Amazon
Species
The Amazon is home to some of the world's most unusual wildlife, and sustains millions of species. Here are just a few of the Amazon's inhabitants.
Jaguar
© Edward Mendell
Jaguar
Jaguars are the largest of American cats and are strong swimmers and climbers. Once found from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina, jaguars today inhabit only the rain forests of Central and South America. A legendary symbol of Latin America's tropical rain forests, the jaguar requires large areas of natural habitat to survive. The third largest cat in the world, jaguars may weigh more than 300 pounds and grow to more than eight feet in length, including a two-foot tail. Most countries with jaguar populations legally protect them, but hunting and habitat loss continue to be threats to the survival of the species.
Poison Dart Frog
© Steve Morello
Poison dart frog
With its striking appearance, unique features and cool name, the poison dart frog is one of the most interesting - and dangerous - species in the Amazon. While many other frog species have brown or green skin, which helps camouflage themselves in the wild, the poison dart frog uses its brightly colored skin to warn predators that it is "unfit to eat." The frog's skin also serves another protective function - it secretes a dangerous poison that can paralyze and in some cases kill predators.
Scarlet Macaw
© Steve Morello
Scarlet macaw
The 495,000 square miles of Amazonian rain forest in Peru contain almost half of all bird species found in South America, including the scarlet macaw. Highly intelligent, macaws mate for life and may live up to 60 years. Their splendid plumage and commercial value make them a popular species in the illegal pet trade, which has devastated populations of wild exotic birds. To stop this illegal capture, WWF supports efforts to phase out the import of wild birds to the United States and encourages captive breeding as one alternative to illegal capture.
Howler monkey
The howler monkey's large vocal organ is hidden by long black hair on its throat. Using their loud, distinctive call - which can be heard up to two miles away -- howler monkeys warn other animals away from their territory. The howler monkey's diet consists mainly of fruit, much of it not yet ripe. The howler monkey lives in troops of 10 to 30 monkeys comprising both sexes.
