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The tropical rainforest is home to many animals and plants as well as playing an important role in the Earth's ecology. It's the plants that are found in the tropical rainforest that are responsible for much of the oxygen that is produced on the planet. Many of the plants in the rainforest are also important in the fight against disease due to their healing properties.

Tropical rainforest is home to many rare animal species such as the Brazilian Tapir, found only in some areas of South America. Brazilian Tapir is a mammal which likes to live near water swimming and diving, feeding on leaves and small branches. Being naturally afraid of anything larger than itself it is harmless to man. It likes to live mainly near the lakes and ponds that are present in the tropical rainforest. Besides this there are many other unique animals that have made this beautiful rainforest their home.

Besides the animals this tropical rainforest is also the abode of many different and rare bird species such as the Crested Guan. This bird is found mainly on the northern tip of South America. It feeds on the fruit and seeds and prefers to live mainly on the trees, walking between the branches. It comes down on the ground only in search of water. It also feeds itself by collecting fallen fruits and seeds from the forest floor.

In addition to the many bird species, the tropical rainforest is host to a variety of reptiles. One particular reptile found in the forest of Indonesia and the Philippines is called the Flying Dragon. The Flying Dragon earned its name because he seems to fly from one tree to another by using his skin flaps like wings. This reptile's preferred diet consists of eating ants and other insects. The Flying Dragon buries its eggs in fertile soil for breeding.

Another unique tropical rainforest animal is the Slow Loris. The Slow Loris spends most of its day sleeping quietly in the tops of trees. During the night, the Loris wakes up and you'll find him feeding on shoots and leaves, small birds, bird's eggs, and insects that he easily finds on the ground. The Loris may appear to be a slow, plodding mover but you'll rarely see him stumble as he crawls down the tops of the to the forest floor. You may even occasionally see him hanging upside down from his feet.

You will also find numerous varieties of snakes in these rainforest. One such variety is called the Vine Snake. It gets its name from the fact this snake has only half inch diameter thickness. Another factor is its ability to swing from one side to another, like a vine in wind, when frightened for example in a situation when it is stalked by a predator. It is found mainly in central and northern South America. It feeds on lizards and small birds. These small birds are often stolen by these snakes from their nests. While the lizards are got either from the trees or running on the forest floor

Besides these the tropical rainforest is filled with numerous native animals. The tropical rainforest is a beautiful environment which at times could get harsh. As a result many of these animals have specific features to deal with and survive in these harsh conditions. The wonders of this rainforest, information about plants and animals continues to amaze us day by day as it is revealed.