Casanare River facts for kids

The Casanare River (pronounced kasa-NAH-reh) is an important river located in Colombia, a country in South America. It is a major part of the Orinoco River basin, which is one of the largest river systems in the world. The Casanare River flows for about 400 kilometers (250 miles) and helps shape the landscape of the Casanare Department.

This river is vital for the region's environment and the people who live along its banks. It supports a wide variety of plants and animals, and it has been used for transportation and fishing for many years.

Where is the Casanare River?

The Casanare River is found in the eastern plains of Colombia, an area known as the Llanos. This region is mostly flat grasslands, but it also has forests and wetlands. The river starts in the eastern Andes Mountains and flows eastward across these plains.

It eventually joins the Meta River, which then flows into the mighty Orinoco River. The Orinoco River then empties into the Atlantic Ocean. So, the Casanare River is like a smaller stream that feeds into a much larger river system.

The River's Journey

The Casanare River's journey begins high up in the mountains. As it flows down, it gathers water from many smaller streams and tributaries. These tributaries help to increase the river's size and power.

Once it reaches the flat plains, the river slows down. It winds and curves through the landscape, creating different habitats for wildlife. The river's path can sometimes change over time, especially during heavy rainy seasons.

Why is the Casanare River Important?

The Casanare River plays a big role in the lives of people and animals in its region. It provides fresh water, which is essential for everything from drinking to farming.

Supporting Local Communities

Many small towns and villages are located along the Casanare River. The river helps these communities in several ways. People use the river for fishing, which provides food and income.

The river also serves as a natural pathway for transportation. Boats can travel along parts of the river, helping to move goods and people. This is especially important in areas where roads are not well developed.

Home to Wildlife

The areas around the Casanare River are rich in biodiversity. This means there are many different kinds of plants and animals. The river and its surrounding wetlands provide a home for various species.

You might find animals like capybaras, which are the world's largest rodents, and different types of monkeys. Many bird species also live near the river, including herons, egrets, and colorful macaws. The river itself is home to many fish species, and sometimes even caimans (a type of reptile similar to alligators) can be seen.

Fun Facts About the Casanare River

• The Casanare River's basin, or the area of land that drains into it, covers about 24,013 square kilometers (9,271 square miles). That's a huge area!
• The river's average discharge, which is how much water flows through it, is about 1,199 cubic meters per second. Imagine that much water flowing by every second!
• The name "Casanare" is also used for a department (like a state or province) in Colombia, showing how important the river is to the region's identity.

See also

• List of rivers of Colombia

Images for kids

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  Learn more about the Casanare River for kids on Kiddle: Río Casanare para niños