Other Mammals

While many mammals in the Amazon deserve their own dedicated pages, here are several fascinating species that play essential roles in the ecosystem:

Tapirs

There are four species of tapir, and two of these call the Amazon rainforest home: the Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and the Andean tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). These large ungulates are considered keystone species because of their role in seed dispersal (Rivera, 2020).

• Brazilian Tapir: Found in the lowlands, this species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Lowland Tapir IUCN Redlist).

• Andean Tapir: With a range limited to parts of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, this tapir is listed as endangered (Mountain Tapir IUCN Redlist).

Agoutis

Agoutis are a group of rodents native to the Amazon rainforest, with around twelve species documented (Britannica). They are keystone species due to their vital role in seed distribution. Notably, agoutis have the strongest jaws of any rodent in the Amazon, and they are the only animals capable of opening the seed pods of Brazil nuts—an essential process for both seed dispersal and providing access to these nutritious seeds for other wildlife (San Diego Zoo).

Giant Anteaters

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is another keystone species in the Amazon. By feeding on ants and termites, giant anteaters help regulate these populations. This regulation is particularly important for leaf cutter ants, which, although essential for the ecosystem, can become problematic if their numbers grow unchecked. The giant anteater is currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN (Giant Anteater IUCN Redlist).

Spectacled Bears

The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the largest mammal in the Amazon, reaching lengths of up to six feet and weighing around 340 pounds (Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute). With a range that extends narrowly through the Andes, these bears are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN (Andean Bear IUCN Redlist).

References:

Rivera, Luis. (April 15, 2020) National Parks revisited: their importance for the conservation of the lowland tapir in a mosaic of different ownership lands Oryx—The International Journal of Conservation

https://www.oryxthejournal.org/blog/national-parks-revisited-their-importance-for-the-conservation-of-lowland-tapir-in-a-mosaic-of-different-ownership-lands/#:~:text=It%20is%

Lowland Tapir IUCN Redlist

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21474/45174127

Mountain Tapir IUCN Redlist

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/21473/45173922

Agouti Brittanica

https://www.britannica.com/animal/agouti

Agouti San Deigo Zoo

https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/agouti

Giant Anteater IUCN Redlist

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/14224/47441961

Andean Bear Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/andean-bear#:~:text=Size,180%20pounds%20(81%20kilograms).

Andean Bear IUCN Redlist

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22066/123792952