WITH an area of more than 5,5 million km², the Amazon is the largest rainforest on Earth. It covers about 40% of the South American continent and stretches across nine countries – Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. There are 35 million people living in this rainforest, of which 9% are indigenous groups.
UNIQUE WILDLIFE
About 10% of all the known plant and animal species on our planet is found in this region, as well as 5% of all known bird species. The Amazon Rainforest is home to about 427 mammal species, 1 300 bird species, 378 reptile species and more than 400 amphibian species. The Amazon River is almost 7 000km long and contains the largest number of freshwater fish in the world.
Let’s look at a few interesting animal species:
The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) looks like a large guinea pig and is the largest rodent on Earth. Its shoulder height can reach 60cm and it can weigh nearly 70kg. It lives in groups near water. It’s not endangered
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the largest of the four living anteater species and grows 2m long. Its distinguishing feature is its especially long snout, with which it slurps up bugs such as ants and termites. Its conservation status is vulnerable.
The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a popular exotic pet. It’s a herbivore and the males can grow to more than 2m from head to tail. Its conservation status is least concern.
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 13 May 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 13 May 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William