1. The Amazon is the longest river on earth. The river is born in the Andes Mts of Peru. Originally it flowed from east to west but with the formation of the Andes it reversed direction flowing west to east. The drainage basin is as large as the contiguous United States.
2. Dr. Michael Goulding has been studying the region for over 16 years. He works in association with the Coboclo Indians. The Name references that they are of mixed heritage (Indian and European). The Indians are tenet farmers and fishermen.
3. The Amazon has the greatest diversity of fish species in the world. There are @ 2000 cataloged species with as many unknown to science. Dr. Goulding has discovered and cataloged 200 plus species himself.
4. Electric Eels generate 500 volts to stun prey. Piranha hunt in schools. There are about 20 species of these in the region. Some eat fruit, others are fin nippers, and others are flesh eaters. River Sting Rays are of pre- Andean Pacific ancestry. Pink River Dolphins use echo location to find prey and bursts of sound to stun the prey.
5. The Arawana Fish (Water Monkey) leaps from the water to catch insects and other prey. The species has eyes that allow it to see both above and under the surface of the water at the same time. Males brood eggs and young in their mouths.
6. White Bald Wakari Monkeys have a red face that is a general indicator of health. They are short tailed (uncommon in New World species) and feed in small groups of 4 or 5. They are small weighing about 10 pounds.
7. Howler Monkeys are the largest Amazon species. Their growls can be heard for a distance of 2 miles. They indicate their group territory in that way. They feed upon fruit and leaves.
8. Sloths are awake for about 12 hours a day during which the feed. They eat leaves and have a slow metabolism. Green algae grows in their fur.
9. There are over 900 species of birds in the Amazon. They are hard to study because they live in the canopy.
10. The Hoatzin is a rare primitive bird. The young have claws on their wings much like prehistoric species such as the Archaeopteryx. They fee upon the leaves of the Giant Arum plant and feed their young predigested leaves. They nest over water so the young can swim to safety if needed.
11. During the peak of the rainy season trees flower and set fruit so that fish can spread the seed. The Giant Tombake fish is a 30 pound species that is a major seed disburser.
12. At night Night Monkeys come out to feed. They the only nocturnal monkey species known. Toro Rats are also common.
13. As the water recedes river banks provide places for the 3 foot Giant Amazon Turtles to lay eggs. Fish school back to the river systems. The Giant Piriricu, the largest freshwater fish is now over hunted. It can grow to a length of 9 feet.
14. During the dry season Manioc Root is the major staple of the Coboclo Indians. It is exported to the United States as tapioca.