Amazon Rainforest Deforestation

Pedro Cabral’s ship, under sponsorship of a Portugal ruler, dropped anchor in the shores of present day Rio de Janeiro on April 22nd, 1500. The crew onboard was unaware of the land of opportunity before them. This area would prove to show agriculturally enhanced land, large amounts of precious metals, and perhaps most importantly, the largest rainforest in the world. Already familiar with South America, historical records show that approximately seven million native indians inhabited Brazil, but today less than 200,000 indigenous people survive by fleeing to the Amazon (geographia). These native tribes utilize the seemingly boundless forest, living sustainably, but the industrialized society of today is not paying attention to the implications …show more content…
The exotic forest is estimated to be around 55 million years old, providing a long time for speciation to occur and explaining why over half of the known species that walk, or grow on, the planet call it their home (Amazon). With that said, it is crucial to stop deforestation and anything else that threatens the remarkably ideal habitat for a plethora of plants and animals. Of that biodiversity, over 40,000 different plants thrive in the Amazon and produce over twenty percent of the oxygen produced globally (15 Cool Facts). Without the Amazon and the oxygen levels produced by its vegetation, many animals and humans would be struggling to …show more content…
The wild boar is considered the highest threat, but few have considered that the species that transported the wild boar to Brazil was an invasive species itself (Problems). Homo sapiens should be considered an invasive species due to their nature of invading and transforming land to suit their needs by pushing out other species. Numerous actions of humans prove to be invasive in nature including deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and refusing actions of stewardship. Habitat fragmentation interrupts breeding habits of animals and is a major stressor to many species within the Amazon. Fragmentation and disruption of ecosystems can occur via development of new roads, new structures, and even the rerouting of streams. Stewardship typically involves the replenishment of resources after harvesting. Unfortunately, the laws set in place are not being enforced and insignificant action is being taken to replenish the lost forest. Using up the resources of the Amazon at a rate far surpassing the rate of regrowth shows a feckless, carefree attitude lacking foresight of what lies ahead for the