Jungles – The unread library
Jungles cover just six percent of the Earth’s surface, but are home to half the plants and animals that live on land. That’s probably upwards of 3,000,000 species, many of which we know nothing about.
Malaria treatments, anticancer drugs and heart disease treatments have all originated from plants and animals discovered in rainforests.
Scientists working in the forest discover thousands of new species of plants and animals each year. Each discovery is important.
These new species may help us understand the jungle and how it works which is essential to the health of the planet. Sometimes these discoveries lead to medicines and food that can improve the lives of people around the world. Malaria treatments, anticancer drugs and heart disease treatments have all originated from plants and animals discovered in rainforests – and so has chocolate!
Carlos de la Rosa is a scientist at The Organisation of Tropical Studies at La Selva in Costa Rica. He has discovered new species and tells us why rainforests are important to him.
Web exclusive: Carlos de la Rosa
Carlos explains why the rainforest is so important to him.
Some very ordinary looking things can turn out to be extraordinary. Carolina Lizana from Tirimbina Reserve in Costa Rica explains why.
Web exclusive: Carolina Lizana
Carolina explains how ordinary looking species can turn out to be extraordinary!
The value of medicines is obvious to all of us, but some things the forest gives us are harder to measure yet just as vital. Here is research scientist Melissa Muñoz Lopez to explain more.
Web exclusive: Melissa Muñoz Lopez
Melissa gives us an insight into how rainforests are important in other ways.
