Amazon jungle: what is it, where is, animals and tribes

The Amazon jungle, also known as the Amazon or Amazonit is a vast region of tropical jungle that is mainly in South Americacovering multiple countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Surinam and French Guayana. It is one of the most diverse and complex biomes of the planet and plays a crucial role in the health of our planet and in the regulation of global climate.

The Amazon is home to a amazing amount of lifehouse approximately 10% of all known species on Earth. This region contains an immense variety of plants, animals, insects and microorganisms, many of which have not yet been discovered and cataloged.

It is characterized by its dense vegetation, with High and leafy trees that form a thick canopy that covers the ground and limits the sunlight that reaches the ground. This plant density contributes to the unique biodiversity of the region. His Warm and wet weather Throughout the year, with high temperatures and frequent rains. Moisture is essential to maintain the jungle, since most of the precipitation is recycled through the evaporation and perspiration of plants.

We cannot avoid saying that it plays a vital role in the World climate regulation. It acts as a Carbon sinkabsorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) of the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change. It also influences rain patterns and atmospheric circulation globally. Here you can read about how vegetation influences the weather.

We also recommend knowing the different types of jungles and their characteristics.

The Amazon jungle is mainly in South America and covers a large extension of land that extends through several countries in the region. The nine countries of the Amazon jungle are the following:

• Brazil: The Brazilian part of the Amazon jungle is the most extensive and represents approximately two thirds of the entire Amazon. It extends mainly in the north of the country, covering states such as Amazonas, Paraá, Acre and Roraima, among others.
• Peru: The Peruvian Amazon is in the east region of the country, and is a significant part of the global Amazon. Cities like Iquitos and Pucallpa are in this region.
• Colombia: In Colombia, the Amazon is mainly located in the south of the country, in the departments of Amazonas, Caquetá, Guaviare and Putumayo.
• Venezuela: The Venezuelan Amazon jungle is located in southern Venezuela, in the state of Amazonas.
• Ecuador: The Ecuadorian Amazon is in the northeast part of the country, in provinces such as Sucumbíos, Napo, Pastaza and Morona Santiago.
• Bolivia: The Bolivian Amazon is in the north of the country, in the department of Pando and parts of Beni and La Paz.
• Guyana: The Amazon jungle extends in southwest Guyana, representing an important part of this South American country.
• Surinam: Surinam also houses a part of the Amazon jungle in its territory, in the southern region of the country.
• French Guayana: This overseas territory in France in South America also includes a portion of the Amazon, located north of South America.

The Amazon jungle is the habitat of an immense variety of wildlife types. Among them, there are 427 mammalian species, 1,300 species of birds, 427 species of amphibians, 3,000 fish species and 378 species of known reptiles. In addition, the Amazon also houses more than 2 million types of insects. It is noteworthy that only in this region you can find one in five species of existing birds. In addition, with respect to its vegetation, there are thousands of species of plants, large trees, shrubs, palm treesetc. Here you can know some Amazon plants and here learn about the deforestation of the Amazon: causes and consequences.

Keep in mind that certain creatures are present exclusively in the Amazon. These creatures cover several species, including reptiles such as Anaconda, mammals such as the Tití León Dorado, the howler monkey, the jaguar, the lazy, the spider monkey and the Dolphin of the Amazon river, and birds such as the Tucán and the red guacamaya. In addition, in this region you can also find amphibians, such as glass frog and poisonous frogs.

The forests, with their diverse range of wildlife, have been a catalyst for extensive exploration in the nine regions, more markedly in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. As a consequence, the presence of this fauna has become an important economic source.

Most of the in danger of extinction of the Amazon junglesuch as the pink Dolphin of the Amazon River, they owe their threat to the economy of the human being. Although in recent times, great efforts have been directed to the preservation of wildlife, including the establishment of sanctuaries and facilities for the care of animals. These initiatives have been implemented with the intention of closely monitoring the endangered species and providing them with the necessary care to increase their number before reintroducing them in their natural habitats.

We recommend reading these articles about Amazon animals and animals in danger of extinction in the Amazon.

The indigenous tribes that inhabit the Amazon jungle have been able to prosper in their environment thanks to their deep understanding of nature. This delicate balance between humanity and the natural world It has been decisive to preserve the innate state of the Amazon. The regions of Brazil, Peru and Colombia have the largest population of Amazonian natives. Anthropologists have carried out extensive research to provide us with a deeper understanding of these cultures and their way of life.

These are some of the best known tribes of the Amazon jungle, although some are disappearing, since they are threatened by the economic activity of the human being:

• Piripkura in Brazil: Discovered to the rest of the world in the 1980s, the Piripkura are a community of approximately 20 people residing in the Mato Grosso region. Its native language is Tupi-Kawahib, a linguistic family that they share with other indigenous tribes located within Brazil.
• The Kawahiva tribe in Brazil: It is a group of indigenous peoples known for their unique way of life and cultural practices. In the past, the population of a tribe that resided in the Amazon jungle reached 50 individuals. It has currently been discovered that the number of inhabitants can be significantly lower. The reason for this is due to the persecution of the tribe through timber invasions, in search of the resources of the jungle.
• The Korubos in Brazil and Peru: They have coexisted with other inhabitants of the Amazon jungle for centuries, including those that remain isolated from modern civilization. Mainly hunters, fishermen and collectors, the Korubos live in symbiosis with nature, returning what they capture. However, their survival is threatened by diseases that contract when they find outsiders.
• Nahua in Peru: It has a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved for generations. From their traditional clothing to their unique musical and artistic expressions, the Nahuas have remained firm in their commitment to preserve their way of life. Despite facing numerous challenges, including discrimination and marginalization, Nahua continue to maintain their cultural practices and traditions with pride and resilience.
• Nukak in Colombia: This indigenous group is one of the last in South America in maintaining its traditional way of life, free from the influence of external cultures. However, due to the modernization and invasion of the industry, the existence of the Nukak people is threatened.

In these articles you can discover more about what are the indigenous peoples of the Amazon and how the Amazon tribes live.

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