Prelims: Current events of national and international relations | Conservation
Why in news?
Queen of the rainforest, the sacred Samauma tree is key to what makes Amazon the planet’s lungs.
Scientific name –Ceiba pentandra.
Family –Malvaceae.
Distribution – It covers 40% of Latin America, including large parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, among others.
Height –It is also known as the Kapok tree, can grow up to a height of 70 metres and 3-4 meters in diameter forming a natural canopy and towering over other trees in the rainforest.
Life span –These trees have an average lifespan varying from 300-400 years, its buttress roots sturdy in nature and taller than a full-grown human.
Used for –Its fluffy white fibers have been traditionally used to make pillows, mattresses, and insulation for clothing.
Ecological Importance
Carbon Sink – As one of the tallest trees in the Amazon (up to 70 meters), Samauma stores vast amounts of carbon, aiding climate regulation.
Rainmaker Role – Its deep roots and expansive canopy help recycle moisture, contributing to the Amazon’s self-sustaining rainfall system.
Biodiversity Hub – Provides habitat for birds, bats, monkeys, and insects, supporting complex food webs.
Cultural significance – The Amazon is home to over 400 indigenous communities whose cultures are closely connected to the region’s plants and animals, which they also worship and consider spiritually important.
Threats – Deforestation and habitat loss, primarily due to human activities such as logging, infrastructure projects as well as commercial ventures like mining and agricultural business.
Global Relevance –Protecting Samauma aligns with SDGs on climate action, biodiversity, and indigenous rights.
