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The largest rainforest in the world is essential for maintaining the ecosystems. Did you know that about 137 species go extinct every day due to deforestation in rainforest regions? This alone shows that rainforests are vital for the survival of species. They just cover 6% of Earth’s land surface but are home to more than 50% of the terrestrial species. Starting from the Amazon Rainforest to the Pacific Temperate Rainforests, each has its own conservation needs and its own wonders. In this blog, we cover details about the top ten largest rainforests in the world.
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Top 10 Largest Rainforest in the World
These are the ten largest rainforests in the world. Get to know what makes them large and unique.
| Largest Rainforest in the World | Rainforest Size |
| Amazon Rainforest | 6.7 million km² (2.7 million sq mi). (Twice the area of India!) |
| Congo Basin Rainforest | 1.6 million km² (618,000 sq mi) |
| New Guinea Rainforest | 786,000 km² (303,000 sq mi) |
| Borneo Lowland Rainforest | 428,438 km² (165,000 sq mi) |
| Indo-Burma Rainforest | 139 million hectares (approx. 1.39 million km² original extent) |
| Valdivian Temperate Rainforest | 248,100 km² (95,800 sq mi) |
| Eastern Australian Temperate Forests | 222,100 km² (85,753 sq mi) |
| Pacific Temperate Rainforests | 60,346 km² (23,000 sq mi) |
| Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra | 25,000 km² (9,655 sq mi) |
| Bosawás Biosphere Reserve | 20,000 km² (7,700 sq mi) |
1. Amazon Rainforest
The largest rainforest in the world is the Amazon rainforest. The rainforest is spread across countries like Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and 6 other South American countries. Amazon is home to the world’s 10% known species. This includes animals like pink river dolphins, jaguars, and 16,000 tree species. Its river system has more water than the next 7 largest rivers in the world. Amazon alone generates 20% of the Earth!
2. Congo Basin Rainforest
Located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congo Basin River is one of the largest rainforests in the world. The rainforest is Africa’s largest rainforest. This rainforest shelters endangered species like the okapi, forest elephants, and bonobos. Its peatlands save up to 9 billion tons of carbon. However, illegal logging and mining can threaten it. About 75 million people rely on this rainforest.
3. New Guinea Rainforest
The New Guinea Rainforest is located in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. This rainforest hosts cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and 5–10% of global species. Its rugged terrains have sustained indigenous cultures. Unfortunately, deforestation caused by palm oil and logging is increasing. Therefore, it has lost 1.8% of its primary area since 2000. The world’s largest butterfly, Queen Alexandra’s, can be found here
4. Borneo Lowland Rainforest
Borneo Lowland Rainforest is one of the largest rainforests in the world. This Indonesian rainforest is home to orangutans, pygmy elephants, and even the world’s largest flower-Rafflesia. It is one of the only 2 places where orangutans can live! The rainforests are over 130 million years old. They are even older than Amazon! Oil plantations have caused it to lose 15% of its main forest.
5. Indo-Burma Rainforest
The Indo-Burma Rainforest is located in Myanmar and is one of the largest rainforests in the world. These rainforests shield animals like gibbons, tigers, and critically endangered Mekong giant catfish. The Indo-Burma Rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse yet least protected areas. The psychedelic rock gecko was discovered here in 2010.
6. Valdivian Temperate Rainforest
Located in Argentina, the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest is one of the largest rainforests in the world. This rainforest is situated in South America. It is one of the only temperate rainforest hosts of the pudu- the world’s smallest deer. The rainforest contains several plant species that cannot be found anywhere else. This rainforest receives around 6,000 mm of annual rainfall. This is more than the average on Amazon.
7. Eastern Australian Temperate Forests
The Eastern Australian Temperate Forests is located in Australia. The rainforest is home to kookaburras, koalas, and eucalyptus groves. It is one of the largest rainforests in the world. Sadly, these rainforests are prone to wildfires and habitat fragmentation. The rainforest includes the Gondwana Rainforests- a UNESCO World Heritage site. Therefore only 1% of the subtropical rainforests can be seen today.
8. Pacific Temperate Rainforests
The Pacific Temperate Rainforests are counted among the largest rainforests in the world. This coastal rainforest contains some of the tallest trees in the world like the Douglas firs and coast redwoods. The moist climate here supports trees that live for more than 1000 years. However, less than 25% of the area is protected. This threatens the survival of endemic species like bald eagles.
9. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
Another one of the largest rainforest in the world is the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. It is located in Indonesia and is a UNESCO World Heritage site! This tropical rainforest houses orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and Gunung Kerinci (the tallest volcano in Indonesia). Moreover, it includes 3 national parks- Kerinci Seblat, Gunung Leuser, and Bukit Barisan.
10. Bosawás Biosphere Reserve
The Bosawás Biosphere Reserve is another one of the largest rainforest in the world. This is Central America’s largest rainforest that shelters harpy eagles, jaguars, and indigenous communities. This rainforest is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Although efforts are made to conserve the rainforest, 15% of its had been deforested. Reason? Cattle ranching.
Also Read:
- List of Active Volcanoes in India
- Amazing Facts About Peacocks- 20 Amazing Facts About Peacocks
- Facts About Lizard for Students: 10 Interesting Things You Should Know
FAQs
The second largest rainforest in the world is the Congo Basin Rainforest after the Amazon rainforest. This rainforest is situated in Central Africa and spans around 1.6 million km².
Brazil has the world’s largest rainforest in the world, it is the Amazon rainforest. Around 60% of the Amazon rainforest is between the borders of Brazil.
The largest rainforest in the world is the Amazon rainforest. It is situated in South America. It covers 9 countries. However, the majority of the rainforest is in Brazil.
Yes. The Amazon rainforest is larger than India in terms of land area! The Rainforest spans about s 6.7 million km². However, India covers about 3.29 million km². This makes Amazon twice the size of India!
The world’s smallest rainforest is the Daintree Rainforest. It is located in Australia. Although it is the smallest, it is the oldest tropical rainforest. It covers only 1,200 km² and is home to incredible species and prehistoric plants. It is it’s a UNESCO-listed ecological place.
Related Reads
| Deepest Lakes in the World | Tallest Trees in the World: 10 Interesting Facts |
| The Clearest Lake in the World | Amazing Facts about Amphibians |
| Facts about the North Pole for Kids | Facts About Tsunamis for Kids |
These were the facts about the deepest oceans in the world. If you find it fascinating and wish to read more such interesting facts, then stay tuned to the General Knowledge page of Leverage Edu.
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