Estimate then count

Estimate then count

Estimate then count

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Estimate then count

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Estimate then count

© ZIG KOCH / WWF

Research in action

© SARAH HUTCHISON / WWF-UK

The trees and plants of the Amazon

© GREG ARMFIELD / WWF-UK

The Amazon covers an area of 6.7 million km2 and is home to over 40% of the planet’s rainforest.

It has more than 40,000 species of plant.

All of which help to regulate global climate and sustain the localwater cycle.

Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra)The tallest tree in the Amazon is the kapok tree standing 63m high from the forest floor.

Its wood is lightweight and porous; good for making canoes.

The silky fibres that disperse the seeds are great for stuffing soft toys and cushions.

The seed oils are used to make soap and medicines.

© ZIG KOCH / WWF

Giant waterlilly (Victoria amazonica)The largest water lilly in the world, this aquatic plant has enormous circular leaves that grow up to 2.5m in diameter.

Each season, a single plant will grow between 40 and 50 leaves.

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Brazil-nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa)At 40m high, this tree can live for 1,000 years. It was so highly prized by indigenous people that its nuts were once used as currency.

Only one group of insects, euglossine bees, can pollinate the Brazil-nut.

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Big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)

Only second in height to the kapok at 60m, the big-leaf mahogany tree shoots through the top of the rainforest canopy.

Mahogany is used for furniture, but when the tree is felled the trees around it are usually brought down too. © ANDRÉ BÄRTSCHI / WWF-CANON

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)

The 30 to 40m tall rubber tree can live up to 100 years and is a sustainable source of income for the ‘rubber tappers’. 

The milky white sap, known as latex, flows freely from the tree when a sliver of bark is removed.

© JUAN PRATGINESTOS / WWF-CANON

Cacao (Theobroma cacao)

The cacao tree is an evergreen tree that grows to 7m tall.

The 30cm long cacao pods grow directly from its trunk.

Each pod contains 20 to 60 reddish-brown cocoa beans up to 2.5cm long, which are processed to make chocolate. © WWF-INDONESIA/NURMAN

Cork oak (Quercus suber)The 20m tall cork oak is a valuable evergreen tree.

Amazingly, cork oak can regrow its outer bark. During the harvest, large sections of its outer bark, the cork, are cut and peeled from the tree.

A single cork oak, can live up to 200 years and the cork can be harvested over 16 times. 

© SEBASTIAN RICH/HUNGRY EYES IMAGES / WWF-CANON

Ramón tree (Brosimium alicastrum)The ramón tree grows to heights 36m plus, and provides habitat and nutrition for an array of rainforest residents.

The base of its trunk is typically 1.5m wide and has external roots, which provide support for the tall tree. 

Rainforest area

Rainforest multiples

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Rainforest multiples

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Rainforest multiples

44© DAVID LAWSON / WWF-UK

Rainforest multiples

45© ZIG KOCH/ WWF

Rainforest multiples

72

Rainforest multiples

64© ROGER LEGUEN / WWF-CANON

Which and how many creatures could there be?

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Night time falls quickly in the tropics. At 6pm darkness falls. There are no lingering hours of twilight, but the rainforest never sleeps.

Night time in the tropics

© GREG ARMFIELD / WWF-UK

There are as many animals active during the night as there are in the day.

Animals which only come out at night are called nocturnal. They include:

Night monkey

Night time in the tropics

© MICHEL GUNTHER / WWF-CANON © ANDRÉ BÄRTSCHI / WWF-CANON

Night time in the tropics

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Just as quickly as night falls, so the dawn breaks.

By dividing into day and nightshifts, animals which would otherwise compete for food and space are separated.

Night time in the tropics

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The howler monkey sets up a noisy chorus just before dawn which can be heard over a mile away.

It is a warning to other groups of monkeys not to come too close.

Night time in the tropics

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Some animals however are as happy hunting by night as they are in the day. These include:

Night time in the tropics

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