The Flooded Forest, Mamiraua

Paddling around in a canoe gives one so much freedom to go just about anywhere in a flooded forest! The trees, many of which are endemic, are adapted so that they survive flooding during several months each year. The water can rise to 12 metres in the wet season. The fish and pink dolphins swim about freely at flood time. Some fish eat nuts and fruits fallen off the trees.   Meanwhile the monkeys and birds carry on as usual. On the left is the uakari monkey, studied by conservationist José Márcio Ayres, whose idea it was to create the Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, cared for by its local inhabitants. The was the first sustainable reserve of its kind in the world. Many prestigious scientists from across the globe have come here to study, and now it is open to tourists.