How Andean bears act as the secret architects of the Amazon rainforest
In short: Follow the journey of water from the Andes to the Atlantic in this exploration of the Amazon. Discover how scientists and local guides are tracking elusive wildlife to understand the vital connections sustaining the planet's largest rainforest.
The Amazon relies on water as its primary lifeblood, supporting the most biodiverse environment on Earth. As part of a two-year scientific mission supported by the National Geographic Society and the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, researchers traveled from the mountain summits to the sea to document these complex, interconnected ecosystems.
Among the findings is the critical role of the Andean bear, also known as the ukuku. Biologist Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya and her team, aided by a tracking dog, discovered that these solitary animals actively reshape their habitat. By consuming vegetation and dispersing seeds across vast distances, the bears facilitate the growth of cloud forests, serving as essential guardians of the water cycle.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Expedition Amazon – Into the Waters | National Geographic
- Also: Into the Amazon | National Geographic
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