Amazing Amazon Animals

Posted on by Daisy Prado

The Amazon Jungle (locals refer to the rainforest as “The Jungle”) is known for its diversity. This is the breakdown in numbers (prepare to be amazed!):

  • 2.5 million species of insects
  • 40,000+ of plants species
  • 2,200 species of  fishes
  • 1,300 species of birds
  • 430 species of mammals
  • 430 species of amphibians
  • 390 species of reptiles

And these are just estimates!!!! On top of that, there are so many corners of the Amazon that are untouched and therefore undiscovered. The Amazon is said to be home to 1 in 10 KNOWN species of the Earth.

Countdown of CUTE Amazonian Animals

CAPYBARA. The largest of the rodent family, these cuties can weigh up to 200 pounds! Deceiving huh?
CAPYBARA. The largest of the rodent family, these cuties can weigh up to 200 pounds! Deceiving huh?
GIANT ANTEATER. Their very useful tongues can be up to 2 feet long and lick 160 times in 1 minute!
GIANT ANTEATER. Their very useful tongues can be up to 2 feet long and lick 160 times in 1 minute!
SQUIRREL MONKEY. This little trouble-makers can jump up to 8 feet among trees.
SQUIRREL MONKEY. This little trouble-makers can jump up to 8 feet among trees.
THREE-TOED SLOTH. The world's sleepiest mammal. It is so lethargic that algae has the ability to grow on its fur. (And yes this cutie is smiling at you.)
THREE-TOED SLOTH. The world’s sleepiest mammal. It is so lethargic that algae has the ability to grow on its fur. (And yes this cutie is smiling at you.)
OCELOT. These fierce kitties only grow to be 2 the size of a house cat and actually like swimming.
OCELOT. These fierce kitties only grow to be 2 the size of a house cat and actually like swimming.
AMAZONIAN MANATEE. The only plant-eating marine mammals. Also known as sea cows
AMAZONIAN MANATEE. The only plant-eating marine mammals. Also known as sea cows.

Here are some of the Amazon’s most BIZARRE creatures:

GREEN BASILISK. Also know as THE JESUS LIZARD because of it's ability to "walk" on water.
GREEN BASILISK. Also know as THE JESUS LIZARD because of it’s ability to “walk” on water.
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN. Locals claim it is bad luck to kill a dolphin. (I wish others would agree!)
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN. Locals claim it is bad luck to kill a dolphin. (I wish others would agree!)
CANDIRU. These awful parasites lodge themselves up in your urinary tract. Yikes!
CANDIRU. These awful parasites lodge themselves up in your urinary tract. Yikes!
ANACONDA. Contrary to most beliefs the Anaconda is non-venomous. But it is still the largest snake on the planet!
ANACONDA. Contrary to most beliefs the Anaconda is non-venomous. But it is still the largest snake on the planet!
GLASS FROG. What is cooler than this??
GLASS FROG. What is cooler than this??

5 thoughts on “Amazing Amazon Animals”

      1. Love it, although in truth its a bit of a love-hate relationship. So much good, so much beauty, but so utterly terrible in social matters. Politics is just awful and there are far too many stray animals. Our house is becoming a rescue shelter in its own :)

        Reply

        1. It is sad to see such a beautiful country be torn apart by corruption…
          That is great! :) I live in a city and have a soft spot for stray animals so it destroys me when I see them running around down here.

          Well thank you so much for checking out my amateur blog! haha :) I hope to visit down there in a few years!

          Reply

  2. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the number of living beings in the Jungle. Also thank you for liking my blog post Affirmation, Gratitude and Worthiness. Gratitude Dance. :~)

    Reply

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Daisy Prado's avatar
Comms. Turtle Enthusiast. Weekend Activist.