Amazon Rainforest Conversion to Pasture (image) University of Massachusetts at Amherst Share Print E-Mail Caption The Amazon Rainforest containing thousands of plant species (background) is converted to a pasture. First hard timber is removed, followed by fire and sowing of a single exotic grass species. Credit UMass Amherst Usage Restrictions None Share Print E-Mail Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.