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Cover Story

Grades 2-3

Trouble in the Amazon

Brazil's Amazon jungle is alive with millions of plants and animals. But the jungle is shrinking. Loggers cut down trees for wood and paper. Farmers clear the land for crops.

New data shows that 1,250 square miles were cleared over the last five months of 2007. That is an area about the size of Rhode Island. This loss of native trees is called deforestation. Brazilian leaders have banned deforestation in the worst-hit areas. Scientists approve of the new rules, but worry that the government can't stop loggers and farmers.

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