20 Interesting Facts About Tropical Rainforests | LifeDaily The Yanomami are a people and culture native to the northern Amazon rainforest, spanning the border between Venezuela and Brazil. They absorb CO2 and release H2O. 1,000 species of birds, and 700 species of fish. Because of their warmth and moisture, tropical rainforests produce. Temperate rainforests can be found on the coasts of the Pacific Northwest in North America, Chile, the United Kingdom, Norway, Japan, New Zealand, and southern Australia. 2,853 acres of tropical forest are lost each hour. Sadly, many of these species are on the brink of extinction, and their continued existence is crucial to maintaining the balance of marvelously efficientbut delicaterainforest ecosystems. Many kinds of plants grow in rainforests. 7. As the name suggests, rainforests are forests that grow in places in which there is a lot of rainfall. The Amazon rainforest is home to about 10% of the world's species, including thousands of species of plants, animals, and insects. Most animals in the rainforest live in the canopy. The Amazon is well known for a number of reasons. Sometimes it's almost double that at 450cm. Many of the plants and animals in the rainforest havent even been discovered yet! Save the Rainforest: Be a Role Model and Get Active. Many of the trees (such as Kapok trees) are supported by thick buttresses which can stretch up to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) or more. Rainforests get at least 250cm of rain a year. Amazon River | Facts, History, Location, Length, Animals, & Map 9. Lianas | Rainforests - Earth Facts Fact 14: Usually, much light does not reach the rainforest floor. In 2017 alone, we lost 15.8 million hectares of tropical forests; all told, humans have destroyed nearly half of the worlds original forest cover. Whats more terrifying, some Amazon facts predict the rainforest will collapse even sooner. Some of the most famous animals which are inhabitants of the huge African rainforest are African forest elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas, leopards, okapi. Rainforests 101 | National Geographic - YouTube Added benefit: the shade requirements for Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee and cocoa farms also contribute to better quality crops. Bobcats (Lynx rufus), mountain lions (Puma concolor), and black bears (Ursus americanus) are major predators in the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Temperate rainforests are located in the mid-latitudes, where temperatures are much more mild than the tropics. It is known for its dense canopies of vegetation that form three different layers. 60 Amazing Monkey Facts and Trivia | FactRetriever The flower is well known for its putrid smell (which attracts flies as its pollinators). Deforestation reduces the moisture released into the atmosphere, causing rainfall to decrease. Tropical rainforests are mainly located between the latitudes of 23.5N (the Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5S (the Tropic of Capricorn)the tropics. 1. Click to reveal Nearly 90 percent of the 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty worldwide depend on forests for their livelihoods. Other amazing things you can find in the Belize rainforest include deep blue swimming holes, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day, and giant waterfalls. People must realize that by destroying the rainforest, were putting our natural source of fresh air and overall environmental stability at risk. From the forest floor, the Mbuti hunt fish and crabs from the Ituri River (a tributary of the Congo), as well as gather berries from low-lying shrubs. Privacy Policy . Bengal tigers and orangutans live in Asias rainforests, and chimpanzees live in the rainforests of Africa. Countless animal species live in rainforest layers. Further below, you can also read some tips on how to help conserve the rainforests and some good organizations. Compared to other biomes, everything decomposes 10 times faster in tropical rainforests. Even rainforest fungi can contribute to humanitys well-being. Gorillas, a critically endangered genus of primate, are crucial for seed dispersal. In addition to food crops, the Yanomami also cultivate cotton, which is used for hammocks, nets, and clothing. A rainforest is typically made up of four key layers: emergent, upper canopy, understory, and forest floor. Fig trees, common throughout most of the worlds tropical rainforests, may be the most familiar fruit tree in the canopy. A mushroom discovered in the tropical rainforest of Ecuador, for example, is capable of consuming polyurethanea hard, durable type of plastic used in everything from garden hoses to carpets to shoes. Learn More . There is even a tropical rainforest in Alaska! Occasional cases of dry seasons are . Fifty-seven percent of the world's forests, including most tropical forests, are located in developing . The above facts about the rainforest show that the human effect on flora and fauna is more destructive than nurturing. Did you know that 89% of CO2 emissions came from fossil fuels and industry? Rain Forest Warriors: How Indigenous Tribes Protect the Amazon, National Geographic Environment: Tropical Rain Forest Wildlife. Like the Chimbu, the Yanomami practice both hunting and shifting-cultivation agriculture. Unsustainable industrial and agricultural development, however, has severely degraded the health of the worlds rainforests. Fact: To be a rainforest, an area needs to have a high yearly rainfall: typically over 200 cm (79 inches) per year. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, 70% of plants useful in the treatment of cancer are found only in rainforests. Although large tropical rivers are fairly uniform in appearance and water composition, their . Fact 1: Rainforests only cover around 2 percent the total surface area of the Earth and about 6% of the Earth's land surface, but about 50 percent of all known species of the plants and animals on the earth live in the rainforest. 11 Fascinating Facts About Toucans - Treehugger The Rainforest Alliances Sustainable Agriculture Standard includes requirements designed to protect standing forests, including native forest set-asides for large farms and practices that nurture soil health and increase productivity on existing farmland (thereby reducing pressure to expand by cutting down forests). 60% of the Congo rainforest is in Africa, and over. The tropical rainforest water sources like lakes, creeks, rivers, are home to various species of freshwater fish. Roughly half of the worlds species can be found here, with an estimated 40 to 100 or more different species of trees present in each hectare. The Top Rainforest Layer Is the Emergent Layer. There are over 100 species of rainforest trees found in each hectare. Only around 6% of Earth's land surface is rainforest Compounds in rainforest plants are already used to treat malaria, heart disease, bronchitis, hypertension, rheumatism, diabetes, muscle tension, arthritis, glaucoma, dysentery, and tuberculosis, among other health problems. 35 Incredible Amazon Rainforest Facts I Heart Brazil Over 100 million hectares of tropical rainforest are currently being destroyed each year due to deforestation, There are over 3000 km of roots in one hectare of forest which form a complex mesh that makes soil more stable. Living in these areas without basic survival instincts is impossible, and many people get lost there without ever returning. 9. With the continued growth of the strangler figs, they enwrap their hosts and literally strangle the host tree to death! Palm oil production in Para has led to Amazonian water pollution to the extent that it causes people to feel sick after swimming. Nearly 1.6 billion peoplemore than 25% of the worlds populationrely on forest resources for their livelihoods, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and most of them (1.2 billion) use trees on farms to generate food and income. temperate forest, vegetation type with a more or less continuous canopy of broad-leaved trees. According to a study deciphering the Brazilian Atlantic forest, regenerating the rainforest to its native form can take up to 4000 years. The Tropical Rainforest is a-ma-zing, and if youre learning about it at school, Im sure you agree! world.LEARN Heres what everyone should know about rainforests: Not only do they regulate global temperatures, they also cool and regulate local micro-climates and limit the Earths reflectivitywhich in turn stabilizes ocean currents, wind, and rainfall patterns. Only the tallest trees can reach to this layer. It is home to around 40,000 plant species, nearly 1,300 bird species, 3,000 types of fish, 427 species of mammals, and 2.5 million different insects. (And What Attracts Them? They are, however, home to an incredible amount of biological productivity, storing up to 500-2000 metric tons of leaves, wood, and other organic matter per hectare (202-809 metric tons per acre). Rivers that run through some tropical rainforests create unusual freshwater habitats on the forest floor. Vampire bats and anacondas live in the rainforests of South America. But some rainforests grow in temperate regions where its cooler. From the canopy and emergent layers, Mbuti hunters may set nets or traps for birds. Generating sustainable, forest-based livelihoods that incentivize conservation is a proven approach to saving the worlds forests. Rainforests are important to our food supply. The Chimbu also maintain livestock, particularly pigs. Up to 2 billion people rely directly on tropical forests for their livelihoods tropical fruit alone provides food and income for 80% of the worlds population! The Rainforest: tropical forest facts, photos, and information Chiles rainforests are home to a number of unique birds such as the Magellanic woodpecker and the Juan Fernndez firecrown, a hummingbird species that has a crown of color-changing feathers. thrive. Scientists estimate that about 15% of the worlds freshwater flows from the Amazon Basin alone. It is from 0 feet to 60 feet above the ground. Fun Facts for Kids about the Amazing Belize Rainforest - Caves Branch The Alliance also allows tourism businesses use of their seal after they complete an education program on efficiency and sustainability. Rainforests affect the global rainfall pattern. 9 Rainforest Facts Everyone Should Know | Rainforest Alliance Fact 22: As trees grow larger within the rainforest, the leaves tend to get smaller. Therefore, hagfish depend on the water gradient for osmosis. Rainforests hold more than two-thirds of the world's plant species. Thriving in warm, humid regions, rainforests used to cover the majority of the world; 2. The African Gray Parrot in lowland African rainforests is classified as vulnerable species, ranging in population from 120,100 to 259,000. Capuchin and spider monkeys swing and scamper through the branches of the rainforests estimated 400 billion trees. Poison dart frogs live in the rainforests of Central and South America. The tropical islands of Southeast Asia and parts of Australia support dense rainforest habitats. These deter rainforest animals such as manatees from eating them. Rainforests add water to the atmosphere through the process of transpiration, by which plants release water from their leaves during photosynthesis. In their honor, here are some interesting facts about the rainforest animals and insects. 2. Amazon rainforest. She or he will best know the preferred format. You may also be able to encourage a more resource-conserving use of paper at school or work. You cannot download interactives. Besides giving us fresh air, theyre essential for regulating the Earths climate. Rainforests are critically important to the well-being of our planet. Even larger predators, including leopards (Panthera pardus), skulk in the darkness to surprise their prey. 54 Riveting Rainforest Facts and Statistics (2023 UPDATE) The world's largest rainforest is the Amazon rainforest. If you purchase via links on Pawsome Advice, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Facts About The Understory Layer | DK Find Out Little wonder why there are so many species of plants and animals blooming exuberantly in the rainforests. Plus, theres only one Earth, and its in shambles. Share some useful ideas on how to help and motivate others to make a change. The cassowary is one of the most dangerous birds in the world, and also one of the most ancient rainforest animals. The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest rainforest, and it covers more than 2.5 million square miles. 25 Rainforest Animals that you should know about - Swedish Nomad Now that we have your attention, lets check some more cool rainforest facts. Rainforests are the Earth 's oldest living habitats, with some having existed for at least 70 million years. Lets discuss their jungle habitat, rainforest plants, and animals in numbers. These trees are mostly broadleaf trees and have a shorter lifespan. Also, palm oil plantations are the main reason why forest land is being cleared, leaving orangutans with no shelter and food. Fun Rainforest Facts for Kids (All You Need to Know!) Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. From the beginning, our approach has been to work with farmers and indigenous and forest communities to cultivate sustainable rural livelihoods that incentivize conservation. Understory plants often produce flowers that are large and easy to see, such as Heliconia, native to the Americas and the South Pacific. The Mbuti, a community indigenous to the Ituri rainforest in Central Africa, have traditionally been hunter-gatherers. More than a hundred (100) millimeter of rainfalls every month (equivalent to about 4 inches of rainfall). Rainforests are lush, warm, wet habitats. In rainforests on the island of New Guinea, pygmy gliders populate the emergent layer. Citizens, governments, intergovernmental organizations, and conservation groups are working together to protect these invaluable but fragile ecosystems. More than 60 percent of anticancer drugs originate from natural sources, including rainforest plants, according to research published in thePLoS One. The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest. All rights reserved. Understory plants large leaves catch the minimal sunlight reaching beyond the dense canopy. The largest part of the Savanna biome covers almost half of the African surface. 2. Poison dart frogs warn off predators with their bright colors. Rainforests are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Besides drinking, 70% of the worlds water supplies go to agriculture, so imagine what happens to the food we eat when its grown in a contaminated environment. Fact 20: The barks of trees in rainforests tend to be thin and smooth. 7. Lions are famous as Kings of the Jungles, but they usually live in grasslands and savannas. Lizards, jaguars and tigers live at this level. RAINFOREST FACTS. As their name implies, temperate rainforests are much cooler than their tropical cousins, averaging between 10 and 21C (50 and 70F). Here are five interesting facts about this incredible place: 1. 163.172.42.123 Although they are a historically nomadic society, agriculture has become a way of life for many Mbuti communities today as they trade and barter with neighboring agricultural groups such as the Bantu for crops such as manioc, nuts, rice, and plantains. Logically, the tallest trees form the emergent layer, and they get the most sunlight and rain. The flower weighs up to 7kg (approximately 15 pounds) while its petals span almost 1 meter (approximately 1 yard). A famous and highly prized rainforest tree, Brazilian mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla) is growing rare in the Amazon rainforest. Large-leafed shrubs that are suited to the warmth, shade, and moisture grow here. Fact 24: Climbing plants (such as Rattan palms) are abundant in rainforests. So let's look at our Top 50 Fascinating Facts about the Tropical Rainforest! 12 Amazing Rainforest Facts For Kids - JellyQuest Regrowth After A Rainforest Is Cleared. The tropical rainforest is a hot, moist biome where it rains all year long. A rainforest consists of two major areas. Nonprofit organizations are tackling rainforest conservation through a variety of different approaches. Bring the Facts and the Pressure to Win Systemic Change We leverage our globally-recognized research and reports, peaceful direct actions, narrative savvy, and high-level corporate negotiations to force policy and practice solutions for real change on the ground. National Geographic Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization. High temperatures keep the air warm and wet, with an average humidity of between 77 percent and 88 percent. With so much food available, more animals live in the canopy than any other layer in the rainforest. Most rainforests are structured in four layers: emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor. The facts about the rainforest climate are telling that there is no typical four-season weather out there. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. Fact 27: The four major levels in a rainforest are: The emergent layer (The topmost), The Canopy layer, The Understory and The forest floor (Lowest level).