BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Brazil

Brazil, often associated with the Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands, offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes and wildlife. Beyond these iconic destinations, there is much more to explore! Here are four of its most exotic species: the capybara, the three-toed sloth, the toco toucan, and the golden lion tamarin. 

The capybara: The world's largest rodent

The capybara, the largest rodent in the world, is a semi-aquatic mammal native to South America. These gentle giants are often found in groups near water bodies, munching on aquatic plants. Strong swimmers and comfortable in water, capybaras can stay submerged for up to five minutes to evade predators and even sleep with only their noses above the surface. Their friendly demeanor has made them a beloved sight for locals and tourists alike.

The three-toed sloth: The world's slowest mammal

Remember Flash Slothmore in Disney's animated film "Zootopia"? The three-toed sloth is a real-life creature known for its incredibly slow movement. With three long, prominent claws on each front foot, these sloths are easily recognizable in the tropical forests of Central and South America. They spend the majority of their time sleeping, often 15 to 20 hours daily. Even when awake, they remain remarkably motionless. Surprisingly, despite their slow pace, sloths are strong swimmers. They'll sometimes plunge from their treetop homes into water, using their extended arms to propel through the water. 

The toco toucan: A colorful bird with a giant bill

The toco toucan is the largest and most well-known toucan species. Both males and females have colorful, oversized bills. Despite their appearance, these vibrant beaks are relatively lightweight due to their hollow interior. Toco toucans use their bills to reach fruit and attract mates. While they are not strong fliers, they can hop from tree to tree with ease. In Brazil, toco toucans have been found in abundance in the Cerrado, the largest savanna region in South America.

The golden lion tamarin: A tiny primate with a lion-like mane

Golden lion tamarins, named for their impressive golden fur and lion-like manes, are small, endangered primates native to Brazil's Atlantic rainforest. These highly social animals live in groups of two to eight family members. Their long, slender fingers allow them to catch insects, fruit, lizards and birds.

BRICS' wildlife wonders

The BRICS nations span vast and diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Within these ecosystems lies a treasure trove of wildlife, much of which is unique to these regions. Join us on a journey to explore the extraordinary biodiversity of the BRICS countries.

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: China

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Russia

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Yin Yating)