11 Endangered Species in Amazon Rainforest

It is essential to know about the endangered species in Amazon in order to develop actions in favor of these animals. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reported that one million species are threatened with extinction. The platform is an independent body supported by the UN.

The report is a study based on the Planet’s biodiversity. In Amazon alone, it is believed that more than 10,000 species of animals and plants are at risk of extinction. The data are from the Scientific Panel for the Amazon, which reaffirms that at least 2,300 animals are at high risk of extinction.

Deforestation and forest degradation are largely responsible for the disappearance of animals from the Amazon. And more and more criminal human actions are destroying the biodiversity in the forest. In this post, you will know which animals are endangered in the Brazilian Amazon.

In this post:

• Which are the endangered species in Amazon Rainforest?
• For what reasons are they endangered?
• Get to know Redda+

Which are the endangered species in Amazon Rainforest?

Check out in this list which animals are endangered in Amazon in Brazil. In addition to these, we also separate those that are threatened to be extinct. These animals are part of the forest ecosystem, which is why it is so important to maintain the survival of the species. 

The order in the list does not reflect whether an animal is more or less important, whether it is going extinct or not. The point here is: these animals could disappear from the forest.

Margay

The margay is one of the endangered species in the Amazon 2021, it also belongs to other biomes in Brazil. It is a very vulnerable animal and similar to the jaguar, hence, it is constantly in the crosshairs of hunters. It is a small feline, also known as a wildcat.

The carnivorous mammal is 97 cm, weighs about 5 kg, has a very long tail, and lives alone. His preferred habitat is the dense forest, and, despite walking on the ground, he prefers to walk from “branch to branch”. A curiosity: to hunt, the wild cat imitates the sounds of a cub, attracting marmosets and birds to feed.

Amazon Weasel

The Amazon weasel is endangered, this nice and rare Brazilian mammal is a relative of the ferret. For a long time, the weasel had its origin linked to Africa, but, in fact, it is unique to South America. It is one of the rarities of the Amazon Basin and is located in the least explored areas of the forest. It is a carnivorous animal.

Amazon River Dolphin (Pink Dolphin)

One of the endangered species in the Amazon is the legendary pink dolphin. 

The freshwater dolphin is very present in the stories of the north of the country. However, this curious animal runs the risk of no longer existing in the rivers of the Amazon. 

The Amazon River Dolphin is a smart mammal, which can swim at speeds of up to 40 km/h and its jumps can reach 5 meters. They mainly feed on fish, crabs, and turtles.

Amazonian manatee

Manatees are endangered animals in Brazil. Out of the four species present in the world, one of them is in the Amazon. It is one of the smallest manatees of the species and its extinction, in part, is due to hunting. Fishermen go in search of the meat and oil of this adorable herbivorous mammal.

Plumed curassow

The Plumed curassow is on the list of endangered birds in the Amazon. It is a bird about 80 cm long and can weigh 2.7 kg. The bird is omnivorous and feeds on fruits, leaves, and small animals. 

It is possible to identify if the bird is female or male by the design on the belly. The female has white stripes on her belly, while the male has a white spot. Both have black fur.

Jaguar

The jaguar is one of the endangered species in Pantanal and Amazon. Deforestation and predatory hunting only make it difficult for this animal to live in its habitat. 

The jaguar is considered the largest American feline and can reach 135 kg. A curiosity: as it is an animal at the top of the food chain, it needs large preserved areas. So it’s a great thermometer about nature conservation.

Arapaima

Arapaima, or Pirarucu as it is known in Brazil, is one of the largest freshwater fish and is present in traditional Amazonian dishes. It is known as the cod of the Amazon. 

This fish, which can reach three meters in length and weigh up to 200 kg, is, unfortunately, disappearing. Commercial fishing is unlimited and affects the reproduction of Arapaima. In 2004, a normative instruction was created to stop the decline of the species.

Giant anteater

The giant anteater is an endangered species in the Amazon and other states of Brazil. 

The anteater’s peculiar meal, around 30,000 ants and termites a day, is a reason for the animal to look for varied habitats. Hunting, trampling, and burning are among the main reasons for the extinction of this animal.

The giant anteater measures about 2.20 meters and weighs up to 45 kg. It has a long tail, and its long snout helps it search for food. A curiosity is that the giant anteater has no teeth.

Harpy eagle

The harpy eagle is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. It is found in the Amazon, in some parts of the Atlantic Forest, in Southern Bahia, and in Northern Espírito Santo. 

The endangered bird can measure up to 105 cm in length and females are heavier than males. They can reach 9 kg, while males can reach 5 kg. The eagle feeds mainly on arboreal mammals. A curiosity: its claws can reach 7 cm.

Ararajuba

The yellow and green bird, also known as Garuba, is an endangered species in the Amazon. Its beauty is one of the reasons for the disappearance of the species, it attracts the eyes of those who want an exotic pet. In addition to this factor, habitat loss hinders the survival of the bird that prefers large, hollow, and isolated trees.

The Ararajuba is 34 cm and weighs 300 g, it feeds on oily fruits, flowers, seeds, and fruits. It is an animal that lives in a pack of up to 20 individuals. However, it is possible to find larger flocks, mainly in feeding areas. Climate change is responsible for much of the reduction in the population of birds in the Amazon.

Spider monkey

The spider monkey is one of the endangered primates in the Amazon. In Brazil, there are four species of spider monkeys and all of them are in danger of disappearing. 

They are considered the largest primates on the American continent, eat fruits and weigh about 10 kg. These animals can live up to 30 years. A curious fact is: the presence of the spider monkey in the forest indicates that it is healthy.

The white-fronted spider monkey is the most endangered of the species, this is because it has a characteristic that makes it more vulnerable. He has a forehead and goatee with white fur. This is more present in Pará and Mato Grosso.

For what reasons are they endangered?

The reason for the endangered species in the Amazon is closely related to human actions, including fires, deforestation, and hunting. These are actions that alter the forest habitat, making it difficult for fauna and flora to survive. There are also endangered plants in the Amazon, the results of which are disastrous.

It’s like a domino effect, the absence of a plant interferes with the diet of some animals. There are still animals that can no longer hide, or find places to ‘live’. One of the importance of conservation areas is precisely to be able to provide a safe environment for the species.

The installation of hydroelectric plants is also harmful to the forest ecosystem. And finally, climate change, caused by the uncontrolled growth of civilization, also impacts the lives of animals. The absence of these animals and plants is just the tip of the iceberg of worse situations that will arise without the presence of these living beings.

Click here and read about Help the Amazon Forest – How to Engage With Real Projects.

Find out how Redda+ and you can help preserve the Amazon

Redda+ is an organization concerned with the well-being, preservation, and conservation of the Amazon. For this, it develops projects that can add improvements not only to nature but also to traditional peoples. In this way, the projects consider the importance of harmony in the coexistence of the forest with its inhabitants, including humans.

It’s a bold thought, but we cling to it because we believe it’s possible to establish this sustainable connection. That’s why we design projects that respect the needs of the community, as well as the forest. In this construction, we rely on REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) mechanisms.

Through these mechanisms, we believe it is possible to collaborate with the reduction of negative impacts on nature. Including collaborating to maintain the ideal habitat for animals in the forest. In addition to REDD, we also consider the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening the focus on the preservation of all living beings.

Want to know more about Redda+ projects? So click here, get involved and help preserve the forest.