Alex Melchiore 10/30/16
Documentary: Land of the Flooded Forest
The Amazon River itself is one of the longest spanning rivers on Earth. On this river spans acres and acres of prime rainforest, bursting with more biodiversity than most places on the planet. Due to tectonic plate of South America colliding with the neighboring plate, the Andes mountains were formed which trapped much of the water flowing from the Atlantic the Pacific which caused the formation of a great lake. Overtime however these waters pushed their way back out the Atlantic and left only the river channel behind which flood the surrounding forests every year. These floods are essential to these forests and bring with them a whole new ecosystem with waters about fifty feet deep.
This diverse ecosystem is home to many species not found anywhere else in the world such as the pygmy marmoset, three-toed sloths, and harpy eagles. This is one of the very few places in the world that give animals such as fish the opportunity to find food within the trees and the treetops (because the water table gets to be that high) the Amazon itself is known to be the home for over two-thousand known species. These fish including the deadly piranha, electric eel, arrowana, and so many others are essential the forest health even after the wet season is over. Many feed on the fruits of trees which enables the seeds within to germinate and be carried downriver to new areas to sprout within a few years essentially expands the forests. Others such as the piranha and the arrowana fish act as top of the food chain predators which helps keeps the populations of other species down to keep the forests’ ecosystems healthy and thriving.
The Amazon is home to many indigenous people who look to live in harmony with the surrounding forests they call home while others invade the Amazon looking to exploit every resource available they possibly can. These flooding forests bring in many fisherman competing for space to catch their share to make their profits. The indigenous people are also affected because they must keep their livestock out of the river to keep them from being eaten or drowning which would take away their livelihoods as well.
Overall this documentary gives a small peak into the lives of the many organisms that thrive among the Amazon during the flooding season. It includes many adaptations made by man and animal as the whole landscape changes even though this change is only temporary. I was very surprised to learn that thousands of species of fish especially migrate to this area every year to make it their home and how much of an impact they have on the forest itself even when the wet season is over. I was especially intrigued by the hunting methods of the arrowana fish which can leap right out of the water to grab small prey right off a branch. The ecosystem services these fish can bring to the Amazon is astounding. The interdependency of the fish and the trees is especially interesting, it was very insightful to learn how the fish have special adaptations to break through the hard cases around the fruits of certain trees which allow them to eat the fruits as well as germinate the next generation of trees.
It was very interesting to learn about the lives of the people who live in these conditions. Due to the immense flooding, the people of these forests must travel by canoe everywhere they go, avoiding predators and many other dangers as well. They also should make sure their homes are structurally sound to avoid giving way the rapid water flow encircling them to avoid them being swept away overnight and unfortunately some do not make it. The architecture of their homes not only has to support them but support their livestock as well which can be very tedious. These livestock are very susceptible to these floods and can easily fall in and be swept away by the water-flow or eaten alive by the piranhas as well as other predators. Their way of life portrayed in this documentary seems very nerve-wracking to me. Not only do they have to compete with the other animals around them for fish but they have to compete with other fishermen looking to exploit the same resource. These floods bring with them many hardships to the area but also bring great treasures to this area as well.
Documentary: Land of the Flooded Forest
The Amazon River itself is one of the longest spanning rivers on Earth. On this river spans acres and acres of prime rainforest, bursting with more biodiversity than most places on the planet. Due to tectonic plate of South America colliding with the neighboring plate, the Andes mountains were formed which trapped much of the water flowing from the Atlantic the Pacific which caused the formation of a great lake. Overtime however these waters pushed their way back out the Atlantic and left only the river channel behind which flood the surrounding forests every year. These floods are essential to these forests and bring with them a whole new ecosystem with waters about fifty feet deep.
This diverse ecosystem is home to many species not found anywhere else in the world such as the pygmy marmoset, three-toed sloths, and harpy eagles. This is one of the very few places in the world that give animals such as fish the opportunity to find food within the trees and the treetops (because the water table gets to be that high) the Amazon itself is known to be the home for over two-thousand known species. These fish including the deadly piranha, electric eel, arrowana, and so many others are essential the forest health even after the wet season is over. Many feed on the fruits of trees which enables the seeds within to germinate and be carried downriver to new areas to sprout within a few years essentially expands the forests. Others such as the piranha and the arrowana fish act as top of the food chain predators which helps keeps the populations of other species down to keep the forests’ ecosystems healthy and thriving.
The Amazon is home to many indigenous people who look to live in harmony with the surrounding forests they call home while others invade the Amazon looking to exploit every resource available they possibly can. These flooding forests bring in many fisherman competing for space to catch their share to make their profits. The indigenous people are also affected because they must keep their livestock out of the river to keep them from being eaten or drowning which would take away their livelihoods as well.
Overall this documentary gives a small peak into the lives of the many organisms that thrive among the Amazon during the flooding season. It includes many adaptations made by man and animal as the whole landscape changes even though this change is only temporary. I was very surprised to learn that thousands of species of fish especially migrate to this area every year to make it their home and how much of an impact they have on the forest itself even when the wet season is over. I was especially intrigued by the hunting methods of the arrowana fish which can leap right out of the water to grab small prey right off a branch. The ecosystem services these fish can bring to the Amazon is astounding. The interdependency of the fish and the trees is especially interesting, it was very insightful to learn how the fish have special adaptations to break through the hard cases around the fruits of certain trees which allow them to eat the fruits as well as germinate the next generation of trees.
It was very interesting to learn about the lives of the people who live in these conditions. Due to the immense flooding, the people of these forests must travel by canoe everywhere they go, avoiding predators and many other dangers as well. They also should make sure their homes are structurally sound to avoid giving way the rapid water flow encircling them to avoid them being swept away overnight and unfortunately some do not make it. The architecture of their homes not only has to support them but support their livestock as well which can be very tedious. These livestock are very susceptible to these floods and can easily fall in and be swept away by the water-flow or eaten alive by the piranhas as well as other predators. Their way of life portrayed in this documentary seems very nerve-wracking to me. Not only do they have to compete with the other animals around them for fish but they have to compete with other fishermen looking to exploit the same resource. These floods bring with them many hardships to the area but also bring great treasures to this area as well.
Alex Melchiore 10/30/16
Documentary: Golden Amazon
The Amazon as a whole provides great treasures to the people and the diverse wildlife that inhabit it: food, lumber, and even gold. However, these treasures bring unwanted attention from those looking to exploit these treasures for personal gain. Deforestation in the Amazon has been a huge issue since it’s discovery by explorers. Government “interference” has not done a lot as far as protection and enforcement is concerned. Many companies (both legal and illegal) exploit the trees for profit on government owned and private owned land. Where these companies set up sawmills for logging and shipping is claimed to be unknown to the politicians of the area. Loggers come in drones in an attempt to clear out vast patches of land for farming, timber, and other building materials that can be useful to them. This indifference is severely damaging the ‘lungs’ of the planet as more and more illegal activity is driven further and further into the heart of the Amazon.
Over-fishing is also having an undesired impact on the ecosystems as well. Each year, thousands of fish, including the Pirarucu, are over exploited by the fishermen who migrate each year to take advantage of the shrinking abundance of this fish. This communal fishing brings in many individuals each day of the season. Every part of the pirarucu is used for many different purposes; because of this it is a highly sought after fish and every year it becomes closer and closer to being endangered.
Finally, the Amazon is home to one of the most valuable substances on earth: gold. Gold-mining has really taken off in Amazon. Many prospectors come to the Amazon for the chance to strike gold and become rich themselves. This gold however is not easy to find. Much equipment is used to open up a mine with no guarantee of finding any. New mines are opened and searched each year with varying success, but this mining has a major impact on the forest. Deforesting the area causes much distress in the organisms around the mine which become displaced or killed from the selfish ambitions of gold mining.
This documentary itself is very heartbreaking to me with everything discussed: the acres and acres of forests being destroyed each year is very eye-opening, much less the impact it has not only on the organisms that call the Amazon home, but to the effects it has on the world as a whole as well. These illegal activities on paper are supposed to be heavily enforced by government officials but in the real world, much more action is needed. Unfortunately this deforestation, gold-mining, and over-fishing is common practice in this part of the world which is very poor. These activities to the people are worth the chances to possibly make even a small living.
It was very risky of the journalists to venture into the illegal sawmills due to the high chances of them being killed by the illegal workers looking to strip-mine the area. This was very unsettling to see the amount of progress that these mills make in just a few weeks of logging and how much damage they are doing to the area that may or may not ever regenerate. Not only sawmills, but gold prospector’s clear out acres and acres for a treasure that may or may not be found; to them the reward highly outweighs the risks. They do not understand (or care) about the effects their equipment and their actions have on the area. This is just an immensely different way of life that is hard to watch.
Without enforcement and research, these illegal activities will only continue. Many fish species will continue to be endangered, many trees will continue to be cut down, and many holes will be dug all for the sake of making a living for these people. Overall this documentary was very eye opening to the issues that will continue to plague the Amazon for years to come.
Documentary: Golden Amazon
The Amazon as a whole provides great treasures to the people and the diverse wildlife that inhabit it: food, lumber, and even gold. However, these treasures bring unwanted attention from those looking to exploit these treasures for personal gain. Deforestation in the Amazon has been a huge issue since it’s discovery by explorers. Government “interference” has not done a lot as far as protection and enforcement is concerned. Many companies (both legal and illegal) exploit the trees for profit on government owned and private owned land. Where these companies set up sawmills for logging and shipping is claimed to be unknown to the politicians of the area. Loggers come in drones in an attempt to clear out vast patches of land for farming, timber, and other building materials that can be useful to them. This indifference is severely damaging the ‘lungs’ of the planet as more and more illegal activity is driven further and further into the heart of the Amazon.
Over-fishing is also having an undesired impact on the ecosystems as well. Each year, thousands of fish, including the Pirarucu, are over exploited by the fishermen who migrate each year to take advantage of the shrinking abundance of this fish. This communal fishing brings in many individuals each day of the season. Every part of the pirarucu is used for many different purposes; because of this it is a highly sought after fish and every year it becomes closer and closer to being endangered.
Finally, the Amazon is home to one of the most valuable substances on earth: gold. Gold-mining has really taken off in Amazon. Many prospectors come to the Amazon for the chance to strike gold and become rich themselves. This gold however is not easy to find. Much equipment is used to open up a mine with no guarantee of finding any. New mines are opened and searched each year with varying success, but this mining has a major impact on the forest. Deforesting the area causes much distress in the organisms around the mine which become displaced or killed from the selfish ambitions of gold mining.
This documentary itself is very heartbreaking to me with everything discussed: the acres and acres of forests being destroyed each year is very eye-opening, much less the impact it has not only on the organisms that call the Amazon home, but to the effects it has on the world as a whole as well. These illegal activities on paper are supposed to be heavily enforced by government officials but in the real world, much more action is needed. Unfortunately this deforestation, gold-mining, and over-fishing is common practice in this part of the world which is very poor. These activities to the people are worth the chances to possibly make even a small living.
It was very risky of the journalists to venture into the illegal sawmills due to the high chances of them being killed by the illegal workers looking to strip-mine the area. This was very unsettling to see the amount of progress that these mills make in just a few weeks of logging and how much damage they are doing to the area that may or may not ever regenerate. Not only sawmills, but gold prospector’s clear out acres and acres for a treasure that may or may not be found; to them the reward highly outweighs the risks. They do not understand (or care) about the effects their equipment and their actions have on the area. This is just an immensely different way of life that is hard to watch.
Without enforcement and research, these illegal activities will only continue. Many fish species will continue to be endangered, many trees will continue to be cut down, and many holes will be dug all for the sake of making a living for these people. Overall this documentary was very eye opening to the issues that will continue to plague the Amazon for years to come.
Alex Melchiore 10/30/16
Documentary: Climate Change and the Amazon Basin
Climate change, this global phenomenon/catastrophe has had a serious impact on the world’s natural ecosystems. The Amazon is no exception, formerly called the ‘lungs’ of the planet, the destruction of this lush and lively ecosystem is impacting not only the general area of the Amazon, but the whole world as well. This documentary takes place in Para, the second biggest state in Brazil. Due to it being on the Amazon River Basin, it is a prime spot to be affected by climate change. The residents are used to the floods from the wet season. In fact, due to the very warm conditions and the widespread farming and agriculture, the wet season is much needed. The residents have learned to build their homes on stilt like structures in an attempt to avoid the major floods caused by the wet season; they also have built many structures to make agriculture much easier such as building pens for the animals to make sure they are secure to avoid them being lost to the floods. However, with changing conditions and much more dangerous floods, their ways of life are in even more danger. The rising levels in the water contribute to much more disastrous storms which is only further enhanced by the conditions caused by La Nino which only increase the already heavy levels of rain.
Deforestation and soil erosion also play a role in these disastrous conditions. Without the soils and trees, the floods have no barriers preventing them from invading areas and causing damage. This is also straining the people because it makes it more challenging to plant medicinal plants or continue their farming practices. The citizens do damage control by using the canahana plants as a line of defense against the floods which are able to withstand a good amount of water. Teachers teach their students the importance of this damage control to better prepare them for their futures of dealing with these problems that climate change causes.
This documentary is definitely eye opening in the sense it shows what changing climate conditions can cause. For the people living on the river, their way of life is very much in danger. As the documentarian was following the woman who plants the traditional medicinal plants, I noticed how much of a struggle it was for her to live and protect her plants from the roaring floods. It really puts in perspective that if anything were to happen to her plants, she may not be able to provide medicinal herbs to the surrounding people who could be in dire need of it. Another example is when they highlighted the farms and farmers, what would happen if their livestock was lost to the floods? How would those people make a living?
The many structures being built on the Amazon have to be constantly checked by the citizens to make sure they can continue to outlast the floods and storms. This is definitely alarming to the locals who live there. I couldn’t imagine having to go out on a canoe a few times a month to make sure that my home is secure and I would not have to worry about buying lumber a few times a month.
All of these conditions are only enhanced by climate change. It did not occur to me until I watched how much of an impact the El Nina and La Nino events have on the area and how they can contribute to the terrible storms and the rising water levels. If I was living there I would seriously consider migrating away from the area to a safer place (if I had the funds required which not many of the citizens of Igarape do). Many of the citizens have already attempted to migrate away to avoid these worsening conditions. For those who choose to stay, education is being provided on how to avoid these problems. I thought it was very resourceful of them to use the canahana plants to use as defense against floods. With climate change only affecting the areas more and more each year. Many more resources and education will be needed to keep the people and their livelihoods safe from the changing conditions.
Documentary: Climate Change and the Amazon Basin
Climate change, this global phenomenon/catastrophe has had a serious impact on the world’s natural ecosystems. The Amazon is no exception, formerly called the ‘lungs’ of the planet, the destruction of this lush and lively ecosystem is impacting not only the general area of the Amazon, but the whole world as well. This documentary takes place in Para, the second biggest state in Brazil. Due to it being on the Amazon River Basin, it is a prime spot to be affected by climate change. The residents are used to the floods from the wet season. In fact, due to the very warm conditions and the widespread farming and agriculture, the wet season is much needed. The residents have learned to build their homes on stilt like structures in an attempt to avoid the major floods caused by the wet season; they also have built many structures to make agriculture much easier such as building pens for the animals to make sure they are secure to avoid them being lost to the floods. However, with changing conditions and much more dangerous floods, their ways of life are in even more danger. The rising levels in the water contribute to much more disastrous storms which is only further enhanced by the conditions caused by La Nino which only increase the already heavy levels of rain.
Deforestation and soil erosion also play a role in these disastrous conditions. Without the soils and trees, the floods have no barriers preventing them from invading areas and causing damage. This is also straining the people because it makes it more challenging to plant medicinal plants or continue their farming practices. The citizens do damage control by using the canahana plants as a line of defense against the floods which are able to withstand a good amount of water. Teachers teach their students the importance of this damage control to better prepare them for their futures of dealing with these problems that climate change causes.
This documentary is definitely eye opening in the sense it shows what changing climate conditions can cause. For the people living on the river, their way of life is very much in danger. As the documentarian was following the woman who plants the traditional medicinal plants, I noticed how much of a struggle it was for her to live and protect her plants from the roaring floods. It really puts in perspective that if anything were to happen to her plants, she may not be able to provide medicinal herbs to the surrounding people who could be in dire need of it. Another example is when they highlighted the farms and farmers, what would happen if their livestock was lost to the floods? How would those people make a living?
The many structures being built on the Amazon have to be constantly checked by the citizens to make sure they can continue to outlast the floods and storms. This is definitely alarming to the locals who live there. I couldn’t imagine having to go out on a canoe a few times a month to make sure that my home is secure and I would not have to worry about buying lumber a few times a month.
All of these conditions are only enhanced by climate change. It did not occur to me until I watched how much of an impact the El Nina and La Nino events have on the area and how they can contribute to the terrible storms and the rising water levels. If I was living there I would seriously consider migrating away from the area to a safer place (if I had the funds required which not many of the citizens of Igarape do). Many of the citizens have already attempted to migrate away to avoid these worsening conditions. For those who choose to stay, education is being provided on how to avoid these problems. I thought it was very resourceful of them to use the canahana plants to use as defense against floods. With climate change only affecting the areas more and more each year. Many more resources and education will be needed to keep the people and their livelihoods safe from the changing conditions.
Alex Melchiore 10/30/16
Documentary: Wildlife of Brazil’s Amazon
The Amazon is home to a wide diversity of wildlife, both predator and prey, not seen anywhere else on earth. This biodiversity is in trouble though. Many activities of humans are to blame for the destruction of habitat utilized by many of the threatened and endangered species seen in the Amazon.
The Amazon is home to some of the most dangerous predators on earth including the black caiman. The black caiman is from the crocodilian family and much like its cousins in other parts of the world they are highly successful and adaptable predators using similar ambushing techniques, these predators are on top of the food chain and help keep the populations of their prey species in check. During the dry season, the caiman take advantage of the many species of fish that have been stranded due to the receding water levels which draws in many other species as well for filling meals. These pools are the central zones for many diverse ecosystems during that time of year.
Many of these animals have special adaptations for taking advantage of their surroundings. The leaf-cutter ants are highly specialized foragers that make much use out of the hard to utilize plants of the amazon. These ants work together in colonies with numerous members to tear apart some of the sturdy plants for food as well as building, and bridging paths to easily maneuver up and down the trees which they utilize for material for their whole colony.
The diversity within the Amazon rainforests is among the greatest in the world. All animals in the amazon are specially adapted to life in the tropical conditions. The interconnections of those animals is essential to the survival of the ecosystems within the Amazon .
This documentary was my personal favorite for the ones we watched to prepare for Manaus. I was very excited to watch this documentary so I can teach myself more about the special adaptations that the animals in this part of the world have. For example, the black caiman (well crocodilians in general) are among my favorite animals with a life history that dates back to the days of the dinosaurs. It was exciting to watch their special ways of hunting down fish, birds, and other prey items and learning about their behaviors.
For the big animals of the Amazon, I was most impressed by the smallest. The leaf-cutter ants are by far one of the most resourceful animals in the Amazon (maybe even the world). These colonies are made up of so many individuals that come together to benefit their colonies. These animals are hard-working and intelligent enough to take full advantage of their surroundings. As their name implies: leaf cutter ants use their mandibles to precisely cut through leaves in order to build and create structures to benefit the colony in collecting food or building for defense from predators.
Those were among my favorite of the animals highlighted in the film. There are plenty of other animals that were truly fascinating to learn about such as the common squirrel monkeys. The amazon is home to many troops of these monkeys that are right at home climbing tree after tree in search of food. There are plenty of other monkeys to see as well.
The indigenous tribes are also a part of the food chain as well, they live off of the land in a sustainable fashion that is non detrimental to the entire forest. I was very intrigued to see how they treat the land with much respect and only take what they need from it. If only many other people could learn from these tribes.
I learned a lot about the animals and the people from these areas to better prepare me for what I will see in the Amazon. I cannot wait to go!
Documentary: Wildlife of Brazil’s Amazon
The Amazon is home to a wide diversity of wildlife, both predator and prey, not seen anywhere else on earth. This biodiversity is in trouble though. Many activities of humans are to blame for the destruction of habitat utilized by many of the threatened and endangered species seen in the Amazon.
The Amazon is home to some of the most dangerous predators on earth including the black caiman. The black caiman is from the crocodilian family and much like its cousins in other parts of the world they are highly successful and adaptable predators using similar ambushing techniques, these predators are on top of the food chain and help keep the populations of their prey species in check. During the dry season, the caiman take advantage of the many species of fish that have been stranded due to the receding water levels which draws in many other species as well for filling meals. These pools are the central zones for many diverse ecosystems during that time of year.
Many of these animals have special adaptations for taking advantage of their surroundings. The leaf-cutter ants are highly specialized foragers that make much use out of the hard to utilize plants of the amazon. These ants work together in colonies with numerous members to tear apart some of the sturdy plants for food as well as building, and bridging paths to easily maneuver up and down the trees which they utilize for material for their whole colony.
The diversity within the Amazon rainforests is among the greatest in the world. All animals in the amazon are specially adapted to life in the tropical conditions. The interconnections of those animals is essential to the survival of the ecosystems within the Amazon .
This documentary was my personal favorite for the ones we watched to prepare for Manaus. I was very excited to watch this documentary so I can teach myself more about the special adaptations that the animals in this part of the world have. For example, the black caiman (well crocodilians in general) are among my favorite animals with a life history that dates back to the days of the dinosaurs. It was exciting to watch their special ways of hunting down fish, birds, and other prey items and learning about their behaviors.
For the big animals of the Amazon, I was most impressed by the smallest. The leaf-cutter ants are by far one of the most resourceful animals in the Amazon (maybe even the world). These colonies are made up of so many individuals that come together to benefit their colonies. These animals are hard-working and intelligent enough to take full advantage of their surroundings. As their name implies: leaf cutter ants use their mandibles to precisely cut through leaves in order to build and create structures to benefit the colony in collecting food or building for defense from predators.
Those were among my favorite of the animals highlighted in the film. There are plenty of other animals that were truly fascinating to learn about such as the common squirrel monkeys. The amazon is home to many troops of these monkeys that are right at home climbing tree after tree in search of food. There are plenty of other monkeys to see as well.
The indigenous tribes are also a part of the food chain as well, they live off of the land in a sustainable fashion that is non detrimental to the entire forest. I was very intrigued to see how they treat the land with much respect and only take what they need from it. If only many other people could learn from these tribes.
I learned a lot about the animals and the people from these areas to better prepare me for what I will see in the Amazon. I cannot wait to go!