The Peruvian rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, home to an incredible array of plant and animal life. Spanning over 60 million acres, the rainforest is a vital ecosystem that supports a wide range of species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Stats-wise, The species in the Peruvian rainforest are so diverse and rare that its territory contains approximately 10% of the worldwide species of flora, 2000 species of fish; 1736 species of birds (second ranking in the world in biodiversity); 32 species of amphibians (it ranked the third place in the world); 460 species of mammals (ranking third in the classification); and 365 species of reptiles (ranking fifth in the category). In addition, it is estimated that the country is home to around 25,000 plant species (10% of the world’s total).
Unfortunately, many of the species that call the Peruvian rainforest home are facing the threat of extinction. The loss of these species would be not only devastating for the rainforest, but for the entire planet. Maintaining this biodiversity has a significant monetary cost, as well as human capital. We will explore the endangered species of the Peruvian Rainforest and the efforts being made to protect them.
Sarayacu District of Peru: An ecosystem under threat!
Sarayacu, located in the province of Ucayali in the department of Loreto,Peru is a haven of biodiversity. With a population of just 13,464 people, this rainforest region is home to an abundance of diverse species. According to a due diligence report by FUND THE PLANET, the rainforest within the Sarayacu district is home to 13 different species of timber and 109 bird species. The district is also home to over 90 species of mammals, including the Panthera onca “Jaguar” species and Tapirus terrestris “tapir” both of which are considered endangered animals. In addition, three primate species were sighted: the “howler monkey,” “pichico,” and the Amazonian endemic “squirrel monkey.” Unfortunately, the last two species are often captured as pets. Sarayacu is also home to 29 species of amphibians and reptiles, including the “yellow-footed tortoise,” also known as the “Motelo,” which is considered “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Peruvian Amazon rainforest has been threatened by an ecosystem of crime that has so far decimated the forest to an alarming degree. Illegally logging and habitat loss are major threats to the biodiversity of Sarayacu and the surrounding areas. The destruction of the rainforest not only affects the diverse species of timber and birds that call it home, but it also endangers the lives of critically endangered species such as the “wattled curassow.” These species are already facing a decreasing population trend according to the IUCN (2021) and the loss of their natural habitats only makes it more difficult for them to survive. In addition, it also puts them at a higher risk of extinction, making it crucial to take action to protect the biodiversities of Sarayacu and the surrounding areas.
The expansion of crop production is also having a significant impact on the biodiversities of Sarayacu. The clear-cutting of the rainforest for the purpose of creating new farmland not only destroys the natural habitats of endangered species but also disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem. As a result, many species that depend on the forest to survive are losing their homes and are facing a decline in population. For example, the Panthera onca “Jaguar” and Tapirus terrestris “tapir” are considered “Near Threatened” by Peruvian legislation, and “Near Threatened” and “Vulnerable” according to IUCN Red List. These threats to biodiversities can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem and it is important to take action to prevent illegal logging and deforestation in order to protect the endangered species population and their habitats.
FUND THE PLANET Efforts to preserve endangered species in the Peruvian Rainforest.
The Peruvian Rainforest is a vital ecosystem that is home to countless endangered species, but it is facing significant threats from illegal logging and deforestation caused by expanding crop production. The animals and biodiversities are subject to wildlife trafficking which has grown significantly over the last few years. FUND THE PLANET is working to preserve this precious ecosystem and protect the endangered species that call it home. By acquiring over 500 hectares of endangered rainforest land and tokenizing it as NFTs (non-fungible tokens), people anywhere in the world can be a part of the conservation of the rainforest by owning Rainforest Tokens.
FUND THE PLANET works directly with the local community in proximity to the rainforest as well as law enforcement to ensure that the rainforest is protected and that no unsustainable environmental activity takes place in these protected areas. Using geolocation technology is it possible for people to view and interact with the protected rainforest area using the Rainforest Explorer.
Bottom Line
The Peruvian Rainforest is a treasure trove of biodiversity, with countless species of plants and animals that call it home. Unfortunately, many of these species are now endangered due to threats like illegal logging and deforestation caused by expanding crop production. However, organizations like FUND THE PLANET are working tirelessly to preserve and protect this precious ecosystem. By acquiring and tokenizing large tracts of rainforest land, they are allowing individuals and businesses to directly play a role in the conservation of these endangered species and their habitats. It’s crucial that we take action to preserve these biodiversities, and We can do this by raising awareness about the importance of preserving the Peruvian Rainforest and its wildlife and also by owning a Rainforest Token. There is a lot to be done, and we need to act now!
FUND THE PLANET is on a mission to protect and conserve the Amazon rainforest and its natural ecosystems. We provide a trackable and sustainable environmental solution that enables people from around the world to adopt and protect endangered rainforests. You can play a part in preventing the collapse of the Amazon Forest and the fight against climate change by Rescuing a Rainforest Plot Today. You can also visit the Rainforest Explorer to view our rainforest conservation efforts in real-time.
