Tropical rainforests are crucial to the planet’s health as they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and release oxygen. These forests are characterized by a dense tree canopy and high annual rainfall.
There are different types of rainforests, including tropical, dry, and temperate rainforests. Tropical rainforests are near the equator and have warm, humid climates. On the other hand, temperate rainforests experience more seasonal changes in weather and are distributed between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Dry rainforests receive less precipitation and have more distinct seasons compared to tropical rainforests.
Tropical rainforests host a wide variety of unique plant and animal species, with over half of the world’s species found in these areas around the world.
Here are the top 10 biggest forests on the planet by land area, along with some information about each:
10. Westland Temperate Forest – 11,880km2
Westland Temperate Forest is located on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island and receives significant annual rainfall, supporting a variety of bird species and endangered species.
9. Bosawas Biosphere Reserve – 20,000km2
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers 15 percent of Nicaragua’s land area and is home to vast biodiversity, including many endangered species.
1. Amazon rainforest – 6.7 million km2
The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest, covering an area of 6.7 million km2 across 8 countries. It is home to an astonishing diversity of plant and animal species, with significant deforestation posing a major threat to its existence.
| Rainforest | Size KM2 |
| Westland temperate forest | 11,880 |
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
