Cloud forests, also known as "Fog Forests" are tropical or subtropical moist forests that are recognizable by their persistent low level cloud cover. These extremely moist forested areas are sometimes called mossy forests as they have an abundance of mosses and ground vegetation. Only 1% of the worlds' woodlands are cloud forests (hence the reason these lizards are in danger). Other than Central and South America these forests can be found in the Philipines, East Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Caribbean. Their altitude can vary from 500 to 4,000 meters above sea level with a rainfall varying from 500 to 10,000mm per year. The presence of the "clouds" diminishes the amount of direct sunlight and increases the amount of rainfall. Average Temperatures of around 18 degrees Celsius. Despite
covering such a small amount of the Earth's surface, cloud forests are one if the largest drivers of biodiversity. They are home to countless endemic species found no where else in the world. Not only are they home to our favorite lizards but they are they greatest generators of epiphytes due to the high moisture levels. Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants such as ferns and mosses. It is said that 80% of their biodiversity has yet to be cataloged. Sadly these amazing forests have been steadily decreasing for quite some time now. The figure above just shows Central American statistics alone. The trend is similar all over the world.


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