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AMAZONAS, COLOMBIA (RECENT, APRIL 2023) - The Amazon rainforest, an ecosystem of unparalleled diversity and importance, is under threat, and the consequences of its destruction could be catastrophic.Covering more than 5.5 million square kilometers across South America, the Amazon is home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet.Colombian white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus) is among them as well as the night monkey, which is among the species most susceptible to deforestation in the Amazon.Deforestation is known as the main threat to the Amazon endangering the existence of many animals and plants. Habitat loss resulting from the fall of trees and ranching has put the monkey population in a more vulnerable position.The consequences of deforestation go beyond the loss of biodiversity.The Amazon is known as the "lungs of the planet" because its trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, helping to regulate the Earth's climate. Deforestation disrupts this delicate balance, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.The effects of deforestation are also felt by the indigenous communities that call the Amazon home. These communities have a deep connection to the forest and rely on it for their survival. However, deforestation has led to land grabbing, displacement, and violence against these communities.If deforestation continues at such an alarming rate for agricultural purposes, such as soybean farming and cattle ranching, the destruction could have dire consequences for biodiversity, climate, and human communities. (Footage by Juan Jaiver Torres Padilla/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)