Map of Rainforests – Tropical Forests, Locations & Ecosystems
Map of Rainforests - Tropical and Temperate Rainforest Regions
Where are the world's rainforests? This rainforest map guide explains the main tropical and temperate rainforest regions, their climate, wildlife, forest layers and environmental importance. Explore rainforest geography directly on this page, then use an interactive forest map if you want to examine a particular area in more detail.
Quick answer: Where are the major rainforests?
The largest tropical rainforest region is the Amazon Basin in South America. Other extensive tropical rainforest areas include the Congo Basin in Central Africa and forests across Southeast Asia and New Guinea. Smaller tropical rainforests occur in Central America and northern Australia. Temperate rainforests are also found in cooler, wet regions, including parts of the Pacific Northwest, southern Chile and Tasmania.
Explore a World Rainforest and Forest Cover Map
Global Forest Watch provides an interactive map for exploring forest cover, changes in tree cover and protected areas around the world. It is useful for examining places such as the Amazon, Congo Basin and Borneo.
Global Forest Watch - Interactive forest map
Explore forest cover and selected environmental data layers by region.
Explore the forest mapImportant: This is a global forest monitoring map, not a single definitive map of rainforest boundaries. Some layers include plantations or other tree-covered areas.
How to Read a Rainforest Map
- Choose a rainforest region: Start with the Amazon, Congo Basin, Borneo, Sumatra, New Guinea or northeast Queensland.
- Check the map layer: Forest cover, tree-cover loss, protected areas and other datasets measure different things.
- Inspect the date: Satellite-derived data may refer to particular years rather than current conditions.
- Do not confuse tree cover with rainforest: Some mapped tree cover represents plantations, dry forest or other vegetation.
- Interpret changes carefully: Tree-cover loss can arise from logging, fire, storms or other disturbances; not every loss event is permanent deforestation.
Major Rainforest Regions of the World
| Rainforest region | Location | What makes it notable? |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Rainforest | South America, especially Brazil and neighbouring countries | Largest tropical rainforest region, vast river system and exceptional biodiversity |
| Congo Basin | Central Africa | One of the largest tropical forest regions, with extensive river and wetland habitats |
| Borneo and Sumatra | Southeast Asia | Rainforests with distinctive wildlife, including orangutans in parts of the region |
| New Guinea | Papua New Guinea and Indonesian New Guinea | Extensive tropical forests ranging from lowlands to mountain environments |
| Central American rainforests | Southern Mexico through Central America | Wildlife-rich tropical forests and important habitat corridors |
| Wet Tropics of Queensland | Northeast Australia | Tropical rainforests including the Daintree area |
| Pacific Northwest | Western North America | Temperate rainforests with large conifers in cool, wet coastal environments |
| Southern Chile and Tasmania | Southern South America and Australia | Temperate rainforest landscapes with cool conditions and moisture-loving vegetation |
Rainforest boundaries are not always sharp. Forest types can gradually change with rainfall, altitude, soil, seasonality and land use.
Tropical vs Temperate Rainforests
Rainforests are not limited to hot equatorial climates. Both tropical and temperate rainforests receive abundant moisture, but their temperatures, plant communities and seasonal patterns differ.
| Feature | Tropical rainforest | Temperate rainforest |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Mainly lower latitudes | Cooler coastal and mountain regions |
| Temperature | Generally warm through the year | Generally cooler, often with stronger seasonal variation |
| Vegetation | Broadleaf trees, palms, vines and epiphytes | Often tall trees, ferns, mosses and other moisture-loving plants |
| Example | Amazon or Congo Basin | Tasmania or Pacific Northwest |
What Are the Layers of a Rainforest?
A typical educational model divides many tropical rainforests into four layers, although real forest structure varies greatly.
- Emergent layer: The tallest trees extend above much of the main canopy and experience more sun and wind.
- Canopy: Interlocking treetops form a major habitat for birds, insects, mammals and other wildlife.
- Understory: Smaller trees, young plants and shrubs grow with less direct sunlight.
- Forest floor: Fallen leaves and other organic matter break down, recycling nutrients through the ecosystem.
Why Are Rainforests Important?
- Biodiversity: They provide habitat for an immense variety of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms.
- Carbon storage: Trees, vegetation and forest soils hold carbon and interact with the global carbon cycle.
- Water cycle: Vegetation returns moisture to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration and can influence regional rainfall.
- Soils and waterways: Forest vegetation helps regulate runoff and protect parts of the landscape from erosion.
- People and livelihoods: Rainforest regions support communities, cultural connections and diverse economic activities.
Rainforest Animals and Plants by Region
Rainforests support different species in different parts of the world. They are not home to one universal set of animals.
- Amazon Basin: Jaguars, toucans, monkeys and many amphibians occur in parts of the region.
- Congo Basin: Forest elephants, gorillas and other forest-dependent species inhabit suitable areas.
- Southeast Asia: Orangutans occur on Borneo and Sumatra; hornbills and many other species inhabit regional forests.
- New Guinea: Birds-of-paradise and many locally distinctive plant and animal species are found here.
- Australian Wet Tropics: Cassowaries, tree kangaroos in some areas and a wide variety of endemic plants and animals.
Australian Rainforests - Where Are They?
Australia has tropical and temperate rainforests. The Wet Tropics of Queensland, including the Daintree area, are especially well known for tropical rainforest. Other rainforest environments occur in southeast Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, with vegetation differing by climate and elevation.
Tasmania includes cool temperate rainforests, while the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area contains important subtropical and temperate rainforest ecosystems in Queensland and New South Wales.
What Threatens Rainforests?
Threats vary by region and may include clearing for agriculture, infrastructure development, logging, fires, habitat fragmentation, invasive species and climate-related changes. Some pressures lead to permanent forest conversion; others can produce temporary damage followed by regrowth.
Forest loss and deforestation are not interchangeable terms. Satellite-based tree-cover-loss datasets record canopy removal or mortality, which may result from several causes. Deforestation more specifically involves conversion of forest to another land use. Always check the definitions and dates of a dataset before interpreting a map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the largest tropical rainforest?
The Amazon Rainforest in South America is the world's largest tropical rainforest region.
Are all rainforests near the equator?
No. Tropical rainforests are concentrated in warm, wet regions near the equator, but temperate rainforests also occur in cooler, high-rainfall regions.
Which continents have rainforests?
Rainforests occur in North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia, as well as on many islands. Europe also has small areas described as temperate rainforest.
Does Australia have tropical rainforests?
Yes. Tropical rainforests are found in northeastern Queensland, including the Wet Tropics and Daintree area.
What are the four rainforest layers?
The commonly taught layers are the emergent layer, canopy, understory and forest floor. Actual structures vary by forest.
Why do rainforests receive so much rain?
Rainfall results from regional atmospheric circulation, moisture supply, rising air and local geography. Rainforest vegetation also contributes moisture through evapotranspiration.
Can a forest cover map show exact rainforest boundaries?
Not always. General tree-cover datasets may include plantations and other forests, while rainforest classifications use additional ecological and climate information.
Is tree-cover loss always deforestation?
No. Tree cover can be lost through harvesting, wildfire, storm damage or other disturbances. Deforestation refers more specifically to forest conversion to another land use.
Rainforest Map and Education Resources
- Global Forest Watch - Forest cover and change map
- NASA - Rainforest biome overview
- WWF - Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests
Related Fosmore Maps and Guides
Disclaimer
This guide is for general educational and reference purposes. Rainforest extents, land-cover classifications and forest-change data depend on each source's definitions, methods, resolution and observation dates. Linked map layers may not show current conditions or identify rainforest ecosystems precisely. Check original datasets and official local resources before relying on information for land management, conservation, research or other important decisions. Fosmore is not affiliated with or endorsed by the third-party organisations listed.