By aries88.info - Forests cover approximately 31% of the Earth's land area, yet they bear the responsibility of supporting a significant portion of the planet's terrestrial species, many of which are threatened or at risk of extinction. Half of the world's forests are found in just five countries, and many of these forest areas are fragmented and facing serious threats from deforestation and forest degradation.
There are numerous compelling reasons to protect our forests. They not only serve as a vital source of oxygen, essential for all life, but also provide crucial habitats for wildlife, sustain human livelihoods, and play a role in mitigating climate change. At the very least, forests serve as a powerful reminder of the natural beauty the world has to offer, from the awe-inspiring expanses of the Amazon to the national parks closer to home. Here are the world's ten largest forest areas.
Amazon Rainforest
Spanning approximately 2.3 million square miles (equivalent to over 5.95 million square kilometers), the Amazon Rainforest is the most diverse and extensive tropical forest on the planet. It sprawls across Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, and Suriname, housing one-tenth of the known wild animal species (with new discoveries happening nearly daily). Unfortunately, the Amazon is facing unprecedented environmental challenges due to deforestation and forest fires, with approximately 72,519 square miles lost in the region in recent years.
Congo Rainforest
Part of the Congo Basin in Africa, the Congo Rainforest covers over 1.4 million square miles, spanning Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Often referred to as Earth's "second lung" after the Amazon, the Congo Rainforest is safeguarded through five separate national parks, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
New Guinea Rainforest
Encompassing over half of the landmass of New Guinea, this rainforest covers a vast area of more than 786,000 square miles. Due to its isolation as an island, the New Guinea Rainforest is home to indigenous communities and native wildlife that have had limited contact with the outside world.
Valdivian Temperate Rainforest
More than 90% of the plant species found in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, located in southern South America, are endemic, meaning they are native to this region and found nowhere else. With an area of over 95,000 square miles, the Valdivian forest boasts one of the highest rates of pollination carried out by animal species documented in any temperate rainforest community.
Tongass National Forest
Situated in Southeast Alaska, the Tongass National Forest covers nearly 26,000 square miles, making it the largest national forest in the United States and the largest temperate rainforest in North America. It holds nearly one-third of the world's old-growth temperate rainforest and plays a crucial role in storing high amounts of carbon and biomass.
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve
Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997, the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve in Nicaragua spans over 8,500 square miles and is estimated to be home to around 13% of the known world's species. It consists of six different forest types and is also home to 20 distinct indigenous communities, who play a significant role in conserving natural resources and sustaining their economies.
Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest
Located in Yunnan province in Southern China, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1990. Covering about 1,000 square miles, this forest supports a wide array of rare and endangered species, including 90% of China's wild Asian elephant population.
Daintree Rainforest
One of the oldest rainforests globally, the Daintree Rainforest in Australia is estimated to be 180 million years old, surpassing even the Amazon. Covering an area of approximately 463 square miles, the Daintree is home to over half of Australia's bat and butterfly species and serves as a crucial pollination source for the entire region.
Kinabalu National Park
Situated on the island of Borneo, Kinabalu National Park is made up of a 291,000-acre tropical rainforest. Its unique elevation gradient, ranging from around 500 feet to over 13,000 feet, provides diverse habitats for a wide variety of species, including 90 species of mammals, 326 species of birds, and over 1,000 species of orchids.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
As one of Costa Rica's protected natural areas, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, spanning 39 square miles, is one of the world's most popular bird-watching destinations. This cloud forest is a rare type of tropical mountain forest, where atmospheric conditions lead to near-continuous cloud cover. It is home to species like jaguars, ocelots, several monkey species, and the vibrant red-eyed tree frog.