Madidi River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Madidi River |
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The Madidi River in Madidi National Park
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Map of the Madeira River watershed with Madidi River in the southwest
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| Country | Bolivia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Bolivia 1,060 m (3,480 ft) |
| River mouth | Beni River Bolivia 159 m (522 ft) 12°33′58″S 66°57′52″W / 12.56611°S 66.96444°W |
| Length | 350 km (220 mi) |
The Madidi River (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈðiði]) is an important river located in the La Paz Department of Bolivia. It is a branch, or tributary, of the larger Beni River. The Madidi River is also a part of the huge Amazon Basin, which is the area drained by the Amazon River and its many branches. One of the most special things about the Madidi River is that it flows right through the amazing Madidi National Park, a place famous for its incredible wildlife and nature.
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Where the Madidi River Flows
The Madidi River starts high up in the mountains of Bolivia. Its source is at an elevation of about 1,060 meters (around 3,478 feet). From there, it flows downhill, making its way through different landscapes.
The river is about 350 kilometers (217 miles) long. That's like driving from one city to another quite far away! Its journey ends when it joins the Beni River, which is another big river in Bolivia. The spot where it joins is much lower, at about 159 meters (522 feet) above sea level.
Madidi National Park: A Natural Treasure
The Madidi River is very important because it runs through the Madidi National Park. This park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This means it has an incredible variety of plants and animals.
Why Madidi Park is Special
Madidi National Park protects many different types of habitats. These include snow-capped mountains, cloud forests, and lowland Amazon rainforests. The river helps to connect these different areas.
The park is home to over 1,250 species of vertebrates. These are animals with backbones, like mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It also has more than 6,000 types of plants.
Animals Living Near the Madidi River
Many amazing animals live in and around the Madidi River. You might find jaguars, pumas, and ocelots, which are all types of wild cats. There are also monkeys, sloths, and tapirs.
The river itself is full of fish. These fish are food for many other animals, like giant otters and caimans (which are like alligators). Birds like macaws and toucans fly through the trees along the riverbanks.
The Amazon Basin Connection
The Madidi River is a part of the massive Amazon Basin. This basin covers a huge area of South America. All the water from the Madidi River eventually flows into the Beni River, then into the Madeira River, and finally into the mighty Amazon River.
This means that the health of the Madidi River affects the entire Amazon ecosystem. Protecting this river helps protect one of the most important natural areas in the world.
Importance of the Madidi River
The Madidi River is important for several reasons. It provides water for the plants and animals in Madidi National Park. It also helps shape the landscape and creates different habitats.
Local communities often use the river for transportation and fishing. It's a vital part of their lives and culture. Scientists also study the river to learn more about the environment and the amazing creatures that live there.
