Ceibo trees are the tallest emergent trees in the Ecuadorian rainforests reaching heights
up to 45 meters. Their roots are huge and buttressed to support the height and weight of the tree structure.

A very important feature of the Amazon rainforest are their meandering rivers caused by the flatness of the area. Those rivers often change their water courses and leave stagnant bodies of waters, called oxbow lakes, behind. Those lakes in turn are very rich in animal and plant species.

Bird life is exuberant in the canopies with hundreds of species found like the famous macaws and toucans, which are important seed dispersers.

Sometimes 12 generations of butterflies exist at the same time as there is no break in the breeding season.

Insects are the most numerous of all animals, especially many ant species. Walking Sticks prey on other insects.

Primates include various species of the New World monkeys, all of them tree dwellers and having a strong prehensile tail used for climbing.

To be able to cross rivers, this squirrel monkey sails some 15 meters through the air to reach the other shore.

Catfish and eels and other fish abound in the waters of the Amazon

The rivers and lagoons also support many reptiles, like charapa turtle and spectacled caiman.

From tiny snakes to the mighty anaconda, many reptiles make this forest their home.

Amphibians also play an important role in this ecological habitat.

Part of the Amazonian rainforest are swamps where distinct plants and trees can be found in regard to terra firme rainforest areas

Typical dwelling on stilts and motorized canoes are the main transport for the inhabitants.

In Ecuador the forest is under attack by oil camps and colonization. As soon as a road is built, deforestation follows to establish small farms and pastures.