The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the Lungs of our Planet, is a magnificent expanse that has captivated the imaginations and hearts of people around the globe. Its vastness, diversity, and intricate ecosystem play a pivotal role in the environmental health of our world. In this blog, we will unveil the many facts about Amazon rainforest, revealing why it remains one of Earth’s most crucial and fascinating regions.
One of the most amazing facts about Amazon rainforests is that it is the biggest in the World. It covers about 40 percent of South America and is much bigger than the United States. Its area is 6.9 million square kilometers. It also includes the areas in Guiana and the Amazon Basin and 80 percent of the area is covered with forests.
Here are interesting facts about Amazon Rainforest:
Deforestation
Deforestation was a common issue in Brazil from 2002 to 2012 but afterward, strict policies were made to gain control over the illegal chopping down of forests. But with careful monitoring and strict policies, it has been recovered in 2021.
Biodiversity
Interesting facts about Amazon rainforests are that it holds the largest collection of plants, animals, and insects. 2.5 billion insects and 1300 bird species are found in it and yet one of the amazing facts about Amazon rainforests. Every now and then, a new specie is discovered in the forest. It provides a home to many popular and yet many unknown species.
Indigenous groups
Not only that about 30 million people live in the Amazon forests and they have different languages. They belong to different groups.
Rainfall cycle
Amazon rainforests release about 20 billion tons of water into the atmosphere which then form dense clouds and retain the cycle of rainfall. We can estimate the number of trees by this proportion. It means that each tree can produce a thousand liters of water per day.
Conception about the source of life
The Amazon rainforest is renowned for being the oxygen source for all the organisms on Earth. Though it regulates rainfall and has major climate changes, it also produces the same amount of carbon dioxide. It means that rainforests are not solely the source of oxygen. Most of the oxygen is available to us by the microorganisms.
Darkness at the bottom
The bottom part of these dense amazon rainforests s extremely dense and thick. Only one percent of the light can reach the ground through the thick covering of the leaves. The water needs 8 to 10 minutes to get to the herbs and shrubs going there.
Food and medicine source
Amazon forest is the source of food and medicines for most of us. 80% of the food and fruit variety is compensated by these rich rainforests. Surprisingly, about 25% of our medicine sources have the composition of plants from it. The exploration of these varieties is yet incomplete and we can not actually predict how much more benefits these plants and trees are hiding deep in the forests.
African desert
It is one of the surprising facts about Amazon rainforests that it gets a fresh supply of nutrients filed sand and soil from the Sahara desert. The sand particles fly from the Sahara desert pass over the Atlantic and lastly settle down at the bottom of Amazon rainforests.
Amazon River
It is the world’s largest river after River Nile but has the most volume of water. Its area is more than 6000 km and has multiple waterways which throw 50 to 55 gallons of water into the Atlantic Ocean per second.
Sound Symphony
The Amazon is not just a visual feast, it’s a sonic extravaganza too! From the booming calls of howler monkeys to the buzzing choruses of cicadas, the rainforest vibrates with a unique symphony of life. Immerse yourself in this natural soundscape and feel the rhythm of the wild.
Fragile Future
Despite its vastness, the Amazon’s future is under threat. Deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable practices are chipping away at its magic. It’s our responsibility to protect this irreplaceable treasure for future generations, ensuring its secrets and wonders continue to inspire and amaze.
Conclusion
The Amazon Rainforest symbolizes the rich interconnected web of life on our planet. Its protection is not just about preserving a region; it’s about ensuring the health and survival of the Earth itself. As stewards of this planet, we must rise to the challenge of safeguarding this priceless natural treasure for future generations.