Rainforests are the Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. These lush, green wonderlands are home to an incredible array of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. But rainforests are much more than just beautiful habitats — they’re crucial to the health of our entire world. From producing oxygen to regulating climate, rainforests perform vital functions that affect everyone, everywhere. Here are 15 amazing facts about rainforests that highlight why protecting them is so important.
Rainforests Are the Earth’s Lungs
Rainforests produce about 20% of the world’s oxygen. The Amazon rainforest alone creates more than 20% of the world’s oxygen supply. That’s why the Amazon is often called the “lungs of the Earth”. Every breath we take owes something to these incredible forests. In fact, a single mature, leafy tree can produce enough oxygen in one season to keep ten people breathing for a year.
They’re Home to Millions of Species
While rainforests cover less than 2% of Earth’s surface, they house more than 50% of the world’s plant and animal species. This incredible biodiversity includes many species yet to be discovered. Scientists estimate that there are millions of species in rainforests that we haven’t even identified yet. To put this in perspective, a single hectare of rainforest may contain up to 300 species of tree, compared to only 20-30 species in all of North America.
Rainforests Are Natural Medicine Cabinets
25% of Western medicines come from rainforest ingredients. Many more are waiting to be discovered. The cure for cancer or other diseases might be hiding in a rainforest plant. Every time we lose a piece of the rainforest, we might be losing a potential life-saving medicine. For example, the rosy periwinkle, found in Madagascar’s rainforests, has been used to create treatments for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and childhood leukaemia.
They Help Stabilise the World’s Climate
Rainforests act as the Earth’s thermostat, regulating global temperatures and weather patterns. They do this by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing water vapour, which forms rain clouds. Cutting down rainforests disrupts these patterns and contributes to climate change. Rainforests also help to buffer against extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods.
A New Species Is Discovered Every Two Days
In the Amazon rainforest alone, a new species of animal or plant is discovered every two days on average. This incredible rate of discovery shows how much we still have to learn about these ecosystems. It also highlights how much we stand to lose if they’re destroyed. Between 2014 and 2015, 381 new species were discovered in the Amazon, including a fire-tailed titi monkey and a yellow-moustached lizard.
Rainforests Are Incredibly Old
Some areas of rainforests have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. The Daintree Rainforest in Australia, for example, is thought to be about 180 million years old. These ancient ecosystems provide a living link to Earth’s distant past. The Daintree is so old that it’s home to plant species that existed when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, including the idiot fruit, which has remained virtually unchanged for 120 million years.
They’re Crucial for Indigenous People
Rainforests are home to about 50 million indigenous people worldwide. These communities have lived in harmony with the forests for thousands of years. Their cultures and ways of life are intrinsically linked to the health of the rainforests. Many of these communities possess invaluable knowledge about medicinal plants and sustainable forest management practices that could benefit the wider world.
Rainforests Help Prevent Floods
The trees in rainforests absorb massive amounts of rainfall. This helps prevent flooding in nearby areas. When rainforests are cut down, the risk of devastating floods increases dramatically. A single tree can absorb up to 450 litres of water per day, acting as a natural flood defence system.
They’re Disappearing at an Alarming Rate
We’re losing rainforests at a rate of about 78 million acres per year. That’s an area about the size of Panama gone every single year. At this rate, the world’s rainforests could disappear completely within 100 years. The main causes of deforestation include agriculture, logging, mining, and climate change.
Rainforests Create Their Own Rain
Amazingly, rainforests create a significant portion of their own rain. Trees release water vapour through their leaves, which forms clouds and falls back as rain. This self-watering system helps maintain the unique rainforest climate. A large tree in the Amazon can release up to 1,000 litres of water into the atmosphere each day through evapotranspiration.
They’re Home to Some of the World’s Largest Trees
The tallest known tropical tree, named “Menara”, was discovered in Borneo in 2019. It’s a yellow meranti tree that stands at a staggering 100.8 meters (330 feet) tall. That’s higher than Big Ben or the Statue of Liberty! This giant tree is estimated to weigh 81,500 kg, or more than the maximum takeoff weight of a Boeing 737-800.
Rainforests Are Carbon Sinks
Rainforests store massive amounts of carbon in their trees and soil. When rainforests are cut down or burned, this carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Protecting rainforests is crucial for fighting climate change. The Amazon rainforest alone stores an estimated 123 billion tons of carbon above and below ground.
They’re Noisy Places
Contrary to popular belief, rainforests aren’t quiet, peaceful places. They’re incredibly noisy, filled with the sounds of millions of insects, birds, and other animals. This cacophony is a sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. In fact, some areas of rainforest can reach noise levels of up to 100 decibels during peak hours, equivalent to standing next to a chainsaw.
Rainforests Have Flying Snakes
In the rainforests of Southeast Asia, there are snakes that can glide through the air. These flying snakes flatten their bodies and undulate in mid-air, allowing them to glide for up to 100 meters. It’s just one example of the incredible adaptations found in rainforest creatures. These remarkable reptiles can even make turns in mid-air, demonstrating a level of aerial agility that puts some birds to shame.
They’re Full of Bioluminescent Life
Many rainforest organisms glow in the dark. From fungi to insects, these bioluminescent creatures create ethereal light shows in the forest at night. This adaptation helps them communicate, attract mates, and sometimes even trick predators. One of the most spectacular examples is the “eternal light” mushroom found in Brazilian rainforests, which glows bright green 24 hours a day.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
