When we think of rainforests under threat, South America's Amazon or the jungles of the Republic of Congo come to mind. But these habitats rich in wildlife exist all over the world. They can even be found in the colder climates of the UK. The Celtic rainforest is named for the Celtic tribes that once lived in the region. It can be found in scattered pockets along the rainswept coasts of Wales and Ireland. They are small but vibrant with foliage. Thousands of species dwell in them. Some of those species are among the rarest and most endangered in the world. But the Celtic rainforest is shrinking. The main causes for the loss are climate change, invasive species, and human building. Experts warn that the tiny regions are facing an “extinction crisis.” "We've got a really unique situation here in Wales," Adam Thorogood told the BBC. He is the head of PlantLife, a Celtic rainforest preservation group. "We've got some vital areas of habitat." Thorogood has called for stricter protections for the 128 square miles of Celtic rainforest that is left. The loss of even a single tree can spell doom for some living things. “When this tree came down, in a flash we lost a species," ecologist Sabine Nouvet said of a 500-year-old oak that was toppled in a storm. The oak was home to a tiny lichen that lives only in the bark of ancient, 300+ year-old trees in the Celtic rainforest. Nouvet’s team moved samples of the lichen to other trees. But it is not clear whether it will survive. Reflect: What is something in nature that you think deserves more attention or care, and why? Photo of Celtic rainforest from Wikimedia Commons.
