The Amazon region, according to the most conservative estimates, is home to 40,000 species of plants, more than 400 species of mammals, 1,300 species of birds, 400 species of reptiles and the same number of amphibians, and about 3,000 species of freshwater fish. And this is just the tip of the iceberg, because new species of animals and plants are constantly being discovered there.
The great hare-eared bat
The hare-eared bat family consists of two branches: large and small hare-eared bats. In English, they are called “bulldog bats” because of their bulldog-like snout. While the small hare-eared bat is insectivorous, the main food source of the large hare-eared bat is fish. Using echolocation, large flying foxes detect fish by determining their location based on ripples on the water’s surface. They then attack, grabbing their prey with long, curved claws. One flying fox can catch 20-30 small fish per night. It has another distinctive feature: cheek pouches, which are convenient for hiding fish while hunting.
Brazilian wandering spider
This is a spider you definitely don’t want to encounter, because it is one of the most poisonous spiders in the world. It is called wandering because, unlike other spiders that spin webs and sit in them, it likes to crawl through the jungle, hunting unsuspecting prey. These small spiders, which are difficult to spot, hide in secluded places during the day, such as banana trees, and sometimes crawl into houses or cars. They can bite humans if disturbed accidentally. The bite causes severe pain, fever, loss of muscle control, and can cause paralysis and death.
Giant arapaima
The arapaima is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. It can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh up to 180 kg. The arapaima is unlike other fish because it breathes air. It can stay underwater for 10-20 minutes, but it needs to stay close to the surface of the water so that it can rise to the surface and gulp air when necessary. The sound of the arapaima swallowing air is similar to a cough and can be heard from a long distance. They hunt small fish, but sometimes attack birds that are carelessly drifting on the water surface. The arapaima is considered a delicacy, and the unusually strong and large scales of this fish are used to make fashionable jewelry.
Green anaconda
The green anaconda is the largest snake in the world and one of the most fearsome predators. It is also one of the heaviest and longest snakes in the world, growing up to 6-9 meters in length and weighing up to 250 kg. Female green anacondas are larger than males. Thanks to their size, these snakes are able to hunt fairly large prey. They mainly feed on wild pigs, caimans, deer, turtles, birds, and capybaras. They can even attack jaguars, and humans too, if the opportunity arises. They can survive for weeks or even months without food. On land, the green anaconda does not pose a particular threat, as it does not move very quickly, but once it enters the water, it is unstoppable.
Surinam lantern beetle (peanut beetle)
This strange insect is called a peanut beetle because of the characteristic bulge on its head, which resembles an unpeeled peanut in shape. Scientists believe that this head shape is a protective mechanism necessary to mimic the head of a lizard and scare off potential enemies (who do not eat lizards, of course). There are two large red and black false eyes on the hind wings (also for deterrence), and this insect can also produce a poisonous liquid on its wings. Apart from all this, the peanut beetle is completely harmless. It cannot even bite, it can only suck juice from plants.
Giant centipede If you haven’t guessed yet, the Amazonian centipede is the largest centipede in the world. It can grow up to 35 cm in length. Its body consists of 21-23 segments, each of which has a pair of legs, and one pair of legs consists of chelicerae with claws connected to poisonous glands. The centipede hunts as follows: it grabs its prey (beetles, worms, lizards, frogs, small birds, and bats) with its front legs, then stabs it with its poisonous chelicerae. Then all it has to do is calmly chew its food. This poison is not lethal to humans, but it causes swelling and pain, increased temperature, and fever for several hours (or even days).
Helmeted basilisk – Jesus Christ lizard
This common basilisk owes its nickname to the fact that it can “walk on water.” It really can! Despite its considerable weight (up to 600 g), the lizard paddles very strongly and quickly with its hind legs with huge claws, which allows it to stay on the surface. Its speed is 11-12 km/h, and the basilisk can “run” on the surface of the water for up to 500 meters.
Mata-mata – fringed turtle
In Spanish, “mata-mata” means “it kills, it kills.” In South America, this is sometimes used to refer to unattractive women. The mata-mata turtle also got its name thanks to its bizarre, if not ugly, appearance. Yes, it may not be the prettiest turtle in the world, but it is certainly one of the most interesting. The mata-mata spends most of its time in the water, but it doesn’t swim; instead, it lies motionless on the bottom. It is carnivorous and likes to eat live fish, especially goldfish, sunfish, and guppies. Adult turtles can weigh up to 15 kg.
