Common Herbivores in Rain Forests

Rain forests provide habitat for a variety of animal species. Herbivores are classified as primary consumers as their diet consists of vegetation. Despite little plant growth on rain forest floors due to thick canopies blocking sunlight penetration, several herbivores have adapted to this environment. Herbivores play an important ecological role in rain forests. Common rain forest herbivores range from various types of mammals and birds to insects.

Small Mammals

• Small herbivorous mammals living on the rain forest floor consume high-energy roots, buds and fallen fruits to compensate for the lack in plant quantity. For example, the agouti, found in rain forests of Central and South America, have sharp ears that allow them to hear fruits falling from trees that are considerable distances away. In times of scarcity, agoutis save seeds by burying them, which contributes to seed dispersal within the rain forest.

Large Mammals

• Elephants are described as architects of the rain forest.

  Larger herbivorous mammals are less selective in what they eat, and feed on overhead leaves, branches and tree barks. Tapirs are the largest herbivores in the Amazon rain forest. Their digestive systems are inefficient, and foods are often excreted undigested, thus contributing to seed dispersal. The largest land mammal, the elephant, is also a herbivore. They clear large open spaces and feed on overhead canopies, allowing other animals to enter and sunlight to penetrate to the rain forest floor.

Birds

• Hummingbirds are very effective pollinators.

  Many rain forest birds are herbivores. Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world and feed mainly on nectar. When canopies or large spaces are opened, hummingbirds and other small birds enter and feed on brightly colored flowers from large trees. They have special beaks that allow them to retrieve nectar from delicate flowers without causing damage. As they move from flower to flower, they also transport pollen grains, thus assisting with pollination.

Insects

• There are more ants in the rain forest than any other species.

  It is estimated that around 30 million insect species dwell in rain forests, and many of them are herbivorous. They are generally categorized into ground and tree insects. Ants are the most populous insects in rain forests. Leaf-cutter ants and leaf beetles remove leaf pieces from trees, returning the pieces to their nests. In addition to seed dispersal, herbivorous insects also help to remove waste from the rain forest floor.