Rio Juruá

Rio Juruá

Length and Origin

The Juruá River, also known as the Rio Yuruá, is one of the longest tributaries of the Amazon. The river has a total length of approximately 3,280 kilometers (2,040 miles). The origin of the Juruá River is in the Ucayali region of Peru, specifically in the Contamana Mountains, also known as the Sierra del Divisor in Brazil. The river starts as the Toroltuc River before crossing the Brazilian border and being called the Juruá River.

Destination

The Juruá River eventually flows into the Solimões River, which is part of the larger Amazon river system. The river contributes approximately 4% of the Amazon’s total discharge, which is a significant contribution to the water flow of the largest river in the world.

Important Cities Along the River

There are several important towns and villages along the Juruá River, including:
– Carauari: Located in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, Carauari is one of the closest cities to the Juruá River.
– Itamarati: Another important city in the state of Amazonas, close to the river.
– Juruá: A city that bears the same name as the river, located in the state of Amazonas.
– Cruzeiro do Sul: Located in the state of Acre, Brazil, near the headwaters of the Juruá River.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The Juruá River is of great ecological importance due to the diverse habitats and rich biodiversity it supports. The river flows through an area known for its meandering pattern, large flood plains and thousands of lakes. The waters of the Juruá are considered “white waters” because of their yellow color, caused by the high amount of suspended particles.

Vegetation and Soil

The Juruá floodplains are covered with highly productive terrestrial and aquatic herbaceous plants and floodplain forests. The soil in the watershed consists mainly of luvisols and argisols, which are mineral soils susceptible to water erosion.

Fauna

The Juruá River is a crucial habitat for a wide range of species. The area is particularly important for fish and herpetofauna reproduction, with a complex system of lakes and numerous beaches important for turtle reproduction. The river also supports a rich avifauna, with 362 bird species recorded in the Baixo Juruá area, including migratory species such as the Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus).

Fish

The fish diversity in the Juruá River is remarkable. About 185 fish species have been recorded in the Peruvian upper reaches, while about 111 species have been documented in the Brazilian part. Some of the fish species found in the river include characins, piranhas, arapaimas, catfish, and discus fish.

Socio-Economic Interest

The Juruá River plays a crucial role in the lives of local communities. The traditional population in the region engages in small-scale farming, fishing and hunting for their livelihood. The river also serves as the main communication route, connecting communities and cities and ensuring the transportation of goods and products.

Protected Areas

There are several protected areas along the Juruá River, including the Baixo Juruá Extractivist Reserve and the Médio Juruá Extractive Reserve. These areas are of great importance for nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Climate and Hydrology

The climate in the Juruá River Basin is tropical and humid, with significant seasonal variations in precipitation and river levels. The river floods its banks between December and May, and in the lower parts, the flooding can last until August due to the “dam effect” of the Solimões River.

Environmental challenges

Despite the rich biodiversity and ecological value of the Juruá River, the area faces several environmental challenges. The construction of hydroelectric dams, deforestation and the invasion of foreign companies pose threats to the area’s flora and fauna. The conservation of biodiversity and the protection of habitats along the Juruá River are of great importance for science and future generations.

Conclusion

The Juruá River is a vital waterway in the Amazon basin, supporting a wide range of ecosystems and local communities. With its rich biodiversity, ecological value and socio-economic importance, the Juruá River remains a crucial resource for both nature and humanity. The conservation of this river and its environment is essential to preserve the unique biodiversity and traditional lifestyles of the local communities.

List of fish species

Below is a list of fish species from Rio Juruá that are not yet included in the database. Below with a photo the species that have already been added:

Acanthopoma annectens
Apionichthys finis
Astyanax abramis
Batrochoglanis raninus
Brycon amazonicus
Brycon melanopterus
Callichthys callichthys
Carnegiella myersi
Charax tectifer
Colossoma macropomum
Copeina guttata
Creagrutus barrigai
Crenicichla semicincta
Crossoloricaria rhami
Ctenobrycon hauxwellianus
Curimatella meyeri
Cyphocharax spiluropsis
Electrophorus electricus
Engraulisoma taeniatum
Gymnocorymbus thayeri
Hemiodus unimaculatus
Henonemus punctatus
Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus
Hoplosternum littorale
Hypoclinemus mentalis
Hypophthalmus marginatus
Hypostomus emarginatus
Hypostomus unicolor
Imparfinis stictonotus
Knodus breviceps
Knodus megalops
Lamontichthys filamentosus
Lasiancistrus schomburgki
Leporellus vittatus
Leporinus friderici
Leporinus pearsoni
Leporinus striatus
Leptagoniates steindachneri
Lepthoplosternum altamazonicum
Limatulichthys griseus
Moenkhausia dichroura
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Mylossoma duriventre
Odontostilbe fugitiva
Pachyurus schomburgkii
Panaque changae
Parodon pongoensis
Piaractus brachypomus
Pimelodus blochii
Pinirampus pirinampu
Plagioscion squamosissimus
Platystomatichthys sturio
Potamorhina altamazonica
Prochilodus nigricans
Psectrogaster amazonica
Psectrogaster rutiloides
Pseudobunocephalus bifidus
Pseudostegophilus nemurus
Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum
Pseudotylosurus angusticeps
Pterygoplichthys lituratus
Pterygoplichthys punctatus
Rhamdia quelen
Roeboides affinis
Roeboides myersi
Schizodon fasciatus
Semaprochilodus kneri
Spatuloricaria puganensis
Steindachnerina guentheri
Steindachnerina hypostoma
Sternopygus macrurus
Synbranchus madeirae
Tetragonopterus argenteus
Thoracocharax stellatus
Triportheus albus
Triportheus angulatus
Triportheus elongatus