Jewels of the Earth
Rainforests constitute some of the globe’s most important ecosystems. Around the world, they cover nearly 2% of the earth’s total surface area and host more than 50% of the world’s animals and plants.
There are two types of rainforests: tropical and temperate. Tropical rainforests are known as ‘jewels of the earth’ and ‘world’s pharmacy’ because more than a third of natural medicines were discovered here. These forests are found near the equator. Temperate rainforests account for around a quarter of the world’s forests. They are found in North America, Europe, East Asia. South America, Australia and New Zealand.
Click on the hotspots and find out more about some rainforests from around the world.