Wonder S2 Ep 06 - The Boiling River

There are few places on Earth that showcase the extraordinary beauty and diversity of life as in the Amazon. It is simply unique.   The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and river system and spans across eight countries and one overseas territory, through Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana/ France. It contains one-tenth of the world’s known species; the latest estimates are 40,000 plant species, 1600 species of tree, 3,000 freshwater fish species, 1600 bird species, 1000 amphibians, 400+ mammals and more than 370 types of reptiles. This of course doesn’t take account of the myriad of insects and invertebrates that live there.   It is one of Earth's last refuges for animals such as jaguars, harpy eagles and pink dolphins.   A recent report by WWF confirmed that scientists are discovering an average of one new species in the Amazon every other day.   Also, more than 30 million people, including 350 indigenous groups live in the Amazon and depend upon it for their shelter, food, agriculture and livelihoods.   The Amazon rainforest and river provide such a unique and vital ecosystem that benefits us all, it is quite breath-taking and heart-breaking in equal measure.   Today I want to tell one of the many stories of the Amazon, about an area along the vast Amazon River, how it is like nothing else anywhere on Earth and why it matters.   Let’s find out more.   For more information visit www.injustoneday.com/boilingriver