Amazon River facts: The Amazon River is the world's largest river by volume of water, reaching an elevation of 18,366 feet (5,598 m) above sea level. Rainforests help to stabilize the climate of the world not only by making rain but also by absorbing carbon dioxide. Some are very rare, and you cant find them outside the tropical rainforest biome. What Type of Rainforest Tree Species Are You? Thats good because too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can make the planet too warm. This rainforest biodiversity is immense, containing. Gorillas, a critically endangered genus of primate, are crucial for seed dispersal. Temperate rainforests are not as biologically diverse as tropical rainforests. They aren't blind. Every Year, Over 18 Million Acres of Forest Are Lost Due to Deforestation. This means they have gardens on arable land that has been cleared of vegetation. These geographic conditions help create areas of high rainfall. Sao Paulo CNN . Tropical rainforests have an average temperature of about 70-85 F (22-30 C). A falling raindrop can travel 10 minutes from a rainforests canopy to the bottom floor. Sometimes it's almost double that at 450cm. Rainforests are lush, warm, wet habitats. Fact 21: Many plants in the rainforests tend to have large leaves (particularly those of the understory and midstory sections e.g Banana tree). Think of Pineapple, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Rubber and Medicines They all come from the rainforest! Whats more terrifying, some Amazon facts predict the rainforest will collapse even sooner. The Yanomami are a people and culture native to the northern Amazon rainforest, spanning the border between Venezuela and Brazil. Pink Dolphin (Boto) Yes, there is such a thing as a pink dolphin, and they are known as the Boto. They do this by absorbing carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), which is believed to be principally responsible for global warming. All rights reserved. Crops harvested in Chimbu garden plots include sweet potatoes, bananas, and beans. Rainforest trees can release a lot of water, up to 200 gallons each year. Bengal tigers and orangutans live in Asias rainforests, and chimpanzees live in the rainforests of Africa. The United Nations REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) Program, for example, offers financial incentives for reducing carbon emissions created by deforestation to 58 member countries. Due to the Tropical Rainforests High Temperatures, the Average Air Humidity Falls Between 77% and 88%. Only around 6% of Earth's land surface is rainforest Many kinds of plants grow in rainforests. The forest floor is the darkest of all rainforest layers, making it extremely difficult for plants to grow. 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! 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. Fact 20: The barks of trees in rainforests tend to be thin and smooth. Estimates vary from 40% to 75% of all biotic species being indigenous to the rainforests. Nonprofit organizations are tackling rainforest conservation through a variety of different approaches. The Brazilian mahogany produce a large, hard fruit that mature in the rainy season. 1. You can explore the Amazon from 9 countries; Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the three Guyanas. Plants here, such as palms and philodendrons, are much shorter and have larger leaves than plants that dominate the canopy. The facts about the rainforest climate are telling that there is no typical four-season weather out there. A rainforest is typically made up of four key layers: emergent, upper canopy, understory, and forest floor. The Amazon River, for instance, is home to the boto (Inia geoffrensis), or pink river dolphin, one of the few freshwater dolphin species in the world. Trees in temperate rainforests can live much longer than humans, some live for up to 1000 years! Fact 17: In most rainforests, some places within the forest get at least one (1) inch of rain or more per day! 3. Forests are also natural water filters, keeping pollution and debris from flowing into water supplies and slowing the movement of rainwater so it flows into underground reserves. The rainforests understorey layer can be thousands of meters away from the canopy layer. The thick, woody climbers (about 25cm in diameter) are usually found connecting the trees, ascending up into the treetops and looping downwards. The New Guinea rainforest has over 11,000 known species of vascular plants, 1,200 species of trees, and around 200 species of ferns. Tell the people how important rainforest preservation is. The rainforest is filled with fascinating flora and fauna. Get facts and photos of the U.S. states and territories, and the District of Columbia. Orchids, bamboo, and bromeliads are other rainforest plants. In the Amazon rainforest, large-scale agricultural industries, such as cattle ranching, clear huge tracts of forests for arable land. We rely on readers to support this website. product (or a specified ingredient) was produced by Around 2% of sunlight actually reaches the ground. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Fact 19: Rainforests are remarkably uniform in their general appearance. Covering over 5.5 million square kilometres, it's so big that the UK and Ireland would fit into it 17 times!. Rainforest animals use plants in the jungle to hide from predators. In South-East Asia, alternative medicine uses around. The most expensive coffee in the world is made by the elephants in the rainforests of Thailand. Maybe they don't know that they can actively contribute to the protection of the rainforest. Learn More . While there is some debate about its length, the river is generally believed to be at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long, which makes it the second longest river in the world after the Nile River in . While trees in the emergent layer rely on wind to scatter their seeds, many canopy plants, lacking wind, encase their seeds in fruit. Monkeys can understand written numbers and can even count. Animals such as wild pigs (Sus scrofa), armadillos, and anteaters forage in the decomposing brush for these tasty insects, roots and tubers of the South American rainforest. Large raptors, such as white-tailed hawks (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) and harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja), are its top predators. Amazing! Bengal tigers, mountain gorillas, orangutans, jaguars, and blue poison dart frogs are just a few of the magnificent animals found in rainforests. This temperature is fairly constant all through the year, since, the temperature near the equator does not change significantly throughout the year. Around 30 million species of plants and animals live in tropical rainforests. Rubber and medicines also come from rainforests. 3. Since 2011, the rural producers and indigenous communities participating in these initiatives have earned $191 million in revenue while protecting their natural resources. Your IP: The Amazon rainforest is home to about 10% of the world's species, including thousands of species of plants, animals, and insects. 120 Pcs Mixed Color Model Plants Tropical Miniature Plants . Parts of the Congo can be found in several other countries too, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. One familiar Tlingit saying is When the tide is out, our table is set., In more inland areas, historic Tlingit hunters may have targeted deer, elk, rabbit, and mountain goats. In addition to their own diet, pigs are valuable economic commodities for trade and sale. Their droppings disperse seeds in these sunny areas where new trees and shrubs can take root. Rain drips through the canopy, but only speckled sunlight gets through. Many take advantage of the dimly lit environment for camouflage. As the population grows, people tend to log trees in order to get enough space to settle. The shallow roots of rainforest trees absorb these nutrients, and dozens of predators consume the decomposers! By definition, rainforests are woodlands characterized by lush vegetation and comparatively high temperature and rainfall throughout the year. 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. So, why are we ruining it? More than a hundred (100) millimeter of rainfalls every month (equivalent to about 4 inches of rainfall). Butterflies, birds, snakes and small monkeys live in this layer. The diet is here to stay,, We cannot sustain our lives without our planet. Foliage is often sparse on tree trunks, but spreads wide as the trees reach the sunny upper layer, where they photosynthesize the suns rays. Development is encroaching on rainforest habitats from all sides. 17 It can reach a length of 30 feet and weigh up to 550 pounds. . Many biologists expect rainforests will lose 5-10% of their species each decade. What, Insect population statistics show that our planet is home to over 10 quintillion insects at any given time., Monkeys symbolize fun, wit, and intelligence to many of us. The flower weighs up to 7kg (approximately 15 pounds) while its petals span almost 1 meter (approximately 1 yard). The Tlingit enjoy a diverse diet, relying on both marine and freshwater species, as well as game from inland forests. In the Amazon rainforest, the towering trees of the emergent layer include the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) and the kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra). Sign up for useful tips to green your life and protect our planet. (And What Attracts Them? The Amazon Rainforest is an excellent example of a tropical rainforest biome. Because of their warmth and moisture, tropical rainforests produce. The Amazon is found in South America, spanning across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Nearly two-thirds of the Amazon rainforest lies within the borders of Brazil. The rainforest is waking up. Jewel-toned parrots squawk and fly through its trees. thrive. 2,853 acres of tropical forest are lost each hour. More than a hundred (100) millimeter of rainfalls every month (equivalent to about 4 inches of rainfall). In 2021, 77% of our income supported sustainability programs. The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest on Earth, measuring about 2.5 million square miles. Citizens, governments, intergovernmental organizations, and conservation groups are working together to protect these invaluable but fragile ecosystems. Fact 4: On the African continent, most of the rainforest is concentrated along the Atlantic coast and the Congo River basin, whereas, in most regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres, only small areas of the temperate rainforest is situated along the coasts where rainfall and humidity are high and humidity is mild. Are you still not worried about pollution? Animals that cant fly or glide are usually quite smallthey need to be light enough to be supported by a trees slender uppermost layers. Losos, Elizabeth. This layer of vegetation prevents much of the sunlight from reaching the ground. Because rainforests are so rich in biodiversity, they hold enormous potential for future discoveries. Poison dart frogs live in the rainforests of Central and South America. The Amazon is well known for a number of reasons. Occasional cases of dry seasons are usually short and unpredictable. Again, the temperature and rainfall must be high and relatively even throughout the year. Not only do they regulate global temperatures, they also cool and regulate local micro-climates and limit the Earth's reflectivitywhich in turn stabilizes ocean currents, wind, and rainfall patterns. Vampire bats and anacondas live in the rainforests of South America. Crops grown include cassava, banana, and corn. 163.172.42.123 Rainforests help regulate our climate and provide us with everyday products. Besides admiring their beauty and diversity, people should start worrying about their pollution. GIVING OPTIONS, The Rainforest Alliance certification seal means that the 2. Maybe these devastating rainforest stats about the the lungs of the world destruction will change the way you look at things. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited. Such rapid habitat loss is due to the fact that 40 hectares (100 acres) of rainforest are cleared every minute for agricultural and industrial development. Among the rich rainforest vegetation, only 1% of plants are in use. Rainforests rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet. Heres a great video from NatGeo that we think you might like if you enjoyed these facts! They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the worlds plant and animal specieseven though they cover just six percent of Earths surface. Tropical rainforests are the most biologically diverse terrestrial ecosystems in the world. When these vines get to the top of the trees, they spread to other trees and form a network of vines over the forest below. Costa Rica is a global pioneer in this field, investing in ecotourism projects that financially contribute to local economies and the forests they depend on. Click to reveal A study expedition into a single rainforest found that there are more species of ants living in a single rainforest stump than exist in all of the British Isles! 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. As their name implies, temperate rainforests are much cooler than their tropical cousins, averaging between 10 and 21C (50 and 70F). In Ecuador, the Rainforest Trust worked with the Fundacin Jocotoco to acquire 495 more hectares (1,222 more acres) for the Ro Canand Reserve, considered to have one of the highest concentrations of endemic and threatened species in the world. There are rainforests in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. Now, lets learn some interesting facts about the tropical rainforest biome. The common name "toucan . In a distressing development, a 2017 study published in the journal Science reveals that tropical forests that once served as the Earths carbon sinks now emit more carbon than they absorb, because of deforestation and forest loss caused by humans. While each layer is distinct, they exist in an interdependent system: processes and species in one layer influence those in another. Did you know that you should thank the rainforest for every breath you take and most of your food? Fact 26: Since epiphytes (including bromeliads, mosses, and orchids) cannot produce their food by themselves (they do not have roots), they often depend on living plants for nutrient and water. Humans have used tropical plant extracts as medicine since 10,000BC, Tropical rainforest soil is very poor in nutrients which means tropical forest plants have to be packed full of nutrients in order for them to grow, There is more carbon in tropical forests than in the atmosphere, It takes tropical trees 10 years to absorb 1 tonne of CO2 per year, The Amazon is home to the most species of amphibian in the world, Around 75 million tonnes of tropical fruit are harvested each year, A total of 50,000 different insects have been identified within tropical rainforests, 90% of all tropical rainforest animals are arboreal which means they spend their entire life living on or within tropical forests, Fungi are often found within tropical forests, Some tropical rainforest trees can grow up to 40m within 10 20 years, Tropical rainforest leaves are used to make paper, The tropical forest soils make tropical forests great for farming, It is estimated that tropical forests harbour over two-thirds of all species on earth. And many commercially available anesthetics, enzymes, hormones, laxatives, cough mixtures, antibiotics, and antiseptics are also derived from rainforest plants and herbs. All rights reserved. Latin American forests are home to black howler monkeys, whose calls can be heard almost 5km away! Here are our top facts about this magical place. One of the tropical rainforest characteristics is the diverse terrestrial ecosystems. 1. Tropical rainforests are found near the equator, with high average temperatures and humidity, while temperate rainforests lie mostly in coastal, mountainous areas within the mid-latitudes. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Learn about the different natural environments of plants and animals. Besides, it is the second-longest river running for 4,000 miles (6,400 km), only after the Nile. Lets get more rainforest information about the effects of industrial pollution. National Geographic Headquarters 1145 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20036. Tasmanias temperate rainforests have pine trees that. Rainfall Levels in Rainforests Are Around 2,000 mm per Year. 1 1000-Lb Sisters' Tammy Slaton Almost Died In 2015. The tropical rainforest is a hot, moist biome where it rains all year long. The top layer of the rainforest is the emergent layer. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. The population of humans has been on the rise with scientists estimating that it will reach 9 billion by 2050. Tropical rainforests are mainly located between the latitudes of 23.5N (the Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5S (the Tropic of Capricorn)the tropics. Generating sustainable, forest-based livelihoods that incentivize conservation is a proven approach to saving the worlds forests. Every tropical rainforest biome is important in its own way. 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. Due to palm oil concessions, between 1,000 and 5,000 orangutans are killed every year. The Amazon rainforest covers some 40% of the South American continent. 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. Tropical woods such as teak, balsa, rosewood, and mahogany are used in flooring, doors, windows, boatbuilding, and cabinetry. 50 percent of all plant species are found here. temperate forest, vegetation type with a more or less continuous canopy of broad-leaved trees. 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. It is the greatest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms of the volume of its flow and the area of its basin. Living in these areas without basic survival instincts is impossible, and many people get lost there without ever returning. The world's largest rainforest is the Amazon rainforest. Considering how many forests there are worldwide, its no wonder there are still unknown animal and plant species. These plants provide food and shelter for small animals and birds . Since 1990 Peru has lost 2,773,810 acres of primary rainforest. Central Africas tropical rainforest canopies and understories are home to some of the most endangered and familiar rainforest animalssuch as forest elephants, pythons, antelopes, and gorillas. Once covering 14% of land on Earth, rainforests now make up only 6%. Tropical rainforests are so warm and moist that they produce as much as 75 percent of their own rain through evaporation and transpiration. The rainforest floor is very dark, with less than 1% of the light making it through the canopy of the trees. The Amazon rainforests canopy layer, with its jungle-like density. Tropical rainforests are home to one-third of the planets animals, including over 1 million different insect species. Many rainforests are located in developing countries with economies based on natural resources. Chocolate, pineapple, and cinnamon all come from rainforests. Rainforests Cover Less Than 2% of the Earths Surface. Fig trees, common throughout most of the worlds tropical rainforests, may be the most familiar fruit tree in the canopy. Birds droppings in tropical jungles grow new plants. A rainforest biome is an ecosystem that consists of sprawling forests with diverse flora and fauna. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The understory is the warm, damp, and sheltered layer below the leafy tree canopy. From the beginning, our approach has been to work with farmers and indigenous and forest communities to cultivate sustainable rural livelihoods that incentivize conservation. The plots are never abandoned and are passed on within the family. There are many types like tundra, forest, savanna, desert, and freshwater biomes. Beneath the emergent layer is the canopy, a deep layer of vegetation roughly six meters (20 feet) thick. More than 150 ethnic groups have lived in the Congo rainforest for over 50,000 years. 11. In some rainforests it rains more than an inch every day! This species of mahogany is an emergent tree (emerges through the canopy) and grows up to 70 meters tall. 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. The Chimbu practice subsistence agriculture through shifting cultivation. Rainforests are disappearing at an alarmingly fast pace, largely due to human development over the past few centuries. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world's plant and animal specieseven though they cover . Rainforests are lush, warm, wet habitats. The country also signed an agreement with an American pharmaceutical company, Merck, which sets aside a portion of the proceeds from rainforest-derived pharmaceutical compounds to fund conservation projects. Here are 25+ interesting facts about the rainforests. The Congolese rainforest is the second biggest in the world. Its about the size of the contiguous United States, which doesnt include Alaska or Hawaii. Palm Oil Plantations Take 27 Million Hectares of the Earths Surface. Fact: To be a rainforest, an area needs to have a high yearly rainfall: typically over 200 cm (79 inches) per year. Rainforests have been home to thriving, complex communities for thousands of years. The Amazon rainforest in South America is so big that if it were a country, it would be the ninth biggest in the world. Switching to reusable utensils and straws, or buying eco-friendly rubber toys for your pet will make at least a small difference. The Yanomami have hunting dogs to help them search the understory and forest floor for game.. Canopy Layer: Like the Chimbu, the Yanomami practice both hunting and shifting-cultivation agriculture. 30 Fun Penguin Facts For Kids Youll Wish Youd Known, What is a Spit Landform in Geography? The Tropical Rainforest is a-ma-zing, and if youre learning about it at school, Im sure you agree! 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 are the Earth 's oldest living habitats, with some having existed for at least 70 million years. The green mamba, one of the deadliest snakes in the world, blends in with foliage as it slithers up branches in the Congo rainforest. Lizards, jaguars and tigers live at this level. In this way, gorillas are keystone species in many African rainforest ecosystems. Amazon facts. Also, there are more than 1,300 types of birds, 2.5 million insect species, 3,000 fish species, and 427 mammals. It is from 0 feet to 60 feet above the ground. Over 18 million acres of forest are lost every year due to deforestation. 60% of the Congo Rainforest Is in Africa. Its huge, and sometimes people call it the earths lungs, because without it, our planet would struggle to breathe. Rainforest Action Network is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation . In the Congo rainforest, roads and other infrastructure development have reduced habitat and cut off migration corridors for many rainforest species. Each layer has unique characteristics based on differing levels of water, sunlight, and air circulation. Lions are famous as Kings of the Jungles, but they usually live in grasslands and savannas. Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park on the Pacific northwest coast of North America is an example of a temperate rainforest. The giant forest hog, a species of wild boar, is also frequently targeted by Mbuti hunters, although this species is hunted for sale more often than food. 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. Sunlight strikes the tropics almost straight on, producing intense solar energy that keeps temperatures high, between 21 and 30C (70 and 85F). When one of the big trees dies and falls, the opening lets in more sunlight so that a smaller tree can grow and take its place. The Amazon is also home to black caimans (Melanosuchus niger), large reptiles related to alligators, while the Congo River is home to the caimans crocodilian cousin, the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). More Facts About Rainforests 16 - In many areas, there is an average rainfall per year between 150 - 200 inches or 4500 mm. In the next layer, the canopy, the leaves and branches of the trees all touch one another or are connected by vines. Even the cool evergreen forests of North Americas Pacific Northwest and Northern Europe are a type of rainforest. In addition to food crops, the Yanomami also cultivate cotton, which is used for hammocks, nets, and clothing. Others have a strong smell, such as orchids. Tropical rainforests are found in Central and South America, western and central Africa, western India, Southeast Asia, the island of New Guinea, and Australia. Also, palm oil plantations are the main reason why forest land is being cleared, leaving orangutans with no shelter and food. The upper canopy, a deep layer of vegetation roughly six meters (20 feet) thick, houses most of the . Many species of birds live in the canopy layer of the rainforest such as the Gray Parrot and the Macaw. In fact, the average annual temperature has been put at about 25 degree Celsius (approximately 77 degrees Fahrenheit). EXPLORE YOUR They start out as small upright shrubs. Covering . The next biggest rainforest is the Congo in Africa. Fact 3: In Asia, the largest of the rainforests are situated along the Malay Archipelago (including the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, the Republic of the Philippines and the Malay Peninsula) and the island of New Guinea, including Northern Australia. This list of easy-to-remember rainforest fun facts will keep every kids attention. The dense vegetation dulls sound, so manybut not allcanopy dwellers are notable for their shrill or frequent vocalizing. Photo: Shutterstock. RAINFOREST FACTS. However, we cannot afford to give up on tropical forests. Unsustainable industrial and agricultural development, however, has severely degraded the health of the worlds rainforests. The temperate rainforest of the northwest coast of North America is the home of the Tlingit. Rainforests are important to our food supply. ), Causes and Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion, Causes and Effects to Environmental Pollution, Causes and Effects of Ocean Acidification, Causes and Effects of Marine Habitat Loss, 35+ Outstanding Facts About the Planet Earth. Fact 22: As trees grow larger within the rainforest, the leaves tend to get smaller. Leaves that fall to the forest floor decay quickly. There is much which can be done to stop or prevent deforestation. High temperatures keep the air warm and wet, with an average humidity of between 77 percent and 88 percent. They are highly varied and complex, containing more than half of the world's plant and animal species yet covering just 6% of the Earth's surface.

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