Page 26 - How It Works - Book Of Amazing Answers To Curious Questions, Volume 05-15

Which creatures Peregrine falcon

As one of the fastest birds on
Earth, an attacking falcon
can reach speeds of over
300km/h (186mph).
thrive in the

Orinoco plains?

Weaving through South America, the Orinoco River creates

a unique habitat for giant anacondas, piranhas and more

he Orinoco River begins at its source in the hunters. Jaguars are known to skulk around the
Guiana Highlands, and then curves its way trees, and thousands of bird species roost in the
Tthrough Venezuela and Colombia until canopy. One of the tallest trees is the moriche palm,
finally meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Along the river’s which can reach 35 metres (114 feet).

route, there are rolling grasslands, marshes and In spring, herds of deer graze the savannah,
forests, known as plains, or Los Llanos. which is often flooded during the rainy season and

The tropical savannah climate of the marshes extends the habitat of the water-dwelling Llanos
and swamps that fringe the wide-open grasslands residents. The grasses are also the perfect habitat
are a perfect habitat for thousands of freshwater for species such as giant anteaters that seek out
dwellers. Catfish, piranhas, giant otters and giant termites, as well as birds like the northern screamer

anacondas are just a few of the critters lurking and the burrowing owl, which hunts small reptiles
beneath the surface. Wading birds also take full and mammals and excavates a burrow as a nest.
advantage of the rich pickings in the nutrient-laden The Llanos biome is also an important habitat for
mud, such as ibises that use their curved beaks to migratory species, with an estimated 40 per cent of
dig out a tasty crustacean dinner. Colombia and Venezuela’s Neotropical migratory
The gallery forests surrounding the plains bird species residing on the Orinoco plains
provide plenty of shelter and cover for more elusive throughout the year.

Wildfires help to regulate
the landscape and promote Endangered
new growth
species
The plains are home to an amazing array of plants and animals, including
over 100 species of mammals and 700 species of birds. They are also a
key habitat for some of the most endangered animals on the planet. For
example, the Orinoco crocodile that lives on the flooded Llanos during

the rainy season is classed as critically endangered
by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,
and is thought to only have
around 1,500 individuals left
in the wild. Other Llanos
Natural fi res species, such as the Orinoco
giant armadillo,
turtle, giant otter and black-and-
During the dry season, from November to colonise, which provides the
through to March or April, the Llanos all-important base of the plains’ food chestnut eagle, are also threatened
can become quite parched. Very little chain. Fires can also maintain the species.
rainfall means the Orinoco River waters nutrient balance of the soil and regulate
are at their lowest, while soaring the growth and advance of trees on the
temperatures dry out the vegetation. grasslands. Burning away old
These combining factors can result in vegetation also allows the fresh growth
natural fires, which may sound severe of existing plants. However, some

but are actually an excellent way for the Llanos species have adapted to this
ecosystem to renew itself. These natural phenomenon, and so the plains
savannah fires burn away excess are also populated with species of

vegetation and expose new ground. fire-tolerant trees that can withstand

This provides more room for new seeds the natural fl ames.
26 How It Works