The jaguar is a large, predatory cat easily recognizable by its black spotted coat. Jaguars prey on other, small mammals in the Amazon such as deer and capybara. Jaguars hunt near water, and are listed as an endangered species as poachers desire their pelt.
Th anaconda is the heaviest snake in the world, and can grow to a length of up to 30 feet. Anacondas use the water of the Amazon River as their hunting ground, and spend most of their time seeking prey under water.
The macaw is the the largest species of tropical parrot, and is vibrantly colored. Macaws may be blue and yellow or red and green. Macaws live in the trees of the Amazon, where they feed on fruits and insects.
Leafcutter ants are some of the smallest animals of the Amazon. Living on the rain forest floor, leafcutter ants are scavengers feasting on dead plant and animal remains. Leafcutter ants can grow to be up to an inch in length and have a very powerful sting.
Poison dart frogs are tiny amphibians in the Amazon rain forest, and are easily recognizable by their vibrant coloring. Poison dart frogs can be bright red, blue or green, and are generally speckled. Some of these frogs live on the forest floor, while others live in the canopy.
Piranhas are a family of carnivorous fish that live in the Amazon river. These fish are easily recognizable by their razor sharp teeth. Piranhas live and hunt in packs, and are frenzy feeders. When piranhas sense an animal in distress in the water, they will attack it. Several different species of piranha live in the river, including the red-bellied piranha and the white piranha.
The squirrel monkey is a small monkey that is common in the Amazon. Squirrel monkeys live in packs of as many as 100 monkeys in the canopy of the forest. These monkeys are omnivores, feasting on fruits and small insects.
