With an increasingly developed world, primeval forests are becoming a thing of the past. These centuries-old woodlands grew untouched without any significant disturbances, resulting in an ecosystem marked by a high level of bio-diversity and rare species. Many are in danger of being logged out of existence, so be sure to visit these beautiful landscapes before they disappear forever.
Waipoua Forest, New Zealand
The Kauri trees grew undisturbed on New Zealand’s North Island until the arrival of Maori in the 12th century.
Tongass National Forest, Alaska
President Theodore Roosevelt established Alaska’s Tongass in 1907, later combining with Alexander Archipelago Forest to become the largest national forest in the United States with 17 million acres of wilderness.
Yakushima Forest, Japan
Japanese Cedar have grown their wide trunks for 7,000 years on one of the Ōsumi Islands in the South China Sea. This beautiful primeval forest served as the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s film Princess Mononoke.
Daintree Rainforest, Australia
Daintree is one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet. Though it takes just 0.1 percent of Australia’s landmass, it contains 3 percent of all the frog, reptile and marsupial species on the continent, 7 percent of the bird species and 90 percent of the bat and butterfly species.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kenya
Bwindi means “impenetrable” in Runyakitara thanks to the presence of bamboo, ferns and vines that make land crossings difficult. Along with incredible diversity, it is home to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas.
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon makes up more than half the planet’s remaining rainforests with 290 billion trees covering four countries, 60 percent of which is in Brazil. In addition to rare animal species, many uncontacted tribes live in the Peruvian and western Brazilian jungles, living as they did for thousands of years.
Białowieża Forest
Located on the border between Poland and Belerus, Białowieża is more than 7,000 years old and contains many ancient pedunculate oak trees, the most famous of which was the Jagiełło Oak unfortunately blown down in 1974. The tree reached a height of 128 feet at 450 years old.
Read This Next
Animals You Shouldn’t Try to Pet in Australia
Destination
Aug 11, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedRestaurant
May 2, 2024A New Rooftop Bar and Venue Comes to South London
Opening May 4, Pergola Brixton marks South London’s latest rooftop opening for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. Surrounded by tropical greenery and bright, colorful murals, Pergola Brixton transports guests to an island paradise, complete with a retractable roof terrace.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Hotel
May 2, 2024Hotel Indigo Williamsburg Partners with Immersive Tour Company
Hotel Indigo Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, recently debuted its new partnership with Brooklyn-based tour company Like A Local Tours. Through the partnership, the hotel offers guests immersive experiences that support the local community.
Destinations / North America
May 1, 2024What to Expect at This Year’s Catskill Cuisine Fest
The second annual Catskill Cuisine festival is set to kick off soon, May 10–12. After the inaugural event’s success, this year’s festival is bigger than ever, with the one-day main event once again held at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival). Events, including a charity golf tournament and Mother’s Day brunch, will also occur throughout the weekend.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips.
Hotel
May 1, 2024Enjoy an Authentic Mexican Experience at Viceroy Riviera Maya
While Cinco de Mayo has become a heavily commercialized holiday in the United States, most Americans don’t understand the true origins and the story of the Battle of Puebla. This year, seek out an authentic immersion in Mexican culture at Viceroy Riviera Maya.
ShareThis