Endangered Animals of the Amazon Rainforest:
- Golden Lion Tamarin Monkey: lives in the trees and eats various insects. Is endangered because of the cutting down of trees in the Amazon (loss of habitat); Population size- less then 1,000
- Poison Dart Frog: live around the water in the rainforest; eat termites, crickets, flies and ants; Is endangered because of loss of habitat and pollution; Population size- unknown
- Harpy Eagle: live in tropical lowland rainforests; Is endangered because of loss of habitat from clear cutting, destruction of nesting sites and shooting; Population size- 806- 1,208
- Jaguar: eats a variety of animals including turtles, tapirs and deer; lives on the floor of the rainforest. Is hunted and skinned for their fur coats (poaching); Population size- 100,000- 200,000 (largest population exists in the Amazon Rainforest)
- Gray Mouse Lemur
- Tucan
- Orangutan
- Gorilla
Why are Animals Endangered in the Amazon Rainforest?:
- Habitat Loss- humans have destroyed over half of the Earth's forest habitats are shrinking. Since all creatures need space to live, find food, and reproduce, habitat loss is the biggest threat to wildlife today
- Pollution- pollution from oil, gas, and human sources quickly harm the environment
- Global Warming- one of the biggest threats to wildlife
- Poaching and Hunting- illegally kill animals for their horns, fur, or meat and then sell these products; causes species to go extinct