It’s WORLD RAINFOREST DAY – let’s celebrate rainforests across the globe.
The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is arguably the most well known rainforest on the planet. Situated next to the second longest river in the world, the Amazon rainforest is an oasis for millions of plant and animal species. But the Amazon is only one of ten marvelous rainforests that can be considered ecological wonders.
The Daintree in Australia, the Congo in Africa, and the Borneo lowland rainforest are three examples of other notable rainforests that are integral to the health and biodiversity of our planet. Each of these rainforests are called home to millions of species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. These facts show what makes each of these rainforests special:
- The Daintree rainforest in Australia is older than the Amazon and is considered to have a complex ecosystem that reflects the evolution of our wildlife. An example of this incredible collection is the 12 primitive flower species found in the Daintree that precede the evolution of other flowers. The plants found in the Daintree are used for medicinal purposes, while the trees are used for timber.
- The second largest rainforest in the world, the Congo rainforest collects more carbon from the Amazon rainforest — a trait that has earned the Congo rainforest the nickname “the lungs of Africa.” Unfortunately, these lungs are under threat from the timber and mining industry that has riddled the Congo rainforest for centuries.
- The Borneo lowland rainforest is home to over 15,000 plant species and nearly a thousand animal species. The variety of metals and minerals like gold and diamonds that can be found there have put the Borneo rainforest at risk of continued destruction. Rare animals like the orangutan can only be found here — the true gem of the rainforest that makes it worth protecting.
The distinctive resources in each rainforest around the world unfortunately puts them at risk. In some parts of the world, rainforest are classified as endangered due to human activity. Currently, the Madagascar rainforest is the most at risk of disappearing forever — with over 80% being destroyed since 1950. Worldwide, 78 million acres of the rainforest are lost each year. If the destruction of our rainforests don’t stop now — all rainforests will disappear in 77 years.
Every rainforest faces a similar fate — and their preservation rests in our hands. With joint conservation efforts and funding, we can take the necessary steps to save Earth’s greatest treasure for generations to come.
Let’s save the world’s RAINFOREST. Donate now to VAKOVAKO.
