Most often it is the animal life that interest people about the Amazon. There certainly isn't a lack of it. In fact, the Amazon is thought to be home to 50% of the known animal species. The percentage might be considerably higher since a large percentage of the Amazonian inhabitants haven't been scientifically recorded yet.

Cute and often fuzzy, mammals are at the top at many people’s “must see” list, and the Amazon is home to some 300 species. However, mammals of the rainforest can be hard to spot because they are well camouflaged and tend to be shy. They are also in decline around populated areas due to over hunting. Some of the more memorable mammals include monkeys, kinkajous, Brazilian tapirs, giant anteaters, vampire bats, capybaras, and jaguars.

At least 1,800 to 2,000 species of birds call the Amazon home. This number increases with the seasonal migration of birds from North America and Patagonia. Because birds usually inhabit the higher branches of the canopy, they can be hard to spot. Probably the most likely area one will see them is along forest edges and water banks, and then only as they flutter across the clearing. A few, such as anis, fly catches, hawks, oriels, and kingfishers, can be found perched along the river. Parrots can also be seen gathering around their favorite clay-licks.

What would the Amazon do without her reptiles? Anacondas capture the imagination with their great size, as the iguana watches tourists glide by in canoes. While most animals are limited because of their dependence on water and nourishment, the main concern of reptiles is the maintenance of a proper body temperature. This means a sunbath when one is cold, and a shady rest when body temperature gets too high. This knowledge is very useful when it comes to tracking down reptiles.

As the first vertebrates to inhabit land, amphibians are really in their element in the Amazonian Forest. Probably of greatest interest are the 135 species of poison dart frog. These creatures have maximized their evolutionary prowess to produce poisons and beautiful marking. Meanwhile, caecilians have returned to the soil as strange worm-like creatures, and the Suriname toad inhabits the mud as a weird sort of pancake with legs. In any case, the Amazonian amphibians are a wonder to behold.

Not a positive feature for the squeamish, but the Amazonian Basin is home to over 30 million species of insects. One can appreciate the beautiful butterflies and moths, as well as the intricate symbiotic relationships certain insects have with plants. Insects are also responsible for the recycling of forest materials, enriching the soil so that plants may get their proper nutrients. In any case, these insects play a vital role in the rainforest ecology.

With over 2,000 species of fish, the aquatic scene is not lacking in activity. Red-bellied piranhas strike terror through the waters, while the gentle jewel tetras glow in brilliant colors. But fish aren’t the only ones who inhabit the murky deep waters of the Amazon. There are also dolphins, manatees, otters, caimans, and river turtles all contributing to the rich tapestry of aquatic life.