Amazon

Photos from Camera Traps in the Amazon

The Amazon's lush forests are home to a stunning variety of life. WWF has captured images of the some of the region's magnificent species – from jaguars to armadillos. While a "camera trap" might sound menacing, it actually does not harm wildlife. The name is derived from the manner in which it "captures" wildlife on film. Camera traps are not the intricate and elaborate devices you might imagine. These innovative conservation tools are in fact nothing more than everyday cameras, armed with infrared sensors that take a picture or video whenever they sense movement in the forest.

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Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana)

The red brocket deer travels alone or in pairs, and is threatened by hunting and deforestation.
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Historically targeted for its uniquely marked coat, the ocelot is now protected by both national and international laws.
Razor-Billed Curassow (Mitu tuberosum)

The razor-billed curassow is native to the subtropical, tropical and moist lowland forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Short Ear Dog (Atelocynus microtis)

Sightings of this rare species are few and far between, as they face habitat loss and diseases from domestic dogs.
Puma (Puma concolor)

Pumas are a versatile species with habitat ranging from their preferred dense forest to the open desert.
Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

This giant eats up to 30,000 insects in a single day.
Jaguar (Panthera onca)

Jaguars are threatened by habitat loss and retaliatory killings by ranchers as jaguars sometimes take livestock.
Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

Tapirs inhabit the lowland South American forests. In addition to being hunted for their meat, they also face habitat loss from deforestation and human development.
Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus)

The rare and vulnerable giant armadillo weighs an average of 60 pounds and feasts primarily upon termites and certain ant species. Having few natural predators, humans pose the largest threat to these creatures through hunting and deforestation.
Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)

This vocal species is noted for living in very cohesive herds of 5-15 members and is often hunted for its meat and hide.
White-Lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari)

This nomadic creature travels in herds that usually range between 5-200 individuals.
Tayra (Eira barbara)

A member of the weasel family, this small omnivorous creature travels alone or in pairs.