There are approximately 736 known cloud forest sites across the globe.
Cloud rainforests, also known as montane rainforests, are a unique type of forest characterized by persistent, frequent or seasonal low-level cloud cover, usually located in mountainous regions. These forests thrive in a delicate balance of high humidity and moderate temperatures.
Here's a breakdown of what we know about cloud rainforests:
- Global Distribution: These ecosystems are not limited to one continent. Instead, they are distributed across 59 countries.
- Altitudinal Range: Cloud forests can be found at elevations ranging from 500 meters (1640 feet) on Pacific Islands to as high as 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) in the Andes Mountains of South America. This wide range demonstrates their adaptability to varying climates and landscapes.
- Importance: Cloud forests are biodiversity hotspots, housing numerous endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth. They also play a vital role in regulating water cycles, capturing moisture from the clouds, and providing freshwater to downstream communities.
Understanding the distribution and importance of these fragile ecosystems is crucial for their conservation. Factors like deforestation, climate change, and habitat loss pose significant threats to cloud rainforests, making their protection a global priority.
