The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most crucial ecosystems in the world. Not only is it home to 10% of all the known species in the world, the rainforest produces around 20% of all oxygen produced on terrestrial ecosystems. With increasing awareness of the importance of biodiversity in tackling the climate crisis, it is therefore critical to conserve the Amazon rainforest.
Unfortunately, the Amazon rainforest is under severe threat, having lost 17% of forest cover in just 50 years. Deforestation is rampant due to illegal mining and cattle grazing. The degradation of the rainforest is confounded by fierce forest fires associated with both climate change and slash and burn cultivation. Many of the Amazon’s most precious species are severely threatened by habitat degradation and fragmentation, the illegal wildlife trade and human wildlife conflict.
On this episode, I interview Jana Bell who is the founder of the Amazon Rainforest Conservancy. We elaborate upon the threats facing the Amazon Rainforests and the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic. Jana also talks about all the conservation work she is involved in, ranging from protecting intact rainforest to restoring fragmented jaguar habitats and restoring macaw populations. Tune in to one of the most interesting episodes of the season!
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