Brazil is already teeming with wildlife and now scientists have revealed that a whole host of new species have recently been discovered.

Despite fears that the natural habitat for animals in this part of the world is under threat from logging and agriculture, it seems that creatures are continuing to thrive in the Brazilian rainforests.

Last week, environmental group Conservation International said that 14 new species were discovered in Brazil's Cerrado grasslands during a 29 day scientific trip to the region.

Researchers on the expedition also documented animals currently under threat including the hyacinth macaw, marsh deer, three-banded armadillo, the Brazilian merganser and the dwarf tinamou.

Leader of research team Cristiano Nogueira said: "We need to know our protected areas better, especially the ecological stations whose principal objective is to generate scientific knowledge of Brazilian biodiversity, so little studied and already so severely threatened."

Huge efforts are being made to protect Brazil's natural habitat which is fast enticing eco-tourists from across the world.

Many environmental tour operators are now based in the South American hotspot and offer travellers the chance to explore Brazil's lush jungle.

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