The Amazon is home to the world's largest snake, the anaconda. Also referred to as a water boa, this cold-blooded creature lives in the swamps and wetlands of the Amazon. This carnivorous snake hunts primarily at night and kills its prey by squeezing it to death. Both yellow and green anacondas are found in this region. Green anacondas are the largest of this species, growing to lengths exceeding 29 feet and weighing more than 500 pounds.
In the Amazon, the world's smallest monkey, the pygmy marmoset can be found. These tiny monkeys average approximately 12 to 13 inches in length (tail included) and weigh roughly four ounces. The pygmy marmoset lives in groups of approximately 15 to 20 monkeys and inhabit the tree tops of the Amazon. Only one female in each group will breed and care for the offspring. Pygmy marmosets feed primarily on the gum and saps of trees and occasionally on fruits and insects.
The unique three-toed sloth known for being the slowest land mammal in the world lives in the trees of the Amazon feeding on fruits, flowers and leaves. Most of the sloth's day is spent hanging upside down. In this position they not only eat and sleep but also mate and give birth.
