Rainforests are found all over the world with some located in Central and South America, central Africa, parts of asia, and even Australia. There are 2 types of rainforests Tropical and temperate. Tropical rainforests are located closer to the equator and are generally warmer with an average temperature range of 70-90 °F. Temperate rainforests are found farther North or South of the equator and are cooler than tropical rainforests with an average temperature range of 39-54 °F. Rainforests receive the more rain than all of the other biomes per year. On average rainforests get 79 to 394 inches of rain per year. There are many exotic animals that inhabit rainforests lets learn about a few of them.
Amazon River Dolphin
The Amazon river dolphin also know as the pink river dolphin lives exclusively in South America. The average lifespan is 30 years old with a gestation period of 9 -12 months. They can grow up to 9 feet or 2.7 meters long and weigh as much as 400 lbs or 181 kilograms. Pink River Dolphins are carnivores and their diet consists of Turtles, crabs and amazon fishes which includes piranhas. Fun fact the pink river dolphins aren't actually born pink they are born gray and slowly turn pink as they grow up. Their pink skin is not only a result from aging but also scarred tissue. Another fun fact is when they get excited they flush a brighter pink similar to how humans get red when embarrassed.
Black Caiman
The Black Caiman is a crocodilian reptile native to South America. Although somewhat undetermined their lifespan can reach 40 years at the low end and the high end is up to 90 years old. Black Caimans can grow up to a length of 5 meters or about 17 feet long and weight 1000 lbs. It is the largest living species of the family alligatoriae and the third largest overall. They can do short sprints reaching speeds of up to 22 miles per hour and can swim with speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Black caiman are one of the apex predators and will eat any other animals smaller than them however their favorite food is fish and some large mammals. A medium sized black caiman was measured to have a bite force of 970 lbs which can crush bones with ease.
Orangutan
Orangutans are great apes that inhabit the rain forests of Southeast Asia. They have a life span of 35 - 45 years and a gestation period of about 8 months. Orangutans can grow up to 6 feet tall and weight up to 220 lbs. Orangutans are omnivores and their diet consists of fruits, parts of plants, honey, lizards, insects, birds, and eggs. Orangutans are endangered do to illegal logging with only around 60,000 still left in the wild. It is expected that they will go extinct in less than 50 years. Orangutans are humans 4th closest living relative and they share 97% of our DNA. The only animals that are more closely related to humans are Gorillas who are ranked 3rd and share 98% of our DNA and Chimpanzees and bonobos who are tied for 1st with 99% of our shared DNA.
Tiger
Tigers inhabit rainforests in Southeast Asia and Eastern Russia. Tigers can live up to 15 years in the wild and have a gestation period of about 100 days. Tigers are the largest living cat species and can grow up to 13 feet in length and weigh as much as 680 lbs. They are the apex predator of their habitats and they eat elk, deer, wild boar, lynx, and small bears. Tigers are considered an endangered species due to poaching and habitat loss with only about 4,000 still left in the wild. Tigers sleep for around 18 hours every day.
Toucan
Toucans live in rainforests in Central and South America. There are over 40 different species of Toucan which range from 12 inches in length to 24 inches in length and can weigh as much as 2 lbs. Toucans are know for their large and colorful bills which can measure up to 5.9 inches. Toucans live for around 20 years and the femails lay 2 to 4 eggs which take up to 18 days to hatch. Toucans are omnivores and eat mostly fruits but will also consume insects, rodents, and invertebrates. In order to protect themselves toucans will make loud noises to scare away predators.