Tropical moist forests (rain forests) cover more than 11.5 million square kilometers (6 percent of the earth's surface) and are themselves highly various in types (e.g. cloud forests, varzea, etc.) and species. Global terrestrial biodiversity of species is concentrated in these forests. They have tall stature, many vines, epiphytes, and, in the neotropics, many palms. They have few restrictions on seasonal growth, though climate change and droughts may become important. Severe logging of tropical hardwoods, clearing for pasture and crops, as well as natural catastrophes (hurricanes) threaten some moist forests and highly charismatic species like the bonobo, Sumatran rhino, the indri and the recently rediscovered Edward's pheasant. These forests are key to regulating global climate and part of the carbon cycle. They provide rubber, Brazil nuts, rattan, watershed protection, and other services and products.
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