AMAZON ECOREGION COLOMBIA

Boa constrictors are famously one of the largest snakes on our planet. Individuals are generally between 2 and 3 meters in length, with females usually being larger than males. Boas sense the world around them through vibrations, light waves in the ultraviolet spectrum, and chemical signals picked up by the flick of their tongue. Unlike venomous snakes, boas wrap their prey in the coils of their body and squeeze until the prey dies from asphyxiation. Boa constrictors play a key ecological role as predators of birds and small mammals. They are important predators of rodents especially, which without boa constrictors present, can become pests in some areas and carry human diseases. Overcollection for the pet trade and direct persecution has had a negative impact on many Boa constrictor populations.

Jaguars are the largest cat species in South America, and have great ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance. It is estimated that around 15,000 jaguars remain in Colombia, and about 170,000 jaguars persist in the Americas as a whole. The species once stretched from the southern United States to northern Argentina, but its range has since been halved and the species is extinct in several countries, due to the primary threats of habitat loss, illegal trade, hunting, and climate change.

Amazon river dolphins, also known as pink river dolphins, are captivating creatures found in the freshwater systems throughout six countries of South America. These dolphins navigate the murky waters of the Amazon river primarily with echolocation, and play a crucial role in the ecological balance of their habitats, serving as top predators that help control fish populations and maintain the health of the ecosystem. Their distinctive pink coloration is thought to be a result of capillaries located close to the skin's surface, which may become more prominent when they are excited, similar to how humans blush. However, the exact reason for their pink hue remains a topic of scientific investigation. Despite their importance and uniqueness, Amazon river dolphins face numerous threats, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. These factors have led to a decline in their populations, making them classified as endangered by the IUCN.

The White-throated Toucan occurs naturally throughout the Amazon in south-eastern Colombia. White-throated toucans are stunning birds native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. These toucans are easily recognized by their vibrant plumage, with a black body, bright yellow breast, and a distinctive white patch on their throat. Their most notable feature is their large, colorful beak, which is used for a variety of purposes, including reaching fruits, catching insects, and vocalizations. White-throated toucans are arboreal and spend most of their time in the canopy of the rainforest, where they form small groups or pairs. They are frugivorous, feeding primarily on fruits, but also consume insects and small reptiles. While their populations are generally considered stable, deforestation and habitat loss pose threats to their survival, as they rely on intact forest ecosystems. Efforts to protect their habitats and raise awareness about their conservation are crucial to ensure the continued presence of these charismatic birds in their natural habitats.