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 AreasThe areas which PLANET TOURS explores are surrounded by Primary Rain Forest and rich in wild life and Flora. Along the rivers exist many protected areas as well as indian lands and the biggest biological reserve in the world; the national park of "Ja?". Following we will give you some information about all the ecosystems and some facts about this green paradise called Amazon. FloraCovering more than half of Brazil, the Amazon rainforest fascinates all those who come to know it. An ecological paradise, the forest has a great variety of tree species which attracts the attention of scientists worldwide. Basically there are three types of forest found in the state of Amazonas. The "Flooded Forest" of clear streams or tea colored rivers is called "Igap?" and is the forest which tourists find most enchanting. Rich in palms such as paxiuba, or buriti, the igap? also includes trees of great size and beauty with the massive trunks entwined by woody vines, as well as a great variety of orchids. "Varzea" forest, located on the floodplains of muddy rivers where fertile silts are periodically deposited, is the preferred land for planting nutrient-demanding annual crops, such as jute, a source of natural fiber used in the manufacture of burlap sacks. "Terra Firme" The trees may be quite tall, exceeding 60 meters. Well above the flood level of rivers and streams, this forest is rich in valuable commercial woods such as laurel, cedar, iron wood and beefwood. The last two woods are highly resistent to rot and are often used in local boat construction. FaunaExotic and colorful, the animal life of the Amazon is quite diverse. About two hundred and fifty species of mammals, two thousand fish species and one thousand bird species are known to science. The small mammals, birds, reptiles and exotic insects such as butterflies are easily observed on trips organized by PLANET TOURS. During the day, flocks of parrots and parakeets punctuate the calm with raucous explosions of noise. Meeting of the watersFascinating and mysterious, the meeting of the water refers to the joining of two great rivers of different colours: the black waters of Rio Negro meet the muddy waters of Solim?es and the two flow side by side for 8 kilometers without mixing. Differences in density, temperature and velocity of the two rivers account for this spectacle. AnavilhanasThe world's largest fluvial archipelago is located in the upper Rio Negro between Manaus and the Village of Novo Air?o. A broad chain of long winding islands extends for some ninety kilometers. This area is rich in plant species, birds and other small animals such as monkeys and sloths. (For photos of the Anavilhanas archipelago see maps). |
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