The Amazon Rainforest is named after the Amazon River, the live force of the jungle. It is a unique ecosystem that harbors 30% of all living species in the world and forms the largest track of tropical rainforest in the planet. Its extension reaches 7 million square kilometers distributed among nine countries, of which Brazil and Peru have the largest extension.
The Amazon Rainforest is also called “Lung of the Planet”; it provides 20% of the total oxygen on Earth. In addition, 28 billion gallons of its waters flow into the Atlantic every minute, diluting the salinity of the ocean for more than 100 miles offshore. The Amazon watershed is home to the world’s highest biodiversity, with more species of plants and animals than any other terrestrial ecosystem on the planet.
Unparalleled biodiversity is key in the Amazon Rainforest, considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. More than one third of all the species recorded in the planet are found in the Amazon Basin; one in 5 of all birds on earth live in this extraordinary habitat. You can find some 3000 species of fruits, all edible. A common rumor is that a single Amazon shrub contains more species of ants than all of Great Britain. It is the largest collection of living plants and animal species on the planet.
What’s more, it is estimated that many thousands of species are yet to be discovered, proven by regular findings by scientists. Among the most mysterious are the pink and gray dolphins found in many tributaries, lakes and along the main rivers. Other exotic species are the impressive anaconda, the queen of the rainforest; the brown-throated sloth; blue, red and yellow macaws; the wild piranhas, who, contrary to popular believe, usually eat fallen fruits; pumas, and white and black caimans.
Discover the Amazon Rainforest and all that it has to offer: beautiful scenery, exotic wildlife and traditional native communities. Navigate the Amazon in Delfin Amazon Cruises, and live a memorable experience. For more information on the departure, check here for availability.
Recent Posts
