By: Isabella Sanchez, Gaia Planet Project Developer
April 8th, 2024
Geography
The Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covers an area of 2,300,000 square miles. Its forest stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the tree line of the Andes in the West. The Amazon Rainforest covers parts of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. It is characterized by lots of rainfall, extremely high temperatures, and humidity [Britannica].
Animals/Plants
- Monkeys
- Jaguars
- Frogs
- Snakes
- Butterflies
- Lizards
- Ocelots
- Tapirs
[Arbor Day Foundation]
- Orchids
- Rubber trees
- Poinsettas
- Passion flowers
- Peace lillies
- Mahogany trees
- Brazil Nut Trees
- Strangler fig
Threats
- Deforestation is a major threat to the Amazon Rainforest. The impacts of deforestation include loss of biodiversity, habitat degradation, global climate modification, loss of water cycling, and a decreased dependability on the forest [World Wildlife Fund].
What can we do to help?
Fortunately, there are things we can do to ensure the preservation and health of the beautiful Amazon Rainforest, such as:
- Reduce oil, beef, paper, and wood consumption [Adventure Life]
- Buy responsibly sourced products/products that will give back
- Avoid fast fashion and watch your carbon footprint
- Host a fundraiser to support rainforest organizations
- Volunteer for a local rainforest organization (if available to you)
- Educate yourself and others on the importance of rainforests!
[Rainforest Foundation US]