It's A Jungle Out There!

Jungle, the leafy home of Tarzan and so many others, is the densest part of a rainforest, the part that contains the most life. Its name comes from jangala, a Sanskrit word meaning “uncultivated land”.

It is an immensely important part of our planet. While only 6% of the Earth is jungle, more than half of all species live there, with 90% of those living in the tree canopy itself. Serious study of the tree canopy ecosystem only began in the 1980’s, so we still have a LOT to learn about its inhabitants.

Asian elephant.

Javan tree frog.

Tiger.

Despite the lush appearance of the jungle growth, jungle soil is actually poor in nutrients. Firstly, because so many of the plant species are evergreen, so there’ s not much in the way of leaf fall to replenish the soil, and secondly, because the forest floor is full of insects who rapidly dispose of anything that falls or dies. The ants alone weigh four times more than all the jungle mammals put together. There are an average of 80 ants to every square foot of jungle floor.

Life seems happy in the slow lane! Sloths take a more relaxed, energy-saving view of life.

Scarlet macaws.

Keel-billed toucan.

Some parts of the jungle canopy are so dense that it can take 10 minutes for the rainwater to reach the ground. Much of the water is trapped in the canopy by epiphytic plants, which are plants that grow on top of other plants, usually trees.
Taking nutrients from the air and dust around them, these plants provide a valuable water source for the other canopy inhabitants, meaning most never have to leave the canopy to drink.

Chimpanzee.

Orangutan.

Western lowland gorilla.

The jungles of this world are home to many primates, many of whom are endangered due to humankind’s destruction of their habitat.

Howler monkey.

Spider monkey.

Lemur.

We all have our favourite Kings of the Jungle, so please share anything you want to about the jungle and its inhabitants: gifs, memes, pictures, videos, music . . . all contributions are valued!!

All are welcome. And please feel free to recommend and share all discussions you enjoy.

There is no obligation to follow any of our informal themes. They are simply for fun. This is an open topic chat thread, so please just post or talk about anything you like!