ECOREGION AMAZON KOLOMBIA

Ular boa dikenal sebagai salah satu ular terbesar di planet kita. Biasanya, panjang individu ular boa berkisar antara 2 dan 3 meter, dengan betina biasanya lebih besar dari jantan. Boa dapat merasakan dunia di sekitarnya melalui getaran, gelombang cahaya dalam spektrum ultraviolet, dan sinyal kimiawi yang mereka tangkap melalui sentuhan lidah mereka. Berbeda dengan ular berbisa, boa menangkap mangsanya dengan gulungan tubuhnya dan meremasnya hingga mangsa mati akibat sesak napas. Peran ekologis yang dimainkan oleh ular boa sangat penting, terutama sebagai predator bagi burung dan mamalia kecil. Mereka menjadi predator penting khususnya bagi hewan pengerat. Jika tidak ada ular boa, maka hewan pengerat dapat menjadi hama di beberapa daerah dan membawa penyakit bagi manusia. Penangkapan yang berlebihan untuk perdagangan hewan peliharaan dan adanya penganiayaan terhadap mereka berdampak negatif pada jumlah populasi ular boa.

Jaguar merupakan spesies kucing terbesar di Amerika Selatan dan memiliki makna ekologis, budaya, dan spiritual yang besar. Diperkirakan ada sekitar 15.000 jaguar yang tersisa di Kolombia, dan sekitar 170.000 jaguar di Amerika secara keseluruhan. Spesies ini dulunya terbentang dari Amerika Serikat bagian selatan hingga Argentina utara, tetapi jangkauannya telah berkurang setengahnya, dan spesies ini telah punah di beberapa negara akibat ancaman utama seperti hilangnya habitat, perdagangan ilegal, perburuan, dan perubahan iklim.

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.