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Amazon Rivers
Some of the most unique plant and animal diversity in the world has evolved on the Amazon floodplains. As with most Amazon river wildlife, fish depend on the rainforests and the floating meadow ecosystems to survive. Unfortunately, this biologically diverse habitat is being drastically changed by floodplain deforestation due mostly to cattle ranching. This threatens the ecosystem's incredible diversity, including the fish that sustain commercial fisheries.
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A rainforest catfish (pirarara) eats a rainforest fruit (jauari). People eat both the fish and the fruit.
(© 1996, Michael Goulding)
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From 1990-1999, Amazon Rivers, under the direction of Dr. Michael Goulding, researched and promoted the conservation of Amazonian aquatic wildlife and its habitats. In close collaboration with South American governments, research institutions and local peoples, the program worked to increase the public's awareness of threats to the region and offered rational uses of the area's aquatic resources.
Amazon Rivers took a multi-faceted approach that focused on positive methods leading to the protection of aquatic habitats and the wildlife associated with them. The program helped call attention to the devastation of flooded forests and floating meadows, generating widespread discussion and debate throughout Brazil. Amazon Rivers initiatives promotes transnational cooperation in the management of migratory fish species that move between Brazil and Bolivia; and, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. On the key species front, the program elucidated the life history and aquacultural potential of a rainforest fish known as the tambaqui. Education efforts included the publication of five books on the management of the Amazon River ecosystem, and participation in a highly advanced satellite mapping of the area to track deforestation of the Amazon floodplain and make authorities aware of this problem. The program worked with media such as Veja magazine in Brazil, Associated Press, the Journal of Commerce, National Public Radio and Scientific American to further educate the public about the importance of this ecosystem and the wildlife that live in it.
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