Brazil's Amazon Sees Historic Drop in Forest Fires

Brazil's Amazon Sees Historic Drop in Forest Fires

#GS-3 #Environment #Conservation #Biodiversity #Climate Change #GS-1 #Geography #Physical Geography

Why in News

  • Forest fires in Brazil's Amazon have fallen to their lowest level since records began in 1985, showing a major recovery from 2024.
  • Key reasons for this drop include a delayed rainy season, reduced deforestation, and stronger local community monitoring.
  • Most fires recorded in 2024 were human-made, caused by clearing land for agriculture, deforestation, and illegal mining activities.
  • Scientists warn that a potential Super El Niño event could bring longer dry spells and increase the risk of future wildfires.

Key Facts About the Amazon Rainforest

  • Covering roughly 6 million square kilometres across nine South American territories, the Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest in the world.
  • Nearly 60% of this massive rainforest lies within the borders of Brazil.
  • It spans the Amazon River Basin, which is recognized as the largest river basin on the planet.
  • The forest is surrounded by the Guiana Highlands to the north, the Andes Mountains to the west, the Brazilian Plateau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
  • High rainfall, intense humidity, and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for this dense tropical evergreen ecosystem.
  • As a major biodiversity hotspot, the Amazon contains almost 10% of all known animal and plant species on Earth.
  • Notable plants include the Brazil nut, rubber, mahogany, cedar, and rosewood.
  • Prominent wildlife species found here include the jaguar, capybara, tapir, sloth, anaconda, caiman, toucan, and macaw.
  • Significant protected zones include Yasuni National Park in Ecuador, Jaú National Park, Tumucumaque National Park, and Pico da Neblina National Park in Brazil.
  • Additional protected areas are Manu National Park and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in Peru, along with Amacayacu National Natural Park in Colombia.
  • Often called the "Lungs of the Earth," the rainforest acts as a critical carbon sink that helps stabilize the global climate.
  • The Amazon River originates in the Peruvian Andes, serving as the largest river by discharge volume and the second longest river after the Nile.
  • Major tributaries feeding into the main river include the Rio Negro, Madeira, and Xingu.