Types of Rain Forests More than 40 different kinds of rainforest have been categorized by experts. Most agree we can think of 4 main types of forest Lowland, Flooded, Montane, and Mangrove.

Lowland Rain Forests Here rainfall and humidity are relatively constant throughout the year, though dry and wet seasons do occur. The “terra firme” (dry land) rainforest seen around Manaus and featured in LFRF is typical of such forest.

Flooded Rain Forests Flooded forests are of two kinds, in Portuguese “varzea” and “igapo.” Trees take on strange shapes and strategies to survive in conditions that would kill most temperate species. Fish swim between submerged branches and live on fruit and seeds.

Montane Rain Forests Montane (or “high land”) rainforest includes the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, where plants drink moisture from the misty air as much as from rain and roots.

Mangrove Rain Forests Mangroves are found on coasts and river banks around the world. Like wetlands, they serve as filters for the waters that flow through them, and like wetlands everywhere, are subject to pressures from population, agriculture and industry.