Do you know enough about the Amazon Rainforest?! Well believe it or not, but the Amazon happens to have a ton of mysteries surrounding it that are still stumping the world to this day. Since 20% of the world’s oxygen is produced in the Amazon, it has been an important place for studies and exploring. While we do know a lot about the Amazon there is still so much that remains questionable. You’ll be blown away when you find out about the boiling river that flows through the Amazon or the water lily’s that can hold up an average person’s weight!
20. Walking Palm Trees
Did you know that the Amazon Rainforest actually has palm trees that can walk? However, there’s no need to worry about being chased down by a tree in the rainforest as they move incredibly slow. It seems that the trees move because of new roots that are being pulled in the direction of the sun. Thus, this replaces the old roots and the trees move…but quite slowly!
19. Ancient Settlements
Back in March 2018, archaeologists came across 81 ancient settlements in the Amazon. According to the archaeologists, the settlements were most likely built between 1250 to 1500. They also suggest that there may be hundreds more of these around the rainforest and that as many as 1,000,000 people may have made the rainforest their home then. However, many researchers are still in debate over this and more research has to be done.
Next, we have a boiling river that can actually burn you if you happen to take a dip in it!
18. The Boiling River
While the Amazon already has the longest river in the world, it also happens to have one of the hottest. There is a river in the Amazon that has earned the name ‘The Boiling River’ because it reaches temperatures as high as 93 degrees Celsius. To this day, scientists still aren’t sure what causes the river to be so hot however there is one theory that has been holding weight. Scientists believe that drilling companies have released gasses from inside of the Earth into the river. However, many locals disagree and state that the river is a place of power. Whatever the reason is, we’d advise you not to take a dip here!
17. Lizards That Walk On Water
It’s a bird, it’s a plane…wait no, it’s Lizard Jesus! Basilisks are an interesting breed of lizard that happen to live in the Amazon. These lizards are actually able to run across water which comes in handy when they are hunting prey or running away from a predator. When they need to run, they open up their toes which reveal a webbing that allows them to run across the water. If you’re ever in the Amazon we advise you to take the time to observe these lil guys in action.
16. Macaw Congregation
If you happen to love colorful birds then you’ll want to check out the Amazon rainforest. However, the greatest congregation of macaws actually takes place in one specific spot. It seems that there is an area with sodium-rich clay that happens to be a macaws favorite meal. Thus, all of them love to gather up in this one spot and eat their little hearts out!
Next, we have a glass frog that you can actually see through…
15. Glass Frogs
Glass frogs are a speciality of the Amazon Rainforest. You can actually see right through these frogs as they can become transparent. This transparent quality is what helps them stay camouflaged from many of the predators that would like to have them for lunch. Once they become transparent, it becomes almost impossible for a predator to see them – thanks evolution!
14. World’s Biggest Flower
The Rafflesia happens to be the world’s biggest flower and it looks pretty intimidating, if you ask us. Apparently, this flower has no roots, stems, or leaves. However, its size isn’t the only thing that makes it so unique. It seems that this flower is also known for its smell of rotting meat. Although this flower is also one of the largest, it also happens to be on the verge of extinction.
13. Pink Dolphin
Pink dolphins are one of the most interesting animals that inhabit the Amazon Rainforest. These guys can grow larger than most humans and there’s a load of legends surrounding them. It seems that pink dolphins have a bad reputation as being able to transform into handsome men in the evening. Once disguised as men, these dolphins seduce young women and then turn back into dolphins once the sunrises. While there’s no real truth to this legend it does make for an interesting story. To this day, scientists still aren’t 100% sure what causes the dolphin’s pink complexion although they do theorize that it may have to do with blood capillaries near their faces.
12. Brazilian Grape Trees
Talk about a weird looking tree, the Jabuticaba happens to be a Brazilian grape tree. What makes this tree so interesting is the way the grapes actually grow on it. The grapes cover the tree all over the trunk and can be eaten raw or used in jelly or wine. You’ll only find these intriguing trees in the Brazilian parts of the rainforest, so keep your eyes peeled for them if you’re ever around there.
11. Cupuaçu, Chocolate Fruit
The cupuaçu, which grows on the tropical rainforest tree Theobroma grandiflorum, is a relative of cacao. What makes this fruit so amazing is that the flesh actually has a chocolaty fruity flavor. This makes the cupuaçu a popular ingredient in many Brazilian confectionary dishes and desserts. You can either eat the flesh raw or you can use it in preserves, ice creams, and more!
Next, we have a water lily that can actually hold you up if you sit in it…
10. Victoria Amazonica
Have you always dreamed of being able to float on a water lily, well here’s your chance. The Victoria Amazonica are a species of flowering plants that are big enough to hold you up! You can hang out on a water lily in the middle of the Amazon and enjoy all of the sights it has to offer. However, we do advise you to be careful as the leaves have thorns in order to protect them from predators.
9. Decoy Spiders
The Amazon Rainforest happens to have some of the most interesting creatures in the world. Take, for instance, this highly intelligent spider that has found the perfect way to protect itself from predators. This spider actually builds a large decoy spider on its web. It seems that this spider is quote the architect!
8. Poison Dart Frogs
We’ve already informed you about the glass frogs, but have you ever heard of the poison dart frogs? According to National Geographic, the poison dart frog is one of the most toxic creatures on earth. The frogs happen to get their name from the old tradition of indigenous people of Colombia. During hunts, the indigenous people would often tip their darts with frog poison.
7. Amorphophallus Titanum
Here on our list is another giant flower that happens to grow deep in the Amazon Rainforest. The Amorphophallus Titanum is the flower’s scientific name, however, the flower is more often referred to as ‘corpse flower.’ This reasoning behind this odd nickname is due to the horrible scent that the flower produces when it blooms. However, the smell doesn’t come around very often as the flower blooms quite rarely throughout its 40 years lifespan.
6. Bullet Ant
Here we have another animal from the Amazon that you’re going to want to avoid at all costs. The bullet ant happens to be the world’s largest ant and it also lives in solitude. There have been various theories as to why it is called a bullet ant however one has really stood out amongst the rest. It is said that a bite from this ant is so painful that it feels like getting hit by a bullet. We’re gonna have to put this intriguing creature on our list of ‘Don’t mess with’.
5. Fungus That Eats Plastic
Pestalotiopsis microspora is a fungi that you can only find in the Amazon Rainforest. What makes this guy so special is that he happens to be able to survive without any oxygen. In turn, this fungi could be a crucial element in helping us solve the problem of having too much plastic our oceans. While research is still in the early stages, scientists are staying positive with this discovery.
4. Tribal People
The Amazon also happens to be home to many indigenous tribal people with a unique culture and traditions. There are roughly 21 million people that call the Amazon Rainforest their home. They live on the lands in quite the sustainable manner as well, meaning that they don’t do any harm to the planet through their way of life. They rely on the Amazon for food, medicine, and everything in between.
3. Goliath Birdeater
The Amazon happens to be home to some pretty enormous creatures and spiders are no exception to the rule. Here we have the Goliath birdeater which happens to be the heaviest tarantula in the world. You don’t have to worry though, as this spider isn’t really a danger towards humans. However, if you do happen to touch its prickly hairs, your skin will be irritated for a while.
2. Secret River
While many of you may know about the Amaon river, how many of you know that there is actually a secret, hidden river that flows through the rainforest. The Hamza River happens to be the same length as the Amazon river and its width is actually bigger. So why does no one know about this river? Well, apparently its not a river in the traditional sense of the word. It’s more like a large body of water, however, it’s still worth checking out.
1. Deforestation
Deforestation is happening at a rapid rate all throughout the Amazon. In fact, according to Scientific America, deforestation is the cause behind 135 animals and plant species to head toward extinction. Deforestation in the Amazon is also responsible for 30% of global carbon emission. It is incredibly important for us to begin caring for our planet and making sure that the Amazon is still in tact for years to come.