# data[].attributes.headline
There are some great books all about animals living in the Rainforest. Here are some suggestions...

# data[].attributes.subject
There are some great books all about animals living in the Rainforest. Here are some suggestions...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rainforests by Rhett Ayers Butler, founder and editor of mongabay.com An overview of tropical rainforests for kids, based on mongabay.com's popular web site for children (kids.mongabay.com). Rainforests describes tropical rainforests, why they are important, and what is happening to them. Rainforests, published in September 2011, is suitable for kids ages 10 and up as well as adults.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
From the boa to the leafcutter ant, and back to the red piranha, Amazon wildlife comes in all shapes and sizes

Whether it's high up in the rainforest canopy, or all the way down, where the worms move under ground, the Amazon abounds with life.

To date, at least 40,000 plant species, 427 mammals (e.g. jaguar, anteater and giant otter), 1,300 birds (e.g. harpy eagle, toucan and hoatzin), 378 reptiles (e.g. boa), more than 400 amphibians (e.g. dart poison frog) and around 3,000 freshwater fishes1 including the piranha have been found in the Amazon.

These numbers are dwarfed by estimates for the smaller life forms: just in Brazil, between 96,660 and more than 100,000 invertebrate species have been described by scientists.2

Why are there so many species?

Well, consider life in the Arctic. You are subject to intense climatic conditions (very cold, often windy), food is scarce, and places to hide from predators are hard to find - clearly not the best environment for wildlife to thrive.

Now contrast that to the tropics, where the climate is warm (but liveable), prey is plentiful and there are many ecosystems where wildlife can live.

Over time, these factors have made it possible for species to adapt to different conditions and develop habitat specializations, resulting in the vast species richness of places such as the Amazon Basin.

Amazon wildlife: what happens in the wet season?

For plants and animals, the seasonal rains that cover parts of the Amazon are a catalytic event; some animals switch diets, while others are suddenly on the move. Here, a turtle will leave the main river and seek the refuge of a pool further inland; further, wading birds migrate north to the upper waters of tributaries.

The wet season also affects the timing of animal reproduction. For example, the arthropods, a family of insects, are more abundant at the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season3.

...when it gets dry again

With the wet season behind them, Amazon wildlife such as monkeys, cats, iguanas and various lizards abandon deciduous trees (shed their leaves seasonally), which no longer have leaves, and relocate to riverine gallery forests, where there are still leaves4.

------------------------------------------------
1 Da Silva et al. 2005. The Fate of the Amazonian Areas of Endemism. Conservation Biology, 19 (3), 689-694
2 Lewinsohn T. M.and Prado P.I. 2005. How Many Species Are There in Brazil? Conservation Biology. 19 (3), 619
3 Lieberman and Dock, 1982 in Kricher, 1997
4 Kricher, 1997

Key Sprecies for Conservation in the Llanos de Moxos, Bolivian Amazon

Amazon Species Report 2010-2013

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether it's high up in the rainforest canopy, or all the way down, where the worms move under ground, the Amazon abounds with life. To date, at least 40,000 plant species, 427 mammals (e.g. jaguar, anteater and giant otter), 1,300 birds (e.g. harpy eagle, toucan and hoatzin), 378 reptiles (e.g.

# data[].attributes.body
Lots of great information about specific animals.

# data[].attributes.body
Video about Amazonian wildlife

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.entities[].name
National GeographicWild Animals Wild Animals National GeographicWild Amazon Animals National GeographicWild Animals DocumentaryWild Animals amazon life National GeographicWild Lion Amazon National GeographicWild Jaguar Amazon National GeographicWild Leopard Amazon National GeographicWild Elephant Amazon National GeographicWild Animals Life Amazon Documentary Wild Animals Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.entities[].name
Amazon National GeographicWild Amazon DocumentaryNational Geographic Wild AmazonWild Amazon Life Of AnimalsNat Geo WildAmazon PlanetWild Amazon

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.entities[].name
Wild Amazon National Geographic Tv ShowNational Geographic Wild HD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wild Amazon - The Perfect Paradise (National Geographic) Animal Planet (AP)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wild Amazon HD (National Geographic) DocumentaryWild Amazon National GeographicWild Amazon DocumentaryNational Geographic Wild AmazonWild Amazon Life Of AnimalsNat Geo WildAmazon PlanetWild Amazon full documentary Wild Amazon National Geographic Tv ShowNational Geographic Wild HD DocumentaryAmazon Wildlife amazing DocumentaryWorlds Deadliest Animals (Amazon)Amazing wild life in AMAZON HDNat Geo Amazon DocumentaryNational Geographic DocumentaryNat Geo Wild Amazonamazon life National GeographicWild Animals Wild Animals National GeographicWild Amazon Animals National GeographicWild Animals DocumentaryWild Animals amazon life National GeographicWild Lion Amazon National GeographicWild Jaguar Amazon National GeographicWild Leopard Amazon National GeographicWild Elephant Amazon National GeographicWild Animals Life Amazon Documentary

# data[].attributes.body
Mammal Facts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Amazon Rainforest is home to 427 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, 378 species of reptiles, and more than 400 species of amphibians. Some of the animals that live in the Amazon Rainforest include jaguars, sloths, river dolphins, macaws, anacondas, glass frogs, and poison dart frogs. One in ten known species in the world lives in the Amazon Rainforest as do one in five known bird species.

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world. It covers 40% of the South American continent and can be found within the following countries: Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname as well as in French Guiana, a department of France. Here are some of the Amazon Rainforest's most interesting animals:

Capybara

The Capybara is similar in appearance to cavies and guinea pigs. Barrel-shaped and covered in dark red and brown fur, adult capybaras stand around 2 feet tall at the shoulders on all fours, are in excess of 4 feet long, and may weigh close to 150 pounds, making them massive for rodents. Semi-aquatic rodents by nature, they make themselves quite at home amidst the Amazonian wetlands.

Giant Anteater

As their name implies, this variety of sloths loves to chow down on bugs, including ants. In fact, their tubular snouts and long tongues are especially well-suited for gorging upon insects practically wherever they may be. These creatures carry the "Giant" moniker as they are much larger than other anteaters, reaching over 7 feet in length. Also unique among anteaters and sloths in general, Giant Anteaters prefer to stay out of the trees and stick to the rainforest floor to roam in search of their next insectivorous meal.

Green Iguana

The green iguana is a favorite pet of many people around the world. The Green Iguana is sometimes simply referred to as the Common Iguana or just Iguana. Unlike many of their reptilian cousins, these lizards prefer to eat greens, fruits, forbs, and flowers instead of insects and other animals' flesh. A large lizard, Green Iguanas may grow to almost 6 feet in length from head to tail.

Harpy Eagle

These beautiful raptors live across much of Central America in addition to the Amazonian jungles. Despite being skilled hunters and apex predators, they face significant threats from human activities, especially those related to habitat loss as large swaths of the Amazon Rainforest are cleared for land development. Sexually dimorphic and weighing up to 20 pounds, female Harpy Eagles may be twice as large as their male companions.

Golden Lion Tamarin

This bizarre animal is actually a monkey that derives its name from the great cats because of its impressive mane. It is comprised of abundance thick rings of beautiful golden hair surrounding its respectable and charismatic black face. The Golden Lion Tamarin can grow 6 to 10 inches long, while its tail can be even longer at 12 to 15 inches! Females often give birth to twins where the male fathers play a critical role in caring for the babies, carrying their offspring on their back in between feedings. They sleep in tree holes during the night and is active during day time, living in groups of 2 to 8 which constitutes their families, and make use of scent marks or songs for making their presence known on their territories.

Anaconda

The world's largest, heaviest, and most powerful snake may also be its most famed. The Anaconda can grow as long as 30 feet and weigh up to 550 pounds! They constantly grow throughout their entire lifetime, eating about 40 pounds of prey every day as small meals. Larger meals that they swallow whole can satisfy them for a few weeks. A female anaconda is typically larger and gives birth to live young which count 20 to 40 little anacondas that are each 2 feet long!

Peanut Head Bug

Also known as the lantern fly, flying snake, alligator bug, snake cicada, among many other names, the peanut head bug is a mysterious creation. Weird as it looks, this insect has a head that closely resembles an unshelled peanut! It has an enlarged head with a bulbous protuberance popping out of it. Scientists are uncertain of what its purpose is. They believe that it could possibly mimic a lizard's head to pave the way towards escaping predators. It's wings are unique in a way that the spots appear like an owl's eyes. Some myths say that it's bite can be deadly depending on the mood of these wings. Truth is, the peanut head bug would be apparently defenseless in itself and is simply a harmless plant-hopper.

Glass Frog

As its name implies, the skin of the glass frog is translucent though it is mostly lime green. You can actually see its abdomen, heart, liver, and various other organs if you care to look, as if you have been granted X-Ray vision! Glass frog tadpoles freely flow from the trees and fall directly into the water upon hatching.

Jesus Lizard

The Jesus lizard was given its name thanks to its ability to run on water. Catholic explorers found it similar to the Gospel story of Jesus who walked on the waters of the Sea of Galilee. When fleeing from predators, it can literally run on the surface of water such as a pond or stream at a speed of 5 miles per hour, and for up to a distance of 20 meters. This common basilisk can do this incredible stunt with its toes that possess a special webbing, allowing it to stand upon its two hind feet.

Kinkajou

The kinkajou, a relative of the raccoon, has a furry golden skin and a tail designed to grip branches. More commonly known as bear-monkey, honey bear or lion monkey, the Kinkajou is rarely seen because it is a nocturnal creature who clings on the top of trees. They use their 5-inch long tongues to pick ripe hanging fruits. They love to drink the nectar of flowers and have a diet consisting of 90 percent fruits. Even still, they are considered carnivores. They are sometimes kept as pets although they can carry the roundworm parasite.

Sloth

One of the most unusual animals on earth, the Sloth, is known for being a very slow animal. This mammal is slow-paced in everything, from its movement which entails sleeping for 10 hours a day and moving only as necessary. It can take their bodies a month to digest food! Moreover, a sloth's main diet is mostly only leaves chewed by its tongue that is around 10 to 12 inches long. It's not surprising that two-thirds of their whole body is made up of the contents of their stomach! Their body temperature is low at only 86 degrees Fahrenheit (merely 30 degrees Celsius).

Poison Dart Frog

The poison dart frog, contrary to its name, may not be deadly at all, as only 3 species are actually lethal, of which the golden poison arrow frog is the most dangerous. Set aside this possibility, they look vibrant and attractive arriving in a myriad of colors including the aforementioned gold, yellow, red, copper, green, black or blue which they utilize in a tactic to ward off predators called aposematic coloration.

Amazon River Dolphin

The most famous inhabitants of the Amazon River is no other than the Amazon River Dolphin, or Boto, who looks pretty in pink and can grow larger than human size! Their distinct color is said to be due to their blood capillaries being located near the surface of their skin.

Macaw

Native to the jungles of South America, Macaws are social birds usually seen traveling in flocks in sizes of 10 to 30. They are loyal to their lifelong mates. They are beautifully colored birds that hold a vibrant plumage. Their beaks are quite powerful and can effortlessly crack nuts and seeds, while their scaly tongues are dry and contains bone, which is mostly used for tapping into fruits. Some macaws can even mimic human speech!

Thought to be the real king of the jungle, the jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas, though it ranks third in the entire world, behind only the lion and tiger. Their spots, which highly resemble roses, render them distinctive from other big cats, A jaguar has the strongest bite force of all of these predatory felines, with its incredibly powerful jaws incomparable to those of any other cat. With this bite, the jaguar possesses the capability of piercing a skull and breaking open a sea turtle's shell. This animal is a solitary killer, and will typically scale and climb trees to use as a vantage point when hunting prey prior to pouncing upon their targets.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Animals Live In The Amazon Rainforest?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Amazon Rainforest is home to 427 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, 378 species of reptiles, and more than 400 species of amphibians. Some of the animals that live in the Amazon Rainforest include jaguars, sloths, river dolphins, macaws, anacondas, glass frogs, and poison dart frogs.

# data[].attributes.body
Facts about individual animals and birds living in each layer of the Rainforest.

# data[].attributes.body
Information about animals Rainforest habitats.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rainforests are lush, vibrant forests found in tropical regions. Jaguars, toucans, boas and lemurs are some of the animals that can be found living in them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The world's wildlife is increasingly stressed by human activity. Farming and development have led to habitat loss. Animals are contending with toxic pollutants in their environments, and will be facing threats from climate change. Scientists say we're in the 6th great planetary extinction, called the "Holocene Extinction" - the extinction of the human era. This predicament has made zoologists more important than ever. Zoologists study the physiology of animals, their behavior, and how they interact with other species and their environments. Their knowledge is critical to preserving important habitats and managing wildlife's adaptations to climate change.

What Does a Zoologist Do?

Zoology is the study of animals and their behavior. Zoologists may study a particular species or group of species, either in the wild or in captivity.

Zoologists study animals and their interactions with ecosystems. They study their physical characteristics, diets, behaviors, and the impacts humans have on them. They study all kinds of animals, both in their natural habitats and in captivity in zoos and aquariums. They may specialize in studying a particular animal or animal group.

Zoologists may be involved in a wide variety of duties in various environments. For example they may observe and study animals in their natural environments, or plan and conduct experiments involving animals in nature, in zoos, or in other controlled areas. They may also collect biological specimens and measure physical characteristics. These studies are generally aimed at investigating animal behavior, migration, interactions with other species, and reproduction, as well as the pests, diseases, toxins, and habitat changes that affect them. They use the information they gather to monitor and estimate populations, address invasive species and other threats, control disease, manage hunting programs, and develop conservation plans. They also write reports and journal articles and give presentations to share their findings.

Zoologists also use geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) to track the movements of animals and map their habitat ranges. They also use modeling software to project future scenarios, such as habitat range changes due to climate change.

Their efforts are critical to protecting endangered species and other wildlife from the pressures of habitat loss, disease, invasive species, and climate change.

Where Does a Zoologist Work?

Some zoologists work for zoos, wildlife centers, wildlife parks, and aquariums, where they manage the animals' care, their distribution, and their enclosures. They may also help breeding programs restore wild populations.

Zoologists also work for wildlife conservation groups, where they may help rehabilitate and release animals, plan conservation and ecotourism initiatives involving local communities, or lobby governments on policy.

Other zoologists research new vermin control drugs or veterinary medicines for pharmaceutical companies. Some work as museum curators, where they manage specimens, conduct research, and educate the public. Others are faculty members in academia.

Zoologists work in offices and laboratories. Some like Jane Goodall or Diane Fossey spend much of their time outdoors studying animals in their natural habitats, which may be quite remote. While travel can be a significant perk, this type of work can also be strenuous and isolating.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2012, most zoologists and wildlife biologists (34%) were employed in state government. 24% were employed by the federal government. Another 10% worked in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. 7% worked in management, scientific, and technical consulting services, and 6% worked for state colleges, universities, and professional schools. 4% were employed by local government.

Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may work long or irregular hours when doing fieldwork, and those studying nocturnal animals may need to work at night.

What Is the Average Zoologist Salary?

The BLS lists the 2012 median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists as $57,710. At $72,700, those in the federal government earned the most. They were followed by zoologists employed in research and development ($59,670), local government ($57,110), management, scientific, and technical consulting services ($56,740), state colleges, universities, and professional schools ($55,610), and state government ($51,780).

Table data taken from BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191023.htm)

Zoology Jobs & Job Description

Duties vary significantly from job to job, but the following list includes typical job duties one might encounter as a zoologist:

Analyze the lifecycle of animals as well as their function in terms of the overall ecosystem in which they are a part

Conduct population assessments of species using field methods or GIS technology

Collect, process, and prepare specimens for study

Analyze data and experimental observations and evaluate study results

Prepare and publish scientific papers to report findings

Act as advocate and spokesperson for wildlife and ecosystem concerns within their scope of specialty

Interact with other scientists, professionals, and advocacy groups to preserve and monitor habitats and populations

Draft reports and presentations

Collect samples and conduct observational research in the lab, the field, and protected environments

Make sure data/specimen collection and record keeping is accurate and adheres to relevant safety procedures

Communicate with national, regional and international initiatives in order to share information and assessment data

Continually review current research and scientific literature in the field

Consult on and implement habitat mitigation and remediation measures

Consult on environmental and site assessments as they affect wildlife biology

Travel to temporary field assignments in remote locations

Conduct and/or oversee wildlife population surveys

Provide technical expertise related to wildlife survey design

Prepare wildlife management plans

Monitor trends in wildlife populations

Senior zoologists will likely be offered the role of team lead at some point in their career. Some of the additional tasks that accompany this tier-2 position are:

Overseeing paperwork and analyzing data for reporting purposes

Communicating with clients, government departments, colleagues, and experts in the field via verbal and written reports

Preparing and reviewing articles and papers based on research findings

Planning and scheduling research trips

Designing budgets and timelines for lab and field teams

Serve as point of contact for peer-review data inquiries

Consult with agency working groups

Review records, reports, and assessments on behalf of the team

Coordinate technical details for a range of interdisciplinary projects

Navigate environmental regulations and environmental approvals processes

Manage and consult about endangered species populations

Manage and advocate to a variety of stakeholders regarding species conservation, protection, and rehabilitation

Evaluate national and international wildlife initiatives

Participate in meetings with government agencies, consultants, and engineers

What Is the Job Demand for Zoologists?

Jobs for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected to grow 5% from 2012 to 2022, which is slower than average for all occupations. Retirements will open up some opportunities in this field. However, government budgets will govern demand for zoology jobs in the public sector.

Competition for jobs is very strong. Candidates with practical experience gained through volunteer work for zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and nonprofit organizations will have the best opportunities.

How Do I Get a Zoology Degree?

Entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Zoologists typically earn degrees in zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, or general biology. Coursework often includes classes on animal behavior and physiology, parasitology, virology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistical software. Students may also take courses in a particular area of specialty. Research and faculty positions require a Ph.D.
Outdoors skills can also be very helpful. Experience with backpacking, camping, and wilderness survival can set a candidate apart.

What Are the Different Branches of Zoology?

Many zoologists dedicate their careers to studying a particular species or animal group. For example:

Cetologists study marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals.

Entomologists specialize in insects, such as ants and spiders.

Herpetologists work with reptiles and amphibians such as alligators, salamanders, and frogs.

Ichthyologists focus on wild fish, such as Rainbow Trout and the Least Chub.

Mammalogists study mammals, such as deer, wolves, chimpanzees and giraffes.

Parasitologists research the parasites that plague other wildlife, such as ticks, and how they affect their host species.

Ornithologists study birds such as the endangered California Condor.

Ethologists specialize in animal behavior.

Paleozoologists study fossil remains to investigate the evolutionary history of animals.

Other Degrees Related to Zoology

What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Zoologists Have?

The Wildlife Society facilitates networking of wildlife professionals through magazines and journals, an e-newsletter, an annual conference, and working groups. It also administers professional certification for wildlife biologists.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a network of more than 6,000 zoo and aquarium professionals and organizations. It offers animal management information, business benchmarking data, conference proceedings, grants and more.

Other Recommended Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Become a Zoologist | EnvironmentalScience.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The world's wildlife is increasingly stressed by human activity. Farming and development have led to habitat loss. Animals are contending with toxic pollutants in their environments, and will be facing threats from climate change. Scientists say we're in the 6th great planetary extinction, called the "Holocene Extinction" - the extinction of the human era.