Rainforest Concern

Types of forest

Lowland rainforest

This type of forest is found at elevations of up to 1000 feet within the tropical belt. Due to the high rainfall and constant warm temperatures, they provide the perfect environment for plants and animals and so contain a great diversity of life. Lowland rainforests contain the tallest trees of all the types of rainforest, with the largest variety of species.

Montane rainforest

Otherwise known as cloud forest, montane rainforests are found in mountainous areas, which lie within the tropical belt. At altitudes of between 1000-3000 feet (lower montane) and 3000-10000 feet (upper montane) these forests are often cooler than lowland rainforest and are almost constantly dripping with moisture from the swirling clouds which engulf them. The trees in cloud forests do not grow so high as in lowland rainforest due to the cooler temperatures, but there are more ferns and epiphytic plants as these plants like moisture.

Mangrove forest

Found in coastal areas, mangrove forests like saltwater and can tolerate periods of drought in the dry season. Mangrove trees can reach heights of 80 feet and are supported by stilt-like roots which raise the tree above the water. Mangrove forests provide shelter for wildlife in coastal waters and river systems, and help to aerate and cleanse the water. Unfortunately, vast areas of this coastal forest are removed to make way for shrimp farms which supply foreign markets such as ours.