Page 5 - Amazonia

Amazonia | 5

Brazilian Grape Tree

Rafflesia (world largest flower)

forest. These included a veg-
etarian piranha, a bizarre
looking new species of ‘spa-
ghetti’ passion flower, and
a monkey that purrs like a
cat! In 2016 scientists discov-
ered a new and completely
unique coral reef at the
mouth of the Amazon river.
It is almost 600 miles long
and had never been discov- walking tree
ered before because it exists
where coral reefs aren’t supposed to: In the heavily sedimented waters that mark where
the amazon flows into the ocean. Just last week scientists published a paper documenting
a new species of biofluorescent frog. The polka dot tree frog, found in the Brazilian Ama-
zon, shines a neon green colour under UV light. No one knows the purpose of this natural
phenomenon, and whilst the trait is fairly common in marine life it is much more unusual in
terrestrial animals and has never before been seen in frogs.

These discoveries are just the tip of the metaphorical iceberg, with countless other species
waiting to be uncovered. The search for new species leads to the discovery of new medicines
and helps us understand more about the planet we call home. Apart from being fascinating
in their own right, these discoveries could hold the key to solving many global human issues.
But perhaps more importantly, the closer we get to measuring global biodiversity, the bet-
ter we can understand our impact on it and how best to protect it. It is vital that we protect
these incredible rainforests, before their secrets are lost forever.

https://rainforestpartnership.org/secrets-amazon-rainforest/