About 3,977 miles in length, home to thousands of different animals and plant species, and the most known and most mysterious river in the world, the Amazon River is one of the most naturally dense places in the world. In the amazon river alone there are 40,000 plant species, 370 reptiles, and 3,000 fishes. On top of that there are also 427 mammal species along with 1,300 bird species. That is over 45,097 different types of wildlife within this river alone.
Animals aren’t the only inhabitants of the Amazon River though, living among the animals of the river also live 400 different indigenous tribes that have settled along the river. Some of the first human settlements in the river (as well as the forest) were established around 35,000 years ago. Some of these tribes are considered endangered and still remain uncontacted from technology in modern life. Some tribes, such as the Awa, use bows and arrows to hunt their food and primarily get it from the fish in the river or some local mammals.
The river’s dense forest and abundant wildlife gives cause for people to come and visit the river, to take in the surrounding nature for themselves. However some people believe that the miles and miles of water is dangerous to travel, and understandably so. The amazon river contains many unique and different creatures, but it also contains some of the most dangerous animals underneath the surface.
Jaguars, black caimans, anacondas, and piranhas all live near the amazon river. Jaguars hold the strongest bite of any large cat, making it easy to bite through crocodiles and bones. Black Caimans are alligators that can swim up to speeds of 30mph, and can grow up to 16 feet in length. Anacondas living in the amazon river are able to swim underwater for 10 minutes and grow up to lengths of 24 feet, with the largest recorded being around 27 feet in length. The anaconda is known for constricting their prey before consuming it, to put into perspective it would be similar to having an empty semi-truck on your chest.
While these animals are all around powerful and dangerous, attacks on people are rare. The possibility of these animals going rogue is not unheard of and does give reason for fear among some people. Some animals such as the piranha however, take no interest in attacking humans despite what Hollywood productions might have some believe. The existence of these creatures however still place the Amazon river beaches as one of “The most dangerous beaches in the world”.
Within the amazon river there is constant mystery. Researchers and scientists are frequently finding more and more animals living in and near the river every year. According to some, new discoveries in this river are made every other day, leading to more than 300 new species discovered every year. The amazon river is full of life, and fully discovering it. This river is only one of many world wonders, would you ever take a chance at visiting it?
Resources used
Uncontacted Indigenous People of Brazil:
https://www.survivalinternational.org/tribes/uncontacted-brazil
Amazon People:
https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/amazon/about_the_amazon/people_amazon
New Species Discovered in the Amazon
https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?310013/381-new-species-discovered-in-the-Amazon
Most Dangerous Beaches
https://auafs.com/careers/travel/deadly-amazon-river-beaches-the-most-dangerous-tourist-spots-in-the-world.html#:~:text=According%20to%20Travel%20Triangle%2C%20the,river%20if%20they%20need%20to.
Amazon Wildlife
https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/amazon/about_the_amazon/wildlife_amazon