Primary forest, sometimes also referred to as ‘intact forest’, can be defined as a forest of native species where the ecological processes have not been significantly disturbed. Primary tropical moist forests, or rainforests, are the terrestrial systems with the highest diversity of species. According to FAO,4 some 36% of the world’s total forest area is primary forest (13–14 mill km2); 57% is naturally regenerated forest and 7% is plantations. There is substantial uncertainty with regard to the accuracy of figures on primary forest, as the forest monitoring and reporting in many countries is poor.

Year: 2015

From collection: State of the Rainforest

Cartographer: GRID-Arendal