Snakes living in the rainforest have evolved to lead an arboreal or tree-dwelling lifestyle. Many have long, thin bodies with angled scales on their bellies that enable them to hold onto branches securely.
Some species possess ‘wings’ which enable them to escape predators by gliding to another tree or the ground.
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Predators
In the rainforest, there are various predators to be encountered. These include snakes, lizards, birds and mammals.
Poison dart frogs are one of the most iconic jungle animals, their brightly-colored bodies warning predators they are dangerous. Unfortunately, some snakes have become immune to poisonous compounds and can now safely consume these amphibians.
Apex predators in the rainforest include big cats like lions and leopards, green anacondas and crocodiles. These apex predators have dominance over their environments due to their ability to hunt.
Insects
Insects make up a substantial part of the rainforest’s animal community. They play an essential role in many processes, from decomposing plant matter to breaking it into more manageable chunks.
Rainforest insects are a diverse group, consisting of thousands of species living in these warm and dense habitats. These include some of the biggest butterflies, beetles and ants in existence.
One of the largest rainforest insects is Goliathus goliatus, or titan beetle. Males possess V-shaped, forward-facing horns which they use to fight other males for dominance.
Other rainforest insects that eat beetles and their larvae include panther chameleons, tokay geckos and white-lined geckos. Tree monitor lizards also prey upon beetles in the trees. Frogs are another important rainforest predator; they take in insects that venture into their mouths as well as other frogs, lizards and birds.
Birds
Rainforests provide one of the world’s most diverse habitats for birds. To survive in these harsh conditions, birds have evolved specialized strategies.
Many rainforest species use their vibrant plumage to blend in and avoid predators. Some insects even engage in a game of hide-and-go-seek, making it hard for predators to spot them without moving.
Tropical rainforests are home to thousands of species, many unique only there. South America’s Amazon rainforest boasts some of the highest biodiversity on Earth with over 1,500 different species.
Mammals
Reptiles such as pythons and boa constrictors have evolved to thrive in tropical rainforests. They scurry along the ground or climb trees in search of food, feeding on whatever they can find.
Frogs and toads are two animals that may be preyed upon by snakes. Though small, frogs must still be cautious of snakes that could slither into their burrows and use them as food sources.
Birds are a frequent predator of snakes in the rainforest. Raptors such as hawks and owls hunt smaller mammals, while giant harpy eagles will take out monkeys with ease.
Amphibians
Amphibians are aquatic creatures that can live both on land and water. Due to their highly sensitive skin, they can breathe easily through it when exposed to changes in their environment.
They can survive in a variety of climates due to their ability to hide and stay warm in moist places like ponds or rainforest streams. Unfortunately, their habitats are increasingly threatened due to climate change and pollution.
They lay their eggs at the bottom of a stream or other wet areas on land, or in wet crevices in the forest. These areas provide a safe haven for them to raise their young, which eventually develop into tadpoles and frogs.
