Animals of the Rainforest
Rain forest can be found across the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. about half of the worlds animal species can be found in the rain forest, approximately 10 million different kinds of plants, animals, and insects. Everything from a Toucan to gorillas to a bright blue frog. However, many of these animals are endangered and numerous others have already gone extinct due to a depleting habitat. this is caused by illegal logging, slash, and burn farming techniques.
How are some rain forest not tropical?
The Great Bear rain forest, in British Columbia Canada, spreads across 250 miles of this earth. It's part of the largest remaining coastal temperate rain forest on Earth. A temperate rain forest is much cooler that a tropical rain forest, and the trees live much longer. This type of forest also houses a different variety of animals, such as the rare Kermode or spirit bear. This bear takes refuge here, and is a type of the black bear, except it has a white coat. Due to the hard work of the Nature Conservancy, 5 million acres of this precious forest have been closed to loggers and 19 million acres are under strict guidelines.
Medicine Plants
Only 1% of rain forest plants have been studied for possible medical purposes. However the chances of finding a possible cure is dwindling because every second and area of rain forest the size of a football field is being cut down.
- Aloe Vera: used to heal burns, wounds, and other skin conditions.
- Lavender: used by an antiseptic and for mental health purposes. The smell of lavender is smoothing and can help a person sleep.
- Neem: used in India to treat worms, malaria and skin infections.
What is a Hyperion?
Hyperion are found around the world. Some of the best known Hyperion are the Redwood trees of California. These trees can measure up to 115 meters tall and have a width large enough for a car to drive through it.
The cost of a single old growth Redwood tree is around $119,000 and can make a profit of $357,000. The destruction of Redwoods endangers not only the animals that call it home but also humans. Because of clear cuts, there are mud slides and water supplies are compromised.