The Amazon Rainforest: A Hidden World
of Unknown Species
Amazon Rainforest roughly about the size of twice as India is
an unsolved mystery. These forests present in Brazil and 8 other countries aren’t
discovered fully yet. We’re still unaware of what sort of species do exist
here. But why is it unsolved?
Let’s Explore!
Geography
The Amazon Rainforests are located in 9 countries of South
America, which are Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana,
Suriname and French-Guiana. Around 40% of the South-American continent is
covered by these massive forests.
Being the largest Tropical forest, it’s home to millions of
species and many unknown forms of life, these unknown lives here are yet left
to be explored. Also there are over 400 tribes and more than 30 million people living
there many of them are still un-contacted. So it could be considered the richest
biological reservoir.
Species
It is believed that Amazon Rainforests are home to over 3
million species. Including 40,000 species of plants. In animals more than 1300
bird species, 430 + mammals, 1000+ amphibians and more than 400 retiles. In
total of more 3130 species of animals. And the estimate for insects is 2.5
million species. And another estimate
is that it’s just 10% of the total species of Amazon Rainforests discovered
yet.
History
Amazon Rainforests were first explored by a European explorer
Francisco de Orellana in 1500s.
Then in late 1800s Alexander Von Humboldt’s who was a German
Naturalist explored Amazon Rainforests.
Then gradually the interest in Amazon Rainforests when naturalists
such as Henry Walter Bates and Alfred Russel Wallace started exploring South
America and Amazon Rainforests.
Then after the Second World War when researchers started
focusing on Amazon Rainforests they noticed the vast production of oxygen and
absorption of Carbon-di-oxide by the Amazon Rainforests and they named them “The
Lungs of The Earth”.
Then with the advancement of satellites allowing scientists
to monitor the rainforests better. Especially the deforestation which actually
started in late 1800s and early 1900s when the rubber was discovered, so to
monitor accurately satellites were very effective.
Then from 1980s till now the organizations have been focusing
more and have been working to reduce the deforestation and to protect the
rights of the indigenous people since the knowledge of the indigenous people is
crucial to manage the forests.
Now the organizations are still working to preserve the
Amazon while maintaining the economy development.
Unexplored Regions of Amazon Forests
There are a lot more of regions left to explore. The reason is
the challenging journey with massive trees which block the way.
It isn’t easy to explore these regions in fact it’s not very
much possible to contact those tribes, what if they get violates?
It’s all the nature and mystery!
Some of the incredible mysteries are Jabuticaba which is a
Brazilian Grape Tree. Giant Water Lily which are so and strong that the weight
of an adult person can be supported on them. Rafflesia is also a mysterious
plant for a couple of reasons like this fruit has no leaves or roots. Then, it
produces heat without photosynthesis. Also an unpleasant smell is released by
it which seems like meat which is rotten. And a lot more mysteries are hidden
in Amazon Rainforests.
So Amazon Rainforests are dangerous, aren’t they?
We can say they are since it has a lot of mysteries, the
structure and the disputes among the population of the forest make it a
dangerous place.
Then who won’t be afraid in such places which are dark even
in the day. Well, you might wonder who turned the lights off, so there are
thick leaves which capture light up to 99%.
But what about the people who already live in the forests?
So they are the native people, farmers, miners etc. As told
that there are over 400 Indigenous tribes living there. But sometimes they face
threats as well.
Amazon Rainforests can unsafe for the people who live there
because of the many dangers such as animals including Green Anaconda, Amazon
Giant Centipede, and Amazon Tarantula etc.
Recent Discoveries in the Amazon Rainforest
In December 2024, an expedition in
Peru's Alto Mayo Landscape led to the discovery of 27 new species, including
four mammals, eight fish, three amphibians, and ten butterflies. Among these was
an amphibious mouse with webbed feet and a blob-headed fish, highlighting the
region's rich biodiversity.
Additionally, two new species of
poison dart frogs, Ranitomeya aquamarina and Ranitomeya
aetherea, were identified in the Brazilian Amazon. These brightly
colored frogs add to the complexity of Amazonian wildlife and underscore the
need for increased conservation efforts in the region .
Conservation
Efforts and Challenges
Despite these remarkable discoveries,
the Amazon Rainforest faces significant threats from deforestation, illegal
mining, and climate change. These activities not only jeopardize
the habitat of countless species but also the livelihoods of indigenous
communities who depend on the forest for sustenance and cultural practices.
Conservation organizations and local
governments are working to implement sustainable practices and enforce
environmental regulations. However, the scale of the challenges
requires global cooperation and commitment to ensure the preservation of this
vital ecosystem.
The
Importance of Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous communities possess
invaluable knowledge about the Amazon's ecosystems, honed over centuries of
living in harmony with nature. Their insights into plant and animal
behavior, medicinal uses, and ecological balance are crucial for effective
conservation strategies. Empowering these
communities and integrating their knowledge into conservation efforts can lead
to more sustainable and culturally respectful outcomes.
Looking
Ahead
The Amazon Rainforest continues to be
a source of wonder and discovery. Each new species found is a testament
to the resilience and complexity of life within its boundaries. However, the urgency of protecting this irreplaceable ecosystem
has never been greater. Through continued research,
conservation, and respect for indigenous knowledge, there is hope for the
future of the Amazon and the countless species that call it home.