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A scarlet macaw perches on a branch.
Photo © Pierre Howard
Test your knowledge of tropical forests.
View spectacular pictures of our amazing tropical forests! View a slide show
One of the largest debt for nature swaps just took place in Guatemala and $24 milllion has been earmarked for conservation.
Read The New York Times article on this significant deal for Guatemala.
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Facts about Tropical Forests
Tropical forests are home to more species of plants and animals than the rest of the world put together. Not only do they provide a safe haven for plants, animals and the people who live around them, but we are all constantly in touch with products from tropical forests.
Our morning cup of coffee, the furniture we buy at IKEA and Home Depot, and many medicines can all be traced back to tropical forests. Find out more interesting facts about forests here. Once you have learned enough about tropical forests, take our quiz!
Running the Numbers
- Fact: We lose 50 species everyday due to deforestation of tropical forests.
- Fact: Over 2,000 tropical forest plants have been identified as having anti-cancer properties.
- Fact: Less than 5 percent of the world's tropical forests are protected.
- Fact: Only 3 percent of all tropical tree species used for timber and paper products are grown on plantations.
- Fact: Temperate rainforests used to exist on almost every continent in the world, but only 50 percent — 75 million acres — of these forests remain worldwide.
Fast Facts
- Fact: Tropical forest fibres are found in rugs, mattresses, ropes, strings and fabrics.
- Fact: Tropical forest oils, gums and resins are found in insecticides, rubber products, fuel, paint, varnish and wood-finishing products, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, perfumes, disinfectants and detergents.
- Fact: Tropical forests help regulate global temperatures and climate.
- Fact: Tropical forests are a source of valuable wood such as teak, mahogany, rosewood and sandalwood.
