Rain Forests are an important part of the Earth. They are home to numerous plants and wildlife. Although not everyone lives near a rain forest, the actions of all are affecting these fragile ecosystems. What exactly is a rain forest? What are humans doing to harm them? What can readers to help protect them? Endangered Rain Forests answers these questions by engaging readers with lively text, graphic features, and stunning photography. Readers will find out why protecting rain forests matters to them and the part they can play in protecting them

Rain forests cover approximately only 6 percent of the Earth’s surface, but they are home to millions of plant and animal species. This lively biodiversity is in danger due to deforestation. Many rain forest animals are threatened as a result of this habitat loss. Readers are introduced to animals such as spider monkeys—several species of which are endangered. Chapters will explain what is being done to preserve the world’s rain forests and what still needs to be done to protect its biodiversity.

"This book offers a timely, clear-headed, and uniquely important contribution to conservation, one that should be read by all bureaucrats, scientists, and others involved with development projects that supposedly benefit wildlife and wilderness."--George B. Schaller, author of Wildlife of the Tibetan Steppe

Earth’s rain forests are in danger! These lush areas are filled with dynamic life forms that form intricate connections. However, global warming and deforestation are taking a heavy toll on the rain forests and the animals that call them home. The vibrant photographs of rain forest animals and locations are sure to pique the interest of young readers. Sidebars, maps, and charts supplement the text to give readers a comprehensive look into the issues facing rain forest animals. This important title includes the range of threatened species and the terms vital in discussing endangered animals.

Temperate rainforests are biogeographically unique. Compared to their tropical counterparts, temperate rainforests are rarer and are found disproportionately along coastlines. Because most temperate rainforests are marked by the intersection of marine, terrestrial, and freshwater systems, these rich ecotones are among the most productive regions on Earth. Globally, temperate rainforests store vast amounts of carbon, provide habitat for scores of rare and endemic species with ancient affinities, and sustain complex food-web dynamics. In spite of their global significance, however, protection levels for these ecosystems are far too low to sustain temperate rainforests under a rapidly changing global climate and ever expanding human footprint. Therefore, a global synthesis is needed to provide the latest ecological science and call attention to the conservation needs of temperate and boreal rainforests. A concerted effort to internationalize the plight of the world’s temperate and boreal rainforests is underway around the globe; this book offers an essential (and heretofore missing) tool for that effort. DellaSala and his contributors tell a compelling story of the importance of temperate and boreal rainforests that includes some surprises (e.g., South Africa, Iran, Turkey, Japan, Russia). This volume provides a comprehensive reference from which to build a collective vision of their future.

Publisher Description

With the aid of 40 maps based on new research and stunning color photographs, a noted conservation advocate describes the small fraction of wild forests that remain intact.