Rainforests are the ultimate locations for eco-tourists. The vividity of wildlife and plants in these pockets of nature is mesmerizing as well as stacks of information of the past. They are in fact one of the pillars that hold the earthly system together. The largest rainforests are in the Amazon River Basin (South America), the Congo River Basin (western Africa), and throughout much of southeast Asia. Smaller rainforests are located in Central America, Madagascar, Australia and nearby islands, India, and other locations in the tropics. Let us look at these seven spots in the world where you can extend your appreciation for nature.
Here we go with the list of 7 majestic rainforests of the world to visit:
1. Darien National Park
Darién National Park, a world heritage site in Panama, is a natural bridge spanning the two Americas.
A vast land of dense jungle and low mountains, its most common species include macaw, parrot, and tapirs. The harpy eagle also calls this national park home. The park is home to regional endemic species and some that are so rare and endangered. These species include the spotted paca, Guatemalan black howler, night monkey, black-headed spider monkey, Jaguar, Ocelot, Central American agouti, American crocodile and the capybara. Guided tours, from daylong to multi-day expeditions, are available through tour companies and led by local jungle guides. The Darien is a cultural destination as well. Two native tribes live in small villages scattered around the forest.
2. Dominica
Whether you’re up for an eco-adventure into the rainforest or taking in the vibrant culture of the city of Roseau, Dominica will make a lasting impression upon you. It’s nature unspoiled. The island is sparsely populated with 70,000 people inhabiting 289 square miles. A significant portion of the population lives in and around the capital city of Roseau. Known as “The Nature Island,” Dominica’s tropical rainforests cover two thirds of the island, and are home to 1,200 plant species. Rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls abound, fed by the island’s high annual rainfall. Its volcanic physique includes extensive geothermal activity – even underwater.
3. Danum Valley
Danum Valley Conservation Area is a 438 square kilometres tract of relatively undisturbed lowland forest in Sabah, Malaysia. It has an extensive diversity of tropical flora and fauna, including such species as the rare East Sumatran rhinoceros, Bornean orangutans, gibbons, mousedeer, clouded leopards and over 270 bird species. Activities offered are jungle treks, river swimming, bird watching, night jungle tours and excursions to nearby logging sites and timber mills. The area holds unique status in the sense that before it became a conservation area there were no human settlements within the area, meaning that hunting, logging and other human interference was non existent.
4. Tasmania
The Tasmanian temperate rain forests are unusual because vines, orchids, and bromeliads are rare, yet mosses and lichens are abundant. These forests receive a high amount of moisture, but are, as their label suggests, much cooler than their tropical peers. There are over 800 plant species, including many endemic genera and species in the alpine flora. 500 year-old Nothofagus, or myrtle-beech, trees can be seen here, in addition to over 600 species of lichen that help prevent soil erosion in arid areas. Endemic mammals include the Tasmanian devil, Eastern quoll, and the presumed extinct thylacene or marsupial wolf. Imagine forest camping or booking in to eco accommodation in the heart of ancient forests or on the banks of a remote river.
5. Gabon
Gabon is a sovereign country on the west coast of Central Africa, located on the equator. The coastal plains form a large section of forests ecoregion and contain patches of Central African mangroves especially on the Muni River estuary. Forest covers 80 percent of the country. Though commercial logging is a big industry in Gabon, the creation of 13 national parks a decade ago and the continued conservation efforts since then have earned the country a high amount of credibility when it comes to conservation and sustainability. Loango National Park is the country’s showcase attraction. This park was once dubbed the “Last Eden” because it contained some of the most pristine virgin forest remaining on the continent.
6. Suriname
Suriname is the smallest country in South America. It’s ropical rainforests are a part of the vast Amazon region. In the southwest is the Sipaliwini savanna area. In the centre and south are mountain ranges. Most Amerindians and Maroons people live in this region, many of them in a primitive way. Rain forest tourism comes in many forms. Some destinations are more like nature-oriented theme parks with zip lines, zoos and treetop bridges. Others are no more than dense jungle backwaters visited only by biologists and a few tourists in search of real adventure and truly untouched wilderness.
7. Olympic National Park
The western side of the park is mantled by temperate rainforests, including the Hoh Rainforest and Quinault Rainforest. The region is dominated by coniferous trees, Western Hemlock, Coast Douglas-fir and Western redcedar. Because the park sits on an isolated peninsula, with a high mountain range dividing it from the land to the south, it developed many endemic plant and animal species like the Olympic Marmot, Piper’s bellflower and Flett’s violet. It also provides habitat for many species like the Roosevelt elk that are native only to the Pacific Northwest coast. Because of this importance, scientists have declared it to be a biological reserve. The obvious advantage of Olympic is that it is easily accessible for U.S. based rain forest-seekers.
Sources: wikipedia.org, 500px.com