Why Rainforests Matter
Rainforests are Earth's oldest living ecosystems, covering just 6% of the planet but housing over half of all plant and animal species. They're vital carbon sinks, climate regulators, and biodiversity hotspots.
- 20% of the world’s oxygen
- 1.6 billion livelihoods depend on rainforests
- 25% of modern medicines come from rainforest plants
- 3 000+ fruit species (fewer than 200 studied in the West)
- 2.1 million sq mi in the Amazon Basin alone
- Regulate rainfall & climate globally
Rainforest Facts
Biodiversity
One hectare can host over 400 tree species—compared to about 40 in temperate forests.
Water Cycle
Rainforests generate 50–80% of their own moisture via transpiration.
Medicine
25% of modern pharmaceuticals originate from rainforest ingredients.
Layers of the Rainforest
Emergent Layer
Giant trees up to 70 m above the canopy; home to birds, butterflies & monkeys.
Canopy Layer
Dense foliage 30–45 m high, sheltering sloths, toucans & tree frogs.
Understory Layer
Dark, humid zone up to 20 m; home to vines, shrubs & predators like jaguars.
Forest Floor
Receives < 2% sunlight; decomposers recycle nutrients rapidly.
Fun Facts!
- Rainforests generate 75% of their own rainfall via transpiration.
- The Amazon contains over 400 billion trees of 16 000+ species.
- They’ve existed for over 70 million years, making them Earth’s oldest forests.
- The Congo Basin is the second-largest rainforest.
- Less than 1% of rainforest plants tested for medicinal use.
Global Rainforest Heroes
Rainforest Alliance: Certifies farms under rigorous sustainability standards, helping 7.5 million+ farmers in 60+ countries.
- Promotes regenerative agriculture to restore soil & biodiversity.
- Supports community forestry (e.g., Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve).
Rainforest Foundation US: Empowers Indigenous communities with legal, technical & monitoring support, protecting 43 million+ acres.
- Trains Indigenous guardians for 24/7 forest patrols.
- Secures land rights & champions policy changes.
🌱 Created by Jed, Sattam & Saxon. Let’s protect our planet’s lungs together! 🌎
© 2025 Rainforest Rescue Team
Understanding Deforestation
Every year, 18 million ha of forest—the size of Panama—is cleared, fueling climate change, biodiversity loss & Indigenous displacement.
Key Statistics
- 18 M ha/yr: forests lost worldwide
- 2.6 B t COâ‚‚: emitted annually
- 80% of terrestrial species at risk
- Thousands of Indigenous communities displaced
Primary Drivers
- Commercial agriculture: palm oil, soy, cattle
- Illegal & unsustainable logging
- Mining & road expansion
- Urban growth & infrastructure
- Intentional & accidental fires
Impacts
- Habitat loss for 80% of land species
- 2.6 B t COâ‚‚ released yearly
- Soil degradation & disrupted water cycles
- Culture & livelihood loss among Indigenous groups
Regional Breakdown
- Amazon Basin: 5.5 M ha/yr
- Southeast Asia: 3.3 M ha/yr
- Congo Basin: 1.8 M ha/yr
- Australia & Oceania: 1.4 M ha/yr
What You Can Do
- Buy zero-deforestation products
- Choose FSC & RSPO certified goods
- Support Indigenous land rights
- Join reforestation efforts
- Advocate stronger forest-protection laws
🔥 Created by Jed, Sattam & Saxon. Together we can halt deforestation! 🌍
© 2025 Rainforest Rescue Team
Saving the Orangutans
Orangutans share 97% of our DNA. Fewer than 65 000 remain due to habitat loss, illegal trade & fragmentation.
- Lifespan: Up to 45 years
- Diet: Fruit, leaves, bark & insects
- Behavior: Tool use & nightly nest building
- Habitat: Rainforests of Borneo & Sumatra
- Social: Solitary; mothers with young
Rescue & Rehabilitation
- BOS Foundation: 6 000+ rescued & released
- SOCP: Community patrols & rescue efforts
- OFI: Habitat protection & education
- OIC: Research, advocacy & outreach
How You Can Help
- Avoid unsustainable palm oil products
- “Adopt” an orangutan via reputable sanctuaries
- Support eco-tourism that funds conservation
- Share educational resources & advocate online
🦧 Created by Jed, Sattam & Saxon. Every action counts! 🌱
© 2025 Rainforest Rescue Team
Meet the Team
Jed
Sattam
Saxon
👥 Created by Jed, Sattam & Saxon. Our team is dedicated to rainforest conservation! 🌍
© 2025 Rainforest Rescue Team