.......The Images

Amazonia

Sometimes, sunset is accompanied by a "strange light", with a yellowish tone, indicating that there are thunderstorms in the region, and a strong tendancy to rain more. Rio Negro, near Manaus, Amazonas - Brazil.	The State of Amazonas still has 97% of its rainforests intact. Near Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil	In the "amazonian winter", (rainy season), fog at dawn is not uncommon, until the sun warms the air, due to the warm waters. Near Careiro, Amazonas - Brazil.	Leaf or insect? Every year, the INPA - National Institute for Research of the Amazon, with its headquater in Manaus, Amazonas - Brazil, discovers a couple of hundred new species of insects and plants. The diversity is impressive.	"Igararapé" is the regional name for any small course of water, of indian origin, and generally used over the Amazon region. This Igarapé is in Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.
"Leite de Amapá" (Amapá milk) is drawn similarly to the method used in tapping rubber, through a series of scratches in the tree bark. The local culture dictates that it is extremely helpful for respiratory ailments. Interior of Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.	Unlike common belief, the people that live in the jungle of Amazonas do not chop down the trees unnecessarily: only enough to make their home, and clear some space to cultivate their basic needs. In this image, two children are playing beside a cut tree, near their home. Interior of Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.	Rio Negro, as seen from the pier of the Hotel Tropical in Manaus, Amazonas - Brazil.	The species adapt to the environment: due to the poor soil, most trees grow their roots horizontally in order to obtain nutirients and survive the yearly flooding. Tarumã, near Manaus, Amazonas - Brazil.	Tropical Rainforest. Humid, hot, and green. Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.
A small tree fell, and is now a perching point for birds and other animals, to check out anything interesting in the water. Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.	The light at the end of the day manages to breach the dense canopy of the trees next to the river. Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.	The rainforest's ground is covered with leaves, and anything else that drops off the trees, from flower buds, to fruit and seeds. Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.	The high humidity and the heat help many a fungus to grow extremely quickly. Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.	Motorway for insects, heading for the tree-tops. Presidente Figueredo, Amazonas - Brazil.