When rain forests are
cleared in equatorial regions, heavy rainfall erodes the
soil, leaving a green desert. Crops cannot grow in these
conditions, and many animals lose their natural habitat.AmAzoniAn indiAns
it is estimated that some 350,000
native Brazilians still live in the
rain forest. These peoples, also
known as the Amazonian
indians, live a traditional way
of life. They survive by hunting,
fishing, and clearing small
patches of forest for farming
corn and manioc. many indian
groups have been wiped out by
disease or by land-hungry miners,
settlers, and loggers. Today, most
live in protected areas.This boy is an Amazonian
Indian. His people’s
traditional way of life
was destroyed when
gold prospectors
ejected them from
their lands.brazil80
Find out more
WATer highWAy
The mighty Amazon river has the greatest
volume of water of any river in the world. it is
navigable along its entire 4,000-mile (6,400-km)
length. it is a major transport artery, carrying 10
percent of all Brazilian cargo. The river teems
with barges, passenger ships, and patrol boats.
river ports, such as manaus and Belém, are
important commercial centers.mAnAus
manaus was a rich city in the 19th century, its
wealth based on the rubber industry. Today, it
is a center for the cattle ranching, mining,
and timber industries of Amazonia. it is
also an important cultural centre in
this remote region, and is famous
for its domed opera house. With a
population of 1.8 million, manaus
is a magnet for the rural poor who
continue to settle there.AmAzoniAn rAin foresT
The largest surviving area of rain forest in the world is in
the Amazon river basin. it is the most biologically diverse
habitat in the world and supports millions of species of
plants and animals. scientists estimate that more than 2,000
species can live in just one rain forest tree. The annual
average temperature is 79°f (26°C), while annual rainfall
can be as high as 80 in (2,000 mm). rain forest soils are
easily washed away when trees and plants are removed.
As more and more land is cleared for farming and timber,
the rain forest is lost forever.foresT resourCes
The Amazonian rain forest is rich in many
resources, from plants with medicinal
properties and rubber trees that produce
latex, to brazil nuts. Brazil nuts (left) can
be eaten or crushed to make oil. They are
exported worldwide.In Manaus (above)
during the dry
season, trucks
reverse down to the
edge of the Amazon
to receive cargo.Brazil nutsTropical hardwoods are a valued resource, and large
logging companies are responsible for much of the loss
of rain forest habitat.forest wildlife
rivers
soccer
south america
south america, history ofUS_080_BRAZIL_2.indd 80 20/01/16 4:33 pm