Hidden Forest Microhabitat part – 1

1. Cloud Forests

• Location: Montane regions, typically at altitudes of 1,000 to 3,000 meters.
• Constant cloud cover at the canopy level, high humidity, and frequent mist are characteristics of cloud forests, which are found in montane regions at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters. Rich biodiversity may be found in these forests, including a large number of indigenous species and epiphytes. El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico and Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica are two notable examples.
• Notable Examples:
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica.
  • El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico.

2. Mangrove Forests

• Location: Coastal regions in tropical and subtropical areas.
• Mangrove forests are made up of salt-tolerant plants and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones and are prevalent in coastal tropical and subtropical regions. They prevent coastal erosion and act as vital nurseries for marine life. Notable mangrove forests are the Everglades National Park in Florida, USA, and the Sundarbans in Bangladesh and India.
• Notable Examples:
  • Sundarbans in India and Bangladesh.
  • Everglades National Park in Florida, USA.

3. Bamboo Forests

• Location: Various regions, most notably in Asia.
• Bamboo forests are mostly found in Asia, where fast-growing bamboo species predominate. After being destroyed, these forests regrow swiftly and are essential to the local economy as well as the habitats of many wildlife, particularly giant pandas. The bamboo woods of Sichuan, China, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Japan are two notable examples.Notable Examples:
• • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Japan.
  • Bamboo forests in Sichuan, China.

4. Temperate Rainforests

• Location: Coastal regions with moderate temperatures and high rainfall.
• Tall trees and dense, multilayered flora can be found in temperate rainforests, which are found along coasts with moderate temperatures and heavy rainfall. These forests have a lot of moss and fern growth, a high biomass, and a variety of species. The temperate rainforests of the Pacific in North America and the Valdivian temperate rainforest in Chile are two examples.Notable Examples:
  • Pacific temperate rainforests in North America (e.g., Tongass National Forest).
  • Valdivian temperate rainforest in Chile.