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Amazon Rainforest: Quick Facts

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News •

Two new howler monkey species discovered in the Amazon after 85 years • Nov. 10, 2026, 3:30 PM ET (Phys.org)
Scientists discover stunning new Amazon fish that may already be endangered • Nov. 8, 2026, 6:57 PM ET (Science Daily)
How close is the Amazon to a 'tipping point?' Brazil’s election could help shape its future • Oct. 23, 2026, 7:04 AM ET (AP)
Brazil says Amazon deforestation fell to the lowest level since 1988 • Oct. 16, 2026, 3:31 PM ET (AP)
Brazil investigates Amazon wildfires that disrupt daily life and have fueled political attacks • Oct. 15, 2026, 9:00 AM ET (AP)

Did You Know?

  • The Amazon receives an enormous amount of rain each yearbetween 59 and 118 inches of rain.
  • The Amazon rainforest is by no means bereft of people; around thirty million live within the basin.
  • 40% of South America is in the Amazon basin.

Photos and Videos

A narrow stream winds through dense, lush green vegetation in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, with moss-covered rocks and overhanging trees.
Physical map of northern and central South America highlighting the Andes Mountains along the continent's western edge and the Amazon River basin and drainage network spanning Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and surrounding countries. The map uses color shading to show elevation, marks major rivers, cities, international and political boundaries, and features a small locator map of South America in the corner.
World map using color codes to show the distribution of tropical rainforests, dry or deciduous forests, and deforested areas in the early 21st century. Dense green highlights rainforests in regions like the Amazon Basin, Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Central America, while yellow and orange indicate dry forests and areas affected by deforestation.
canoe on the Negro River
Charred tree trunks and smoldering ash cover a deforested area of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, with smoke rising among sparse remaining trees.
cauliflory
Wide view of the Purus River winding through dense green rainforest in the Amazon region of Brazil, with trees and vegetation lining both banks.
Smoke rises among scattered trees during slash and burn forest clearance in the Amazon rainforest, with charred ground and partially burned vegetation visible.
Why are rainforests so important?
Glimpse the Amazon Rainforest's diverse wildlife, from anacondas and sloths to macaws and capybaras
Learn how the Brazilian government incentivized forest clearing in the Amazon for beef production and ranching
Behold the multitude of Amazonian arthropods including spiders, scorpions, beetles, and mantids
Investigate how segments of Brazil's Amazon Rainforest are cleared for lumber, agriculture, and grazing
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