From 1999 to 2009, a search in the thriving Amazon Rainforest resulted in the uncovering of 637 new plant species, hundreds of undiscovered types of insects and arachnids, and many, many new species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish. All of these classifications bound together to make up a total of 1,220! Some are so beyond the normal and slightly drab colors, and are bursting with wild pigments, seeming like they are tinted with dye or slathered in paint. It is almost unbelievable to think that these glowing creatures, so different from the others, have gone unnoticed for this long. But finally, they are out to exhibit their beauty in the Amazon life.
A new scaly snake was discovered, and stretching to its fullest, it reaches the amazing length of thirteen feet! Many other reptiles were found, including a wide variety of extremely venomous snakes. A total of 55 species of reptiles were discovered.
With flames on its head, moist, colorful skin, and a washed blue body, the newly found frog is the most spectacular of all the amphibians. Many were revealed but a particular 24 were categorized as poisonous dart frogs. The most amazing of those can blend in with its translucent skin.
Giant monkey-eating catfish lurk through the depths of the rivers. But the catfish is just a small attribution added into the uncovering of 257 fish species! Just in case you’re wondering: yes, some of the catfish have been caught with pieces of monkeys in their digestive system and, again, yes they are HUGE! But normally they eat other fish.
For mammals, they discovered anything from the pink river dolphin to two new porcupines and finally to seven new types of monkeys!
Finally, last but not least, among the 637 new plant species are new wild pineapples, a special type of juicy apple, bright sunflowers, blossoming lilies, and quick-spreading ivy!
Also, we can’t forget to give credit to those researchers who have worked so hard to expose these amazing species. I guess we know why it is called the Amazon Rainforest!