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25+ Must-Know Facts About the Amazon Rainforest

Written By Anne Kostick
Last updated: January 14, 2025

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most fascinating and diverse ecosystems on the planet, spanning over 5.5 million square kilometers across nine countries in South America.

It is home to an estimated 10% of all known plant and animal species, and its preservation is crucial for the health of our planet. Here are 30 must-know facts about the Amazon Rainforest that will leave you in awe.

1. The Amazon Rainforest is Often Referred to as the Lungs of the Earth

The Amazon Rainforest produces about 20% of the world's oxygen, thanks to its vast array of plant species that undergo photosynthesis. This process helps to regulate the Earth's atmosphere and supports life on our planet.

2. The Amazon River is the Largest River in the World by Discharge Volume

The Amazon River accounts for about 15% of the freshwater that flows into the oceans, with an average discharge volume of 209,000 cubic meters per second. This massive river system is the lifeblood of the Amazon Rainforest.

3. There are Over 40,000 Plant Species in the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is home to an incredible array of plant species, including thousands of flowering plants, trees, and vines. Many of these plants have medicinal properties and are used to develop new medicines.

4. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to 10% of All Known Animal Species

The Amazon Rainforest is a haven for wildlife, with an estimated 10% of all known animal species calling it home. This includes iconic animals like jaguars, sloths, and macaws.

5. The Amazon Rainforest has been around for at least 55 Million Years

Facts About the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest has been in existence for at least 55 million years, with some estimates suggesting it may be even older. This makes it one of the oldest continuously surviving rainforests on the planet.

6. Indigenous Communities Have Lived in the Amazon Rainforest for Thousands of Years

There are over 400 indigenous communities living in the Amazon Rainforest, each with their own unique culture and traditional way of life. These communities have lived in harmony with the forest for thousands of years.

7. The Amazon Rainforest is Responsible for Producing About 20% of the World's Fresh Water

The Amazon Rainforest plays a critical role in the global water cycle, producing about 20% of the world's fresh water. This water is essential for agriculture, industry, and human consumption.

8. Deforestation is a Major Threat to the Amazon Rainforest

Deforestation is one of the biggest threats to the Amazon Rainforest, with millions of hectares of forest being cleared every year. This not only harms the environment but also contributes to climate change.

9. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to the World's Largest Waterfall, by Volume

The Amazon Rainforest is home to the world's largest waterfall, by volume, which is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. The Iguazu Falls are a breathtaking sight, with over 2 million liters of water flowing over the edge every second.

10. The Amazon Rainforest has the Highest Level of Biodiversity on the Planet

The Amazon Rainforest has the highest level of biodiversity on the planet, with millions of different species of plants and animals calling it home. This biodiversity is essential for the health of the planet.

11. The Amazon Rainforest is Often Called the "Pharmacy of the World"

The Amazon Rainforest is often called the "pharmacy of the world" due to its vast array of medicinal plants. Many modern medicines have been developed from plants found in the Amazon Rainforest.

12. The Amazon Rainforest Plays a Critical Role in Regulating the Earth's Climate

The Amazon Rainforest plays a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate, with its vast array of plants helping to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. This helps to mitigate the effects of climate change.

13. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to Over 2,000 Species of Birds

The Amazon Rainforest is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 2,000 species of birds calling it home. This includes iconic species like the macaw, toucan, and hummingbird.

14. The Amazon Rainforest has the Highest Concentration of Fresh Water Fish in the World

The Amazon Rainforest is home to the highest concentration of fresh water fish in the world, with over 2,000 species found in its rivers and streams. This includes iconic species like the piranha and the Arapaima.

15. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to the World's Largest Ant Species

Facts About the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is home to the world's largest ant species, the Dinoponera gigantea, which can grow up to 2.5 cm in length. These ants are known for their powerful mandibles and distinctive black and red coloring.

16. The Amazon Rainforest has a Complex Network of Underground Fungi

The Amazon Rainforest has a complex network of underground fungi that helps to facilitate communication and nutrient exchange between plants. This network is essential for the health of the forest ecosystem.

17. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to the World's Largest Species of Lily Pad

The Amazon Rainforest is home to the world's largest species of lily pad, the Victoria amazonica, which can grow up to 6 meters in diameter. These lily pads are capable of supporting the weight of a small child.

18. The Amazon Rainforest has a Unique "Meeting of the Waters" Phenomenon

The Amazon Rainforest has a unique "meeting of the waters" phenomenon, where the dark, acidic waters of the Rio Negro meet the light, alkaline waters of the Amazon River. This creates a striking visual effect, with the two rivers flowing side by side without mixing.

19. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to Over 3,000 Species of Tarantulas

The Amazon Rainforest is home to over 3,000 species of tarantulas, including the infamous Goliath Birdeater. These spiders play an important role in the forest ecosystem, helping to control insect populations.

20. The Amazon Rainforest is a Major Carbon Sink

The Amazon Rainforest is a major carbon sink, with its vast array of plants helping to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps to mitigate the effects of climate change and regulate the Earth's climate.

21. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to the Poison Dart Frog

The Amazon Rainforest is home to the poison dart frog, a tiny but deadly amphibian that has been used by indigenous communities for centuries to poison the tips of their hunting darts. These frogs have a unique toxicity that makes them one of the most interesting creatures in the forest.

22. The Amazon Rainforest has a Unique "Foggy" Climate

The Amazon Rainforest has a unique "foggy" climate, with mist and fog rolling in every morning to create a mystical atmosphere. This fog is created by the Amazon River and its tributaries, which release massive amounts of moisture into the air.

23. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to Over 1,300 Species of Butterflies

The Amazon Rainforest is home to over 1,300 species of butterflies, including the iconic blue morpho and the glasswing butterfly. These beautiful creatures are a delight to behold, with their vibrant colors and delicate wings.

24. The Amazon Rainforest has the World's Largest Population of Jaguars

The Amazon Rainforest has the world's largest population of jaguars, with estimates suggesting that there are over 60,000 of these majestic cats roaming the forest. Jaguars are an apex predator and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

25. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to the World's Largest Species of Otter

The Amazon Rainforest is home to the world's largest species of otter, the giant otter, which can grow up to 2.4 meters in length. These playful creatures are a delight to watch, with their sleek fur and agile movements.

26. The Amazon Rainforest has a Complex Network of Tree Roots

The Amazon Rainforest has a complex network of tree roots that help to facilitate communication and nutrient exchange between trees.

This network is essential for the health of the forest ecosystem and allows trees to share resources and warnings with each other.

27. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to Over 3,000 Species of Fish

The Amazon Rainforest is home to over 3,000 species of fish, including the iconic piranha and the Arapaima. These fish are an important food source for many of the forest's inhabitants, from birds to mammals.

28. The Amazon Rainforest has the World's Largest Population of Sloths

The Amazon Rainforest has the world's largest population of sloths, with estimates suggesting that there are over 1 million of these slow-moving mammals roaming the forest.

Sloths are an iconic symbol of the Amazon Rainforest and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

29. The Amazon Rainforest is Home to the World's Largest Species of Turtle

The Amazon Rainforest is home to the world's largest species of turtle, the Amazon river turtle, which can grow up to 1.5 meters in length.

These gentle creatures are an important part of the forest ecosystem and help to maintain the health of the rivers and streams.

30. The Amazon Rainforest is a Key Player in Global Climate Regulation

The Amazon Rainforest is a key player in global climate regulation, with its vast array of plants helping to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

This helps to mitigate the effects of climate change and regulate the Earth's climate, making the Amazon Rainforest one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.

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Charles Eames

Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.

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