What are Selvas?

 Selvas are dense, evergreen tropical rainforests found mainly in the Amazon Basin of South America. The term “Selvas” is commonly used to describe these thick forests that grow in regions with high temperature and heavy rainfall throughout the year.

These forests are characterized by tall trees, thick vegetation, and a multi-layered structure. The trees form a dense canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the ground, making the forest floor dark and humid. As a result, only certain types of plants can grow at the lower levels.

The Selvas are home to a vast variety of plant and animal species, making them one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Animals such as monkeys, jaguars, snakes, birds, and insects are commonly found in these forests.

The climate of the Selvas is hot and wet, with rainfall occurring almost every day. This continuous supply of moisture supports the growth of evergreen trees that do not shed their leaves at any particular season.

Despite their richness in biodiversity, Selvas are sparsely populated because the dense forests make transportation and settlement difficult. Indigenous tribes live in these forests and depend on them for their livelihood.

However, deforestation due to human activities like logging, agriculture, and mining is a major threat to Selvas. Protecting these forests is essential for maintaining ecological balance and combating climate change.