The Amazon rainforest is home to around one-tenth of the world's flora and fauna, including 40,000 plant species and 1,300 types of bird. But deforestation, climate change and illegal capture are threatening the future of the rainforest and the animals and plants that live there.

Why sponsor a jaguar?

Jaguars are one of the many creatures threatened by the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. The jaguar population has fallen significantly in recent decades.

The largest cat of the Americas, the mighty jaguar was revered by the ancient civilisations of the Mayans and the Incas. But in modern times commercial hunting and trapping of jaguars has caused a big decline in their numbers. While many of these activities have thankfully been stopped through conservation efforts, jaguars are still killed by local farmers protecting their livestock.

Habitat loss is a big threat to the jaguar. The loss of rainforest areas cuts jaguars off from sources of food and makes it harder for them to find mates so they can breed.

By adopting a jaguar, you can help to conserve its Amazon rainforest habitat and secure its future.

Other rainforest animals:

The jaguar isn't the only animal to suffer because of deforestation in the Amazon. Many, like the black spider monkey, find it particularly difficult to live in disturbed habitats, so continuing deforestation threatens their survival. Even species that have inhabited the Earth for millions of years, such as the South American river turtle, are at risk from changes in their habitat.

Jaguars are also not the only species to be targeted by poachers. Many exotic species are captured and traded as pets, often illegally. Brightly coloured birds such as macaws are particularly favoured by collectors.

The Amazon and climate change:

Climate change is another threat to the species of the Amazon. The Amazon's tropical forests and rivers are teeming with fascinating species whose future could be in doubt because of temperature rises in the Amazon basin.

Rainforest conservation is an essential part of tackling climate change as deforestation is one of the major causes of greenhouse gas emissions. Helping to preserve the Amazon by adopting an animal or sponsoring an acre of rainforest is one way you can help.

Find out more about how you can help preserve the Amazon rainforest and its amazing wildlife by adopting a jaguar.

About the Author:
Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.