With biodiversity abound, the rainforest is our planet’s treasure.
The rainforest is an ecological treasure covering terrain across the planet – from Central and South America, India, and parts of Asia. In each rainforest, biodiversity thrives beneath the canopy of lush greenery.
The unique environment of the rainforest makes it capable of supporting more species than any other ecosystem on the entire planet. With plants ranging from Giant Water Lilies to the elusive Corpse Flower; and animals like the Scarlet Macaw and the Okapi – true biodiversity can be found in every corner of the rainforest.
Here’s our list of some of the interesting plants and animals that can be found beneath the canopies of the rainforest:
- Sulawesi Bear Cuscus: This animal is actually inaccurately named — it's not a bear, it's a marsupial. These animals reside in the rainforest trees of Indonesia, and are named for their thick fur and intense stare. They carry their babies in their pouches for eight months. The pouch is used to help their babies fully develop.
- The Green Anaconda: You don’t want to run into one of these massive snakes. 8 meters long and approximately 249 kilograms, the Green Anaconda is unrivaled in size. This snake occupies both the water and land of the Amazon rainforest; eating a range of animals from capybara to jaguars. Anacondas show how truly diverse and terrifying rainforest nature can be!
- Giant Water Lillies: These gorgeous flowers are three meters wide and have a beautiful pink and white hue. But you have to act fast if you want to see this flower bloom— they only bloom for 48 hours, starting at night.
- Monkey Cups: This plant earns its title from being used as a refreshing beverage by the monkeys of the rainforest. This unusual plant is able to collect water due to it’s cup-like shape. The cup shape also serves the purpose of capturing and digesting insects for nutrients — who are lured to the plant by a sweet goopy substance.
With the perils of climate change and human interference; the rainforest and the special species that call it home are in danger. It’s estimated that approximately 10,000 different animal species are at risk of extinction in the rainforest.
Since there is no place on Earth like the rainforest; it’s integral that we act now to prevent further damage to this essential ecosystem.
It’s time to act now. Donate now to VAKOVAKO and make a difference on WORLD RAINFOREST DAY.
