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LEARN ABOUT

FORESTS

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

Happy
International Day of Forests!

FOREST SYSTEMS

Our forests are incredibly important both ecological and socio-economically. Ecologically, forests provide habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. They play a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate by acting as a carbon sink and helping to maintain the water cycle. In addition, forests play a vital role in protecting soil, preventing erosion, and maintaining water quality. 

Socio-economically, forests provide a range of goods and services that are essential for human well-being. They are a source of food, medicine, and fuel, and provide materials for construction, paper products and many other products. Forests also support many communities and cultures, and provide livelihoods for millions of people around the world. 
Forests also have a spiritual and cultural significance in many communities. Many cultures have traditional forest management practices that have been passed down for generations, and these practices often reflect a deep understanding of the ecological, social, and spiritual importance of forest.

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TROPICAL FORESTS

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TROPICAL FOREST

Tropical forests are incredibly diverse and important ecosystems found in regions close to the Earth's equator. They are characterized by their dense vegetation, high temperatures, and abundant rainfall, which provide ideal conditions for an array of plant and animal life. Tropical forests are known for their biodiversity, containing a vast number of species of plants, animals, and insects that are found nowhere else on the planet.

They are also crucial for regulating the Earth's climate, as they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Unfortunately, tropical forests are currently under threat due to human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and mining, which have led to significant habitat loss and fragmentation. The protection and conservation of tropical forests are crucial for the future of our planet's biodiversity and the well-being of local communities who depend on them for their livelihoods. 

FUN FACTS

Home to over 50% of the world's species

The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world, and produces 20% of the world's oxygen

An estimated 13 million hectares of tropical forests are lost each year from deforestation

On average, tropical forests receive over 80 inches of rain per year

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SUBTROPICAL FORESTS

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SUBTROPICAL FOREST

Subtropical forests are a type of forest that is found in regions with a subtropical climate. They occur between the tropics and the temperate zones, typically between 25 and 35 degrees latitude. These forests are characterized by warm and humid conditions, with an average annual temperature ranging from 18 to 27 degrees celcius and an average annual rainfall between 750 and 1500 mm (30 to 60 inches).


The vegetation in subtropical forests caries depending on the region but often includes broadleaf evergreen trees, such as oak, hickory, and laurel. Subtropical forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, such as black bears, bobcats, and coyotes. They are also important for their ecosystem services, such as carbon storage, soil stabilization, and water regulation. Unfortunately, like tropical forests, subtropical forests are threatened by human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture expansion. The conservation of subtropical forests is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health in these regions. 

FUN FACTS

The Great Smoky Mountains in the eastern United States, is a vast area of subtropical forest that spans over 500,000 acres. 

The Wester Ghats, a mountain range in India, is a biodiversity hotspot and home to numerous subtropical forests

The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, located in southwestern China, is home to several subtropical forests and plays host to incredible biodiversity and unique plant and animal species including the Yunnan golden monkey

The Otway Ranges in southeastern Australia are home to a unique subtropical forest called the Otway Ranges Rainforest. This forest is characterized by its tall eucalyptus trees, lush ferns and abundant bird life, such as colourful parrots and rosellas

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TEMPERATE FORESTS

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TEMPERATE FOREST

Temperate forests are found in regions with a more moderate climate, such as Europe, North America, and Asia. They are characterized by a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, such as oak, maple, beech, and coniferous trees. Temperate forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including large mammals such as bears, deer and wolves as well as smaller mammals like squirrels and raccoons. Birds such as eagles, owls, and woodpeckers are also commonly found in temperate forests.  


These forests typically experience four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. In the fall, the deciduous trees lose their leaves and grow new ones in the spring, while coniferous mostly keep their needles year round. 

FUN FACTS

Temperate forests occur in the mid-latitude areas between the tropics and the polar regions, typically between 30 and 50 degrees latitude

They are characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cool winters, and an average temperature ranging from 5 to 20 degrees celcius

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BOREAL FORESTS

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

BOREAL FOREST

The boreal forest, also known as the taiga, is a vast and ecologically significant biome that stretches across Canada and into other northern countries. The boreal forest is characterized by its coniferous trees such as spruce, pine and fir, as well as its long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The boreal forest is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are adapted to the harsh conditions of the region.

The boreal forest also plays an important role in the global carbon cycle, acting as a carbon sink and helping to regulate the Earth's climate. 

FUN FACTS

The boreal forest is the world's largest land-based biome, spanning across the northern hemisphere. 

Can be found in Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, Russia and other northern regions

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