Smithsonian scientists are researching the biodiversity of freshwater fish, spiders, beetles, frogs, and plants

throughout over 7,000,000 square kilometers of the Amazon basin in seven countries.

How does this link to your life?

Studying the population trends of these particular groups provides us with information on which portions of the rain forest contain the widest variety of species.This can help us conserve the diversity of plants and animals that may prove useful to humans.

What is the Smithsonian Biodiversity Program doing about it?

Through the Neotropical Lowlands Research Program, we are gathering data to determine which areas of the Amazon should be set aside from development by governments and non-governmental organizations.