Bamboos are members of the grass family and play a vital role in tropical and temperate forests. Some species of animals are closely associated with bamboo and depend on them to survive. Bamboo species bloom simultaneously and only once in their lifetimes and die out after releasing their seeds, allowing a new generation to sprout and repeat the process. Life spans of bamboo can differ greatly among distinct species, which can range from three years to several decades between a flowering event. The Atlantic Forest is home to about thirty endemic species. Many species of Brazilian birds of the Atlantic Forest are found only in or very close to bamboo thickets and feed on insects, ants, beetles, and their larvae that thrive in that habitat. Some species such as the Spotted bamboo Wren (Psilorhamphus guttatus) and the White-bearded Antshrike (Biatas nigropectus), are restricted almost exclusively to large bamboo stands. Other birds that specialize in bamboo in the Atlantic Rainforest are Bertoni’s Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, Tufted Antshrike, Ferruginous Antbird and White-collared Foliage Gleaner.

More than 90% of the birds and mammals specialized in bamboo present in the Atlantic Rainforest are endemic species.

If you are interested in visiting the Atlantic Rainforest and would like to learn more about our nature-related tours, please contact us at info@ecolodge-itororo.com