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The hidden life of the Amazon rainforest: Do you know how many species of animals and plants there are here?
The Amazon rainforest is not only the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, it is also one of the most biologically diverse forests. Research shows that this ecosystem contains more than 3.9 billion trees, approximately 16,000 tree species and thousands of plant and animal species.
When many people think of the Amazon rainforest, they think of vast evergreen forests, unique animals, and a variety of unexplored mysteries. The name Amazon comes from the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana. When he came into contact with local indigenous tribes, he witnessed women and men fighting together, which reminded him of the Amazons in Greek mythology.
This rainforest covers most of the Amazon Basin in South America, including nine countries including Brazil, Peru and Colombia, and is home to more than 350 different indigenous peoples, forming a unique human culture. Many people may not know that this rainforest is not only a natural miracle, but also a witness to the cultural and technological development of mankind over thousands of years.
Human presence has lasted in this rainforest for more than 11,200 years, and archaeological discoveries show that early Amazonians excelled in environmental management and sustainable agriculture.
However, with the increase in human activities, the Amazon rainforest is facing unprecedented threats. According to various estimates, the Amazon's forest cover has now decreased by 20%. This not only destroys the local ecological balance, but also has a profound impact on the global climate. Forests absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, reduce greenhouse gases, and protect biodiversity. Current damage will lead to the weakening of these functions.
Scientists estimate that 10% of the known species live in the Amazon rainforest, including approximately 40,000 plant species, 2,200 fish species, 1,294 bird species, and 427 mammal species. Some of these species are critical to the stability of ecosystems. But due to continued deforestation and climate change, many species are facing extinction.
The first record of 716 species in the Amazon rainforest comes in the past two decades, showing the region remains a hotspot for new discoveries of life.
It’s not just the diversity of species, the entire rainforest ecosystem also shows amazing complexity. Amazon trees display different photosynthetic abilities under seasonal changes, which reflects their ability to adapt to environmental changes. And this is what scientists who study Amazon biodiversity are most interested in.
As global warming intensifies, the future of the Amazon rainforest becomes even more uncertain. Data show that the harsh living environment has made it increasingly difficult for dozens of species of animals and plants to survive. Investigations since the 1950s have shown that the Amazon ecosystem has become imbalanced, and human development needs have further exacerbated ecological vulnerability. Every year, the Amazon rainforest is threatened by rising rates of deforestation and forest fires.
Environmentalists are calling for policy to focus more on protecting the Amazon, especially as global demand for sustainable development increases.
As the demand for forest resources intensifies, more than 90% of Amazonian flora and fauna have been affected by deforestation and other human activities. These changes not only affect local biodiversity, but also directly affect global ecological balance and climate change.
The current situation of the Amazon rainforest makes us reflect on whether nature can endure such huge damage? Will this once green wonder disappear into the long river of history in the near future? How should we act to protect this earth’s treasure?
