The rain forest is divided into different layers, each layer being a separate ecosystem that only particular animals can inhabit. The emergent layer is the top most layer of the forest where trees can reach heights of 200 feet or more. Examples of animals that only inhabit this layer are the harpy eagle, pygmy glider, the morpho butterfly and many other species of birds. Animals living here need to be small and lightweight to be supported by the smaller branches.
Under the emergent layer is the canopy where the majority of animals live in the tropical rain forest due to the availability of food in the form of fruit, seed and insects. Howler monkeys, spider monkeys, sakis, colorful toucans and other parrots are a few examples of canopy residents. The pygmy anteater and sloths thrive on the bounty of ants and termites, while the parrot snake feasts on tree frogs.
This is the area between the forest floor and the lowest branches of the canopy that consists of young trees, shrubs and soft-stemmed plants. Jaguars and leopards are considered understory inhabitants as they sleep above ground, blending in with the foliage for protection. Examples of reptiles that live in this region are the red-eyed tree frog, the emerald tree boa and the green anaconda. Birds and monkeys from the canopy also will frequent the understory in search of food. A large concentration of rain forest insects occupy this area and live inside and around the trees.
The forest floor is dark and damp and is where the highest concentration of insects live and as a result, the giant anteater and giant armadillo have a never-ending supply of food. Peccaries (wild pigs) and large animals like elephants, tapirs and some species of rhinoceros will forage for vegetation, fallen fruit and underground tubers.
