The Amazon biome comprises about 4 million km2 (50% of the Brazilian territory and its region has the largest hydrographical network on earth, covering 20% of the world’s fresh water reserves. This includes an important sample of varzea ecosystems, igapó forests, lakes and channels which take the form of a constantly evolving aquatic mosaic that is home to the largest array of electric fish in the world.
The Central Amazon Conservation Complex, including the Jaú National Park, makes up the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin (over 6 million hectares). It is considered to shelter the largest number of life forms on earth.
The site protects key threatened species, including giant arapaima fish, the Amazonian manatee, the black caiman and two species of river dolphin.