Primary Rainforest

A primary rainforest is an original forest, that has not been cut down and reforested. The trees compromising these forests have been around for a very long time. Rain is a natural element in these moist, tropical forests.

There are not many Primary Rainforests left in the world, due to deforestation in favour of agriculture and to sell precious hardwood.

Primary Rainforests are not dense, impenetrable, dark jungle. Secondary Rainforest, which springs up when primary rainforest has been cut down, is dense and impenetrable. Primary Rainforests, however, are open and airy. Lofty trees without lower branches reach 30 m (150 feet) into the air and the tops of these trees form the canopy of the forest. This canopy of branches grow to form a relatively solid roof, that breaks up the force of heavy rain for the plants below, yet plenty of light reaches the lower level of the forest.

Because of the lack of lower branches, it is relatively easy to see long distances through the rainforest. The ground is completely covered with all kinds of plant live: mosses, lichens, you name it. Walking through it is as difficult as a normal walk through the woods. Between the ground scrubs and the canopy, there is open space, wish occasinal vines and a few trees with low branches.