Forests are some of the most important ecosystems on our planet, providing habitat for millions of species, regulating the Earth's climate, and supplying essential resources for human life. The world's ten biggest forests are just a small representation of the many diverse forests that exist across the globe. Let’s know more about them.
Amazon Rainforest, South America
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world, spanning over 6.7 million square kilometers and nine countries in South America. The forest is home to over 390 billion trees, which produce over 20% of the world's oxygen. It is also home to countless species of plants and animals, including jaguars, anacondas, and toucans.
Congo Rainforest, Africa
The Congo Rainforest, also known as the Congo Basin, is the second-largest rainforest in the world and spans over six countries in central Africa. It is home to over 10,000 species of plants, 400 species of mammals, and 1,000 species of birds. The forest is also home to endangered species like the forest elephant and western lowland gorilla.
Taiga, Russia, and Canada
The Taiga, also known as the Boreal Forest, is the world's largest terrestrial biome and spans across Canada, Russia, and Scandinavia. The forest covers over 17 million square kilometers and is characterized by its cold winters and short summers. The Taiga is home to a variety of animals, including wolves, moose, and grizzly bears.
Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, South America
The Valdivian Temperate Rainforest is located in Chile and Argentina and covers over 248,000 square kilometers. The forest is known for its unique mix of flora and fauna and is home to species like the pudú, the world's smallest deer, and Darwin's fox.
Sundarbans, India, and Bangladesh
The Sundarbans is a mangrove forest located in India and Bangladesh and covers over 10,000 square kilometers. The forest is known for its high biodiversity and is home to the Bengal tiger, which is one of the largest tiger subspecies in the world.
Tongass National Forest, USA
The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States and covers over 68,000 square kilometers. The forest is located in Alaska and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and bald eagles.
Taman Negara, Malaysia
Taman Negara is a tropical rainforest located in Malaysia and covers over 4,000 square kilometers. The forest is known for its high biodiversity and is home to over 10,000 species of plants, 150 species of mammals, and 350 species of birds. It is also home to endangered species like the Malayan tiger and Asian elephant.
Daintree Rainforest, Australia
The Daintree Rainforest is located in Queensland, Australia, and covers over 1,200 square kilometers. The forest is known for its unique flora and fauna, including the cassowary, a large flightless bird. The forest is also home to the world's oldest living rainforest, with some trees estimated to be over 1,200 years old.
Black Forest, Germany
The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald in German, is a forested mountain range located in southwest Germany. The forest covers over 6,000 square kilometers and is known for its dense, evergreen trees and picturesque villages. The Black Forest is also famous for its cuckoo clocks and is a popular tourist destination.
Primorye Forest, Russia
Russia's south-east is home to the smallest of the ten giants. The Primorye Forest spans 130,000 km2, which is equal to 18.2 million football fields. Numerous endangered species, including the Siberian tiger, call it home. There are currently only 500 people living there. Tigers, bears, and leopards can all be found together in this forest, which is unique in the world.
