Life in the world's largest river system

Animals in the amazon

The fascinating wildlife of the world's largest rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is considered the most species-rich ecosystem in the world. Millions of animal species – many of them still undiscovered – live in this green paradise. From colourful birds to mysterious big cats and rare amphibians, the animals of the Amazon are a true wonder of nature.

In 1970, the first attempt was made to record the number of species native to Amazonia, and initially a single tree canopy was examined more closely – there alone, 1,200 different species of beetles were discovered. Since then, around 1.4 million different animal species have been described. And yet an estimated 90% of the species living in tropical rainforests are still unknown.

An inexhaustible terrain for researchers and explorers – and one of the last paradises. On your adventure with our expedition ships through this biotope of wonders, you will get up close to some exotic species on deck or in the Zodiac.

The most famous animals in the Amazon

Hummingbird

The hummingbird must consume about 50% of its body weight in food every day. The reason: a high metabolism and up to 1,300 heartbeats per minute.

Sloth

With their slow pace and 15 hours of sleep a day, sloths are the epitome of calm. Who would have thought that they can even swim short distances? Their blue-green colour comes from algae that thrive on their fur in the tropical climate.

Toucan

The toucan dominates the jungle's animal chorus with its loud calls. Its beak, made of fine bone lamellae, is also visible from afar.

Caimans

Amazonian caimans can grow up to 6 metres long. When hunting, they can reach speeds of up to 32 kilometres per hour and remain underwater for up to an hour without breathing.

Squirrel monkey

The social behaviour of squirrel monkeys is highly developed. They spend over half of the day observing and communicating with each other.

Hoatzin

Among the approximately 2,000 bird species in the Amazon region, the hoatzin was once considered a link to the primeval bird Archaeopteryx: its young have claws on their wings.

River dolphin

Myths and legends surround the pink river dolphin. The fact is: it curls up smoothly and swims skilfully past obstacles.

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