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The tropical rainforest is a unique ecosystem that is home to many plants and animals, in fact more plants and animals than we even know about. The plants found in the tropical rainforest produce much of the oxygen that is essential for our planet. In addition, many of the plants have unique healing properties against illness and disease.

Many of the animals that reside in the rainforest can't be found anywhere else on earth. One such creature is the Brazilian Tapir. The Tapir is a mammal that is found in only a few areas in South America, and feeds only on small braches and leaves. This animal is quite harmless to man, it has a fear of anything larger than it. The Tapir lives near the water and spends much of its time diving and swimming in the ponds, lakes and rivers throughout the tropical rainforest.

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.

The Slow Loris is another animal that is unique to the tropical rainforest. This animal will spend most of his day in the tops of trees sleeping quietly. At night you'll find him feeding on shoots and leaves, small birds, bird's eggs, and insects that he finds on the ground. The Loris is a very slow mover but you'll rarely see him stumble as he makes his way from tree top to the forest floor. You might even see him hanging upside down from his feet.

There are many different types of snakes that can only be found in the tropical rainforest. One of these snakes is the Vine Snake, which lives in central and northern South America. This snake eats small birds which it steals from nests, as well as lizards that it finds on the ground and in the trees of the forest. This snake is called a "vine snake' because it very thin, approximately a half inch in diameter. When frightened by a predator the Vine Snake will stop what it is doing and swing gently from side to side, much like a vine in the wind.

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.