Temperate rainforests are a unique biome that occur in moderate climates around the world. They are very different from the hot, humid tropical rainforests near the equator Temperate rainforests have cooler temperatures and less annual rainfall. However, they still contain very high levels of biodiversity. Many fascinating animals call these forests home Keep reading to learn more about the wildlife that inhabits temperate rainforests globally.
Where Are Temperate Rainforests Located?
Temperate rainforests are found along the Pacific coast of North America from Alaska to northern California They also occur in isolated patches along the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. In South America, temperate rainforests extend along the Andes Mountains in Chile and Argentina. Additional temperate rainforests exist in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and scattered locations in Europe and Asia
Temperate rainforests occur in regions where warm ocean currents produce moist air that brings abundant precipitation onshore The moderating effects of the oceans give these areas warmer winters and cooler summers compared to other places at similar latitudes farther inland,
Climate Conditions
Temperate rainforests experience mild temperatures year-round. Summers average around 50-60°F (10-15°C) while winters average around 35-45°F (2-7°C). These forests see high rainfall exceeding 80 inches (2,000 mm) annually. However, they have a distinct dry season in the summer unlike tropical rainforests. Fog is very common in temperate rainforests.
Unique Vegetation
The vegetation in temperate rainforests differs from tropical rainforests. Coniferous evergreen trees like spruce, fir, hemlock, redwood, and cedar dominate temperate rainforests instead of broadleaf trees. Mosses, lichens, and ferns thoroughly cover the forest floor and tree trunks. Temperate rainforests contain the greatest biomass of any terrestrial ecosystem on Earth.
Diverse Wildlife
Hundreds of animal species inhabit temperate rainforests around the globe. Here are some of the most iconic temperate rainforest animals:
Mammals
- Black bear, grizzly bear, raccoon, red fox, otter, elk, deer
- Bobcat, coyote, grey wolf, cougar, lynx
- Koala, wombat, wallaby, possum
Birds
- Eagles, hawks, owls
- Woodpeckers, parrots, toucans
- Herons, cranes
Reptiles
- Snakes, lizards, alligators
- Turtles, tortoises
- Salamanders
Amphibians
- Frogs, toads
- Newts, axolotls
Invertebrates
- Slugs, snails, worms
- Beetles, butterflies, moths
- Spiders, scorpions
This list just scratches the surface of the animal diversity found in temperate rainforests. Many species exist nowhere else on Earth. Sadly, extensive logging and development has damaged these rare and precious ecosystems. Protecting remaining temperate rainforests is crucial to conserve the fascinating wildlife that calls them home.
Animals Found in This Habitat
Unlike tropical rainforests where much of the animal life lives up in the trees, (some never coming to the forest floor at all), in the temperate rainforest, most animals live on or near the ground.
Temperate Forest Animals
FAQ
What animals are in the temperate rainforest?
Temperate Rainforest Wildlife
Five species of salmon, brown and black bears, bald eagles, wolves, mountain goats and Sitka black-tailed deer all call this national forest home.
What are 5 types of animals that live in the temperate forest?
Insects, spiders, slugs, frogs, turtles and salamanders are common. In North America, birds like broad-winged hawks, cardinals, snowy owls, and pileated woodpeckers are found in this biome. Mammals in North American temperate deciduous forests include white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, porcupines and red foxes.
What are 5 interesting facts about the temperate rainforest?
- An annual rainfall of over 140 cm, less than that of tropical rainforests, spread out all through the year;
- Average temperatures that do not have extremes of cold and heat;
- Fogs and mists are common;
- Only about 30% of the sky can be seen, the rest is covered by the canopy.
What are 3 plants in the temperate rainforest?
Mosses, spike mosses, ferns and lichens festoon tree trunks and branches, giving the forest a “jungle-like” feel. Large, old trees. The dominant species are Sitka spruce and western hemlock, but other conifers and several deciduous species grow as well.