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Amazon rainforest cut down to construct highway for climate summit

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Golden lion tamarin ©Shutterstock A census carried out in 2018 concluded that there are around 3,200 golden lion tamarins left in their natural habitat, the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil.
Magdalena river turtle ©Shutterstock In less than 25 years, the Magdalena river turtle has seen its numbers decline by over 80%. Habitat loss due to livestock and agricultural expansion, and hunting for meat, are the principle reasons for its rapid decline. Pictured is a juvenile in captivity.
Brazilian merganser ©Shutterstock A South American diving duck, the Brazilian merganser is one of the most threatened waterfowl in the world. The silting of rivers caused by the expansion of farming activities, mining, watershed degradation, and soil erosion, as well as deforestation, has led to possibly fewer than 250 of these birds surviving in the wild.
White-bellied spider monkey ©Shutterstock Over the last 50 years or so, the white-bellied spider monkey population has declined by approximately 50% due to habitat loss and hunting. This despite a range that encompasses the north-western Amazon in Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil.
Amazon river dolphin ©Shutterstock Known locally as the boto, the Amazon river dolphin is distinguished by its pink hue and what's known as a melon, or body fat tissue, on its head. Loss of habitat and inadvertent entanglement in fishing lines are two reasons why numbers are declining.
Orinoco crocodile ©Shutterstock Named for the Orinoco river, this species of crocodile was hunted mercilessly for its hide in the 19th and 20th centuries, and numbers have never really recovered. The collection of juveniles for sale in the live animal trade, plus increased water pollution, is edging this rare reptile towards extinction.
Orinoco crocodile ©Shutterstock Named for the Orinoco river, this species of crocodile was hunted mercilessly for its hide in the 19th and 20th centuries, and numbers have never really recovered. The collection of juveniles for sale in the live animal trade, plus increased water pollution, is edging this rare reptile towards extinction.
White-cheeked spider monkey ©Shutterstock Endemic to Brazil, the population of this species of spider monkey is decreasing as its forest habitat is lost to soybean production, deforestation, and road construction. Furthermore, it is considered a delicacy and hunted for food.
White-cheeked spider monkey ©Shutterstock Endemic to Brazil, the population of this species of spider monkey is decreasing as its forest habitat is lost to soybean production, deforestation, and road construction. Furthermore, it is considered a delicacy and hunted for food.
Goeldi’s ©Shutterstock Also known as Goeldi's marmoset, this small monkey lives in the upper Amazon basin region of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its natural habitat is dense, scrubby undergrowth, a diminishing environment due to fire and deforestation.
Golden parakeet ©Shutterstock This bright, golden-green Amazon Basin resident is a favorite with poachers, lured by rewards from the illegal pet trade. The bird's habitat in the upland rain forests in Amazonian Brazil is increasingly under threat, adding more pressure on the species.
Blue-throated macaw ©Shutterstock The blue-throated macaw was thought to be extinct for years until its rediscovery in the savannas of northern Bolivia in 1992. There are estimated to be fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild.
Blue-throated macaw ©Shutterstock The blue-throated macaw was thought to be extinct for years until its rediscovery in the savannas of northern Bolivia in 1992. There are estimated to be fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild.
Hyacinth macaw ©Shutterstock Another bird species prized by poachers working for the illegal pet trade, the hyacinth macaw is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species. Habitat loss is an additional reason as to why numbers are dwindling.
Hyacinth macaw ©Shutterstock Another bird species prized by poachers working for the illegal pet trade, the hyacinth macaw is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species. Habitat loss is an additional reason as to why numbers are dwindling.
Yellow-spotted river turtle ©Shutterstock One of the largest South American river turtles and native to the Amazon river basin, the yellow-spotted river turtle is at risk due to predation by humans, birds, snakes, large fish, frogs, and some mammals.
Yellow-spotted river turtle ©Shutterstock One of the largest South American river turtles and native to the Amazon river basin, the yellow-spotted river turtle is at risk due to predation by humans, birds, snakes, large fish, frogs, and some mammals.
South American tapir ©Shutterstock Once widespread across forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands, the largest surviving native terrestrial mammal in the Amazon, also commonly called the Brazilian tapir, in now extinct in parts of Brazil and elsewhere in the region.
South American tapir ©Shutterstock Once widespread across forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands, the largest surviving native terrestrial mammal in the Amazon, also commonly called the Brazilian tapir, in now extinct in parts of Brazil and elsewhere in the region.
Margay ©Shutterstock Loss of habitat due to deforestation has had an adverse effect on this diminutive, solitary, and nocturnal wild cat.
Margay ©Shutterstock Loss of habitat due to deforestation has had an adverse effect on this diminutive, solitary, and nocturnal wild cat.
Bald-headed uakari ©Shutterstock This odd-looking monkey with its bright crimson face and bald head is restricted to select wooded habitats near water in the western Amazon
Bald-headed uakari ©Shutterstock This odd-looking monkey with its bright crimson face and bald head is restricted to select wooded habitats near water in the western Amazon
Northern tiger cat ©Getty Images The northern tiger cat, or oncilla, ranges from Central America to central Brazil. A small, slender animal, the feline is generally nocturnal, but this hasn't stopped it being hunted for its pelt, which is highly prized and often sold or made into clothing. Besides poaching, deforestation is also threatening the cat's overall welfare.
Northern tiger cat ©Getty Images The northern tiger cat, or oncilla, ranges from Central America to central Brazil. A small, slender animal, the feline is generally nocturnal, but this hasn't stopped it being hunted for its pelt, which is highly prized and often sold or made into clothing. Besides poaching, deforestation is also threatening the cat's overall welfare.
Jocotoco antpitta ©Shutterstock The declining numbers of this shy bird has been blamed on both habitat quality and availability. Antpittas are forest birds that tend to feed at or near the ground since many are specialist ant eaters.
Jocotoco antpitta ©Shutterstock The declining numbers of this shy bird has been blamed on both habitat quality and availability. Antpittas are forest birds that tend to feed at or near the ground since many are specialist ant eaters.
Wattled curassow ©Shutterstock This handsome bird is only found in remote rain forests in the western Amazon basin, a habitat that is being progressively cleared. Hunting is another major threat to the Wattled curassow's existence.
Wattled curassow ©Shutterstock This handsome bird is only found in remote rain forests in the western Amazon basin, a habitat that is being progressively cleared. Hunting is another major threat to the Wattled curassow's existence.
Royal cinclodes ©Shutterstock Confined to the Andes of south-east Peru and the adjacent Amazon region of Bolivia, the royal cinclodes numbers a population of less than 250. A severely fragmented and rapidly declining habitat caused by fires and heavy grazing is blamed for its waning presence.
Royal cinclodes ©Shutterstock Confined to the Andes of south-east Peru and the adjacent Amazon region of Bolivia, the royal cinclodes numbers a population of less than 250. A severely fragmented and rapidly declining habitat caused by fires and heavy grazing is blamed for its waning presence.
Colombian woolly monkey ©Shutterstock Native to Colombia, the populations of this particular species of wooly monkey have been decimated by habitat loss, poaching, and smuggling as adoption for pets.
Colombian woolly monkey ©Shutterstock Native to Colombia, the populations of this particular species of wooly monkey have been decimated by habitat loss, poaching, and smuggling as adoption for pets.
Jaguar ©Getty Images One of the Amazon region's most iconic creatures, the jaguar is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and killings in human–wildlife conflict situations, particularly with ranchers in Central and South America. Its numbers have declined worryingly since the late 1990s.
Jaguar ©Getty Images One of the Amazon region's most iconic creatures, the jaguar is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and killings in human–wildlife conflict situations, particularly with ranchers in Central and South America. Its numbers have declined worryingly since the late 1990s.
Giant otter ©Shutterstock Found across north-central South America but living mostly in and along the Amazon river and in the Pantanal, the giant otter has suffered habitat loss and degradation to the point where it is now one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics (the Americas and the entire South American temperate zone)
Giant otter ©Shutterstock Found across north-central South America but living mostly in and along the Amazon river and in the Pantanal, the giant otter has suffered habitat loss and degradation to the point where it is now one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics (the Americas and the entire South American temperate zone)
Quito stubfoot toad ©Getty Images The once abundant Quito stubfoot toad was believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2016. Coincidentally, another stubfoot species, the Azuay stubfoot toad—believed to be extinct after its last sighting in 2002—leapt back into life 12 months earlier, in 2015.
Quito stubfoot toad ©Getty Images The once abundant Quito stubfoot toad was believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2016. Coincidentally, another stubfoot species, the Azuay stubfoot toad—believed to be extinct after its last sighting in 2002—leapt back into life 12 months earlier, in 2015.
Black bearded saki ©Shutterstock Concern for the black bearded saki is growing exponentially as habitat fragmentation, habitat destruction, and hunting pressure further reduces the numbers of this rare primate, now one of the most imperiled in the Amazon.
Black bearded saki ©Shutterstock Concern for the black bearded saki is growing exponentially as habitat fragmentation, habitat destruction, and hunting pressure further reduces the numbers of this rare primate, now one of the most imperiled in the Amazon.
Amazonian manatee ©Shutterstock Gentle and harmless, the Amazonian manatee lives in the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The main threat to its existence is hunting. Calf mortality, climate change, and habitat loss also contribute towards it decline.
Amazonian manatee ©Shutterstock Gentle and harmless, the Amazonian manatee lives in the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The main threat to its existence is hunting. Calf mortality, climate change, and habitat loss also contribute towards it decline.
Pied tamarin ©Shutterstock Characterized by their hairless head and ears, these primates are unusual and striking in appearance. Pied tamarins are up against multiple threats to their long-term survival, namely habitat loss, a fact not helped by their range, one of the smallest of any primate.
Pied tamarin ©Shutterstock Characterized by their hairless head and ears, these primates are unusual and striking in appearance. Pied tamarins are up against multiple threats to their long-term survival, namely habitat loss, a fact not helped by their range, one of the smallest of any primate.
Pink-throated brilliant ©Shutterstock The subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are the natural habitats of this dazzling hummingbird species. Deforestation, however, is making sightings of this distinctive bird rarer each year.
Pink-throated brilliant ©Shutterstock The subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are the natural habitats of this dazzling hummingbird species. Deforestation, however, is making sightings of this distinctive bird rarer each year.
Maned three-toed sloth ©Shutterstock This species of sloth only lives in Brazil, in the country's southeastern Atlantic coastal rain forest. Its range, however, was once much greater, and the maned three-toed sloth could be found as far north as Bahia state. Loss of forest habitat as a result of lumber extraction, charcoal production, and clearance for plantations and cattle pastures is the reason why it's now pocketed where it is.
Maned three-toed sloth ©Shutterstock This species of sloth only lives in Brazil, in the country's southeastern Atlantic coastal rain forest. Its range, however, was once much greater, and the maned three-toed sloth could be found as far north as Bahia state. Loss of forest habitat as a result of lumber extraction, charcoal production, and clearance for plantations and cattle pastures is the reason why it's now pocketed where it is.
Yellow-banded poison dart frog ©Shutterstock Forest fires, logging, and agriculture threaten this colorful amphibian. In addition, overharvesting of wild specimens for the exotic pet trade is also to blame for a reduction in numbers. Fortunately, it's a robust species and prospects for the frog's survival look good. For now.
by Stars Insider
March 15, 2025

Brazilian authorities have ordered the building of a new four-lane highway that cuts through tens of thousands of acres of protected Amazon forest land to prepare for the COP30 climate summit.  The aim of the project is to minimize traffic to Belem, the city where the summit will be held, with the move being hailed by the state government as an attempt to modernize the current infrastructure. However, many locals, environmental activists, and conservationists are infuriated by the decision.

For instance, Claudio Verequete, a resident who lives near where the road is being constructed, remarked that not only did he lose his income due to the trees having been removed from the area, but he is also worried about further deforestation in the future.

“Our fear is that one day someone will come here and say: ‘Here’s some money. We need this area to build a gas station, or to build a warehouse.’ And then we’ll have to leave,” he stated in an interview with media.

Moreover, the new road leaves two parts of the forest disconnected. Wildlife vet and researcher Silvia Sardinha, who works with her team to rehabilitate injured animals, believes the highway will negatively impact them because of that issue.

“Land animals will no longer be able to cross to the other side too, reducing the areas where they can live and breed,” she said.

Indeed, the extinction of various species often occurs due to modernization, which often involves destruction of their natural habitat and resources available to them. Sadly, for many species of wildlife, the tipping point has already arrived, with numerous mammals, birds, and amphibians facing potential extinction. Perhaps nowhere else on Earth exemplifies this threat to life more than the Amazon. The International Union for Conservation spotlights South America as “one of the richest sub-continents in terms of cultural and biological diversity.” But its Red List—a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity—registers wildlife in its hundreds as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered in the Amazon Basin alone.

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