Rain forests occur throughout the world where both heavy rains occur and where forests grow. By definition, a rain forest needs to receive more than 2500 mm (8 feet) of rain annually. The Rain Forest Report Card is focused on tropical rain forests--rain forests occurring between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, 23.5 degrees north and 23.5 degrees south respectively.

Rain forests cover 7% of the Earth's land surface, and 2% of its total surface. Although they cover only a small portion of the Earth, tropical rain forests are home to over 50% of the world's plants and animals. Our VirtualRainForest can introduce you to some of the rain forest's exciting creatures.