" (termites drag it underground, mushrooms decompose it into mineral components), it turns into a highly nutritious fertilizer.

But you can benefit from the forest without destroying it. How many medicinal plants grow in this forest! It deserves the name of a huge natural pharmacy. In addition to natural medicines, you can get fruits, oils, nuts, rubber ...

The person who destroys this forest is like a farmer who eats seeds prepared for sowing to satisfy his current hunger, without thinking about future reserves.

We need to look at the forest from a different perspective - as a source of wealth, and not as an obstacle to enrichment. However, the incessant puffs of smoke over the Amazon are a reminder that this intention is not so easy to implement ...

You also want to change the situation, you are driven by a thirst for knowledge, then fly to Brazil for new experiences. Just do not forget that rest in the forests of the Amazon is unlikely to be passive, rather extreme. But if you obey the local guide, follow all the recommendations, then keep only the most pleasant memories of this place, and you will definitely return more than once.

Amazon forests - an amazing and primitive world

The Amazon forests have always been a curiosity for foreigners. The beauty and richness of nature Amazon rainforests conquered almost everyone. And some daredevils are ready for a lot to see all the splendor at least once.

Just imagine that more than forty thousand different plant species grow in the Amazon jungle, and there are so many animals in the Amazon that some species are still unknown to man.

Do you want to see the largest water lily in the world? You will only find it in the Amazon. The dimensions of some Victoria regia water lilies are impressive, 3 meters in diameter, and even with a load of 50 kg, the plant will remain on the surface of the water, as if this insect decided to take a break for a moment. And the flowers, which, by the way, are also not short, 30-40 centimeters in diameter, exude a delicate aroma that will remind you of a walk in an apricot garden. The water lily pleases with its flowering for a long 5 months, from March to July. Therefore, you will definitely have time to admire this miracle of nature.

If you decide to come here, be prepared for hot days and cold nights, especially after heavy rains. not without reason Amazon forests called rainy and wet, heavy rainfall here is a constant phenomenon.

Animals of the Amazon - amazing creatures

Separately, I would like to talk about animals of the amazon. Some are very dangerous to human life. Therefore, it is better if you admire them from a distance or in photographs.

The jaguar is one of the largest felines. The weight of the male can reach up to 120 kilograms. You probably don't want to come face to face with this "kitty". However, locals claim that if the jaguar is not provoked, it will not attack. And some look at the person rather with curiosity. But, it is better if you do not climb to the jaguar with tenderness.

Dangerous to humans are caimans and alligators. That's why, if you want to swim in the river, be sure to ask your guide about a safe place. Do not enter the river without permission, no matter how hot it is for you.

Also dangerous are snakes in the forests of the Amazon, especially the anaconda. Attacks on a person, although rare, at least so the researchers say, but few people want to suffocate in her arms. In addition, the anaconda does not disdain pets.

The most insidious snake in the Amazon is the zhararak. It is very common in the jungle, because of the favorable conditions for its living. Most often, people and pets die from its poison. And some settlements were forced to look for another place of residence, fearing for their lives and their children. Therefore, be careful, especially if you decide to take a walk deep into the forest. The size of this snake reaches about one and a half meters, so you can notice it. The saddest thing is that antitoxins against a bite are very expensive, and even if a person was saved on time, he may remain disabled, since the limbs affected by necrosis will have to be amputated. So, once again, be careful. Don't take a single step without a guide.

In addition to crocodiles, there are other dangerous animals in the water, such as electric rays and piranhas. Even before the trip, you should read the literature to be ready. Knowledge + a competent guide and you will be able to maintain your health. Electric ramps in some cases can kill a person. And piranhas can attack even if you have a small bleeding wound.

Beware of mosquitoes, carriers of malaria. Surely, you know that before traveling to Brazil, you should undergo a medical examination and make all the necessary vaccinations. Many diseases are better prevented than treated later. By the way, do not ignore mosquito nets, they will also serve as good protection. And in the Amazon they are strung over every bed.

Despite the fact that not all animals are safe for humans, some do not bear any harm. On the contrary, they cause admiration and smiles. For example:

1. Marmosets. These are tiny monkeys, weighing only about 100 grams. They are rarely shown to humans, as they are very shy. However, they are the cutest creatures. If you are lucky enough to see this baby, you will definitely not remain indifferent.

2. Among monkeys of intellectuals it is necessary to allocate a woolly monkey. Perhaps you can see them, firstly, they are much larger than marmosets, and secondly, they live in groups of ten to seventy individuals. They are very interesting to watch.

3. In the Amazon jungle there are also very unusual animals - paki. Imagine a rodent weighing about 10 kilograms, and even with hooves instead of claws. Our mice will seem to you not so scary. No, paki will not attack you, they are very fond of mangoes and avocados, and are good at climbing trees.

4. The armadillo is also an interesting animal. Armadillos weigh an average of 6 kg and feed on insects and worms. If you think that you can catch him, then you are mistaken, he will run away from you at a gallop and hide in a hole. He usually doesn't move that fast though.

5. Another animal harmless to humans is the tapir, although it is the size of a pony. They are very skittish. But if you really want to watch them, go to the river, they usually live there, because they like coolness and swimming. Tapirs have a small trunk that moves well. From the outside it looks funny.

6. Did you miss the bears? Brazil has its own ukumari bear. By the way, he is also a vegetarian, with the exception of insect larvae. He can get them with his claws. And so it usually eats roots and fruits. Do not be surprised, but sometimes he builds nests in a tree, and lives there for several days until he eats all the fruits.

7. And, probably, the most striking and cheerful representatives of the fauna of the Amazon are parrots. But where without these talkative, beautiful birds. In addition, they quickly get used to people. By the way, therefore, near some hotels in the Amazon you can watch a whole home zoo. Knowing what tourists want to see in the first place, local residents feed parrots and monkeys, and they are happy with tasty and plentiful food, so they don’t hide from people, and suddenly something else falls to them.

Amazon rainforests are endangered

Amazon jungle not only unusual and interesting for researchers and tourists, they are also considered the lungs of the planet, as they produce enough oxygen. However, there is a danger that these majestic forests may disappear. Until 2011, the most global problem was deforestation in the Amazon. People cleared land for plowing and grazing domestic animals. However, for several years now, such land has been depleted and become unsuitable for growing vegetables or grain crops, since it was not reclaimed and the environment was not taken care of. By the way, scientists say that if the felling is not stopped, it can lead to a sad outcome, a decrease in yield by about 30%. And over time, deforestation can lead to an ecological disaster, to the disappearance of plants and animals that are not adapted to another area.

So, deforestation in the Amazon must be suspended so as not to lose this wonder of the world.

In addition, the Amazon is the only home for two hundred thousand Indians, whose descendants have always lived on this land. And some of them are still isolated from civilization, they simply do not know how to live differently, and even if they meet people from another world, they are not very friendly towards them, because they are afraid that their life, their foundations and traditions may be destroyed.

If you are attracted nature of the Amazon If you want to look at least one eye into the past, be sure to come to Brazil. You will be captivated by the primitiveness of the inhabitants, amazing flora and fauna, and you will finally be convinced that life is beautiful.

Journey to the Amazon Jungle, video:

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If a person enters the forests in the Amazon, he can experience great joy several times - when he first enters this huge green paradise and when he can get out of this green forest hell. The Amazon forests are the lungs of the entire planet, their death will be a real catastrophe on a global scale.

eternal forests

The largest and most attractive rainforest is located near the Amazon. It spread to the territory of nine states, the largest part of it fell on Brazil.

Hot and fairly humid air masses rule the weather here all year round. Even moderate heat is hard to bear by a person in these places. There is no night coolness here, and the humidity of the air is always high. Feelings are as if you came into a greenhouse in the summer and you can’t get out of it.

Indigenous people do not need weather forecasts. Only one unique phenomenon can happen here - a day without rain. Every day, from the very morning, you can see the same picture - a cloudless sky and no precipitation. By the middle of the day, the wind begins to rise, which catches up with the clouds, and under the impressive roll of thunder, entire streams of water suddenly simply collapse. After a few hours, the heavy rain stops, and a completely calm and clear night sets in. The forests of the Amazon are an unpredictable area, which is why it attracts.

A huge variety of plants is a real find for those who love exotic nature. To enjoy it, you need to spend more than one day on exciting hikes through the Amazon forests. Here you can meet a variety of amazing plants that are fragrant in an area with an ideal climate for them.

In the power of stormy rivers

The rainforests of the Amazon "Igapo" are not rich in vegetation. Here you can meet rare representatives of tropical flora with respiratory roots not covered with soil. Many epiphytes and long vines grow. On the territory of this forest, a tourist can meet the plant "royal Victoria", the leaves of which are several meters in diameter.

The vegetation of the "varzei" forest is also not distinguished by a rich variety of species. The main advantage of this area is palm trees. You can find attractive and diverse orchids, a real abundance of ferns, hevea. Also, a liana or epiphyte grows at every step, they are distinguished by a bright green color and interesting leaf arrangements.

The Amazon rainforest "ete" is characterized by a special lushness and diversity of flora. We can safely say that this place is the richest in vegetation on the entire planet. There are no huge trees that dominate the rest of the tropics. The attention of tourists will be presented to plants of the laurel, mimosa, myrtle and legume families. There are also creeping plants that are as strong as real ropes.

The Amazon rainforest is sure to please, but you have to be prepared for a special climate that is not suitable for everyone. When a traveler is set to look for amazing plants, this is the place to go.

Tragedy of the Amazon

Deforestation in the Amazon is a problem that has been around for a very long time. Bans were imposed on the export of timber, but this did not stop the felling. Trees are almost always destroyed by poaching methods, secretly transporting them for sale. The main damage to forests is caused by partial felling, since in this case the forest is deprived of certain vegetation, which is very important for the surrounding ecosystem. This is how the perennial giant trees disappear. Deforestation has a negative impact on every layer of the Amazon forest.

Some areas of the rainforest are slowly recovering, but everything is happening very slowly. Artificial plantations are not able to replace the real tropics that were created by nature itself.

In some places, the tropics have turned into a real sad desert. It is quite difficult to imagine the vegetation that was green and actively growing in this area. The wind raises dust from the cracked earth, and earlier there was a huge forest that raged with vegetation and bright colors.

If the forest is finally destroyed, the territory of the Amazon can be turned into another Sahara.