Temperate rainforests
are not as hot as rainforests found near the equator.
There are two types of rainforests on earth: the tropical rainforest, and the temperate rainforest. Most people think of the tropical type at the mention of rainforests. Temperate rainforests are much different from the tropical kind found around the equator. They offer a broad biodiversity for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Climate
One of the main indicators of a temperate rainforest is the climate, with precipitation levels reaching 80 to 140 inches each year in temperate regions. Some regions can get almost 200 inches. The annual average temperature for a temperate rainforest is between 32 degrees and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with some areas reaching 80 degrees during the summer. The cool nature of temperate forests is the result of neighboring oceans holding down the temperature and increasing the amount of precipitation. The precipitation comes as both snow and rain, with snow being most likely at higher elevations.
Areas of Growth
Temperate rainforests are not widely distributed around the world. This type of forest grows mainly from northern California to southern Alaska. There are also a few, small temperate rainforests in southern Chile, New Zealand and Australia. This type of forest typically grows only in areas where warm, oceanic water has the ability to control climates inland.
Plants
Some of the most common plant forms found in a temperate rainforest are large, coniferous trees. Some examples of coniferous trees include Douglas firs, western red cedars, mountain hemlocks and lodgepole pines. Deciduous trees, such as maple trees, are seen in the warmer areas of these forests. A temperate rainforest is also heavily populated with moss and lichens, which are able to survive because the moist climate allows plants without roots to grow easily. Temperate rainforests are also filled with shrubbery. When walking through the forest, you can find blackberries, salmonberries, mushrooms and redwood sorrel.
Animals
Common forest animals such as deer, bears and coyotes are found in temperate rainforests. However, this type of rainforest is also heavily populated with slugs and unique birds such as the blue grouse and Clark's nutcracker. Other animals that can be found are red tree vole, porcupines, rabbits, mice, mountain lions and great horned owls. Most animals that live in the temperate regions have adapted to winter by going into hibernation during the coldest months of the year.
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