2. Fauna composition

of flora species. The vegetation species composition of rainforests encompasses of four distinct

Emergent or sunlit layer is dominated by broad-leaved, hardwood and evergreen. The trees may attain the height from 30.48 to 76.2 m and a trunk size up to 4.48 m around. The winds and sunlight are major environmental factors, which play a significant role (such as pollination and seed dispersal) in the tropical rainforest management ecosystem. The emergent layer is rich in the fauna species, such as birds (hummingbirds, macaw, harpy eagle, etc.), mammals (i.e., monkeys, bats, etc.), snakes, and insects such as butterflies, moths, etc. The birds and insects play a crucial role in the pollination of tropical rainforest plant species. The microclimate of this

The canopy is the main layer of tropical rainforest ecosystems, which is thick and dense like an umbrella. This layer is composed of a variety of vegetation structures and tree species composition such as philodendron, strychnos toxifera, rattan palms, etc. The trees may grow up to 18.29—27.42 m above the forest floor. Epiphytes such as orchids, mosses, ferns, and lichens are a common feature of this layer, which grow on tree trunks and branches. The canopy layer is rich in food diversity and an ideal habitat for a wide range of fauna species such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and diversity of insect species. The members of fauna species

The understory layer encompasses usually small trees, shrubs, ferns, and native bananas, which may attain 3.66 m height. Mosses, fungi, and algae often grow on the trees. This layer is rich in insects, such as bees, stick insects, ants, beetles, and butterflies, which serve as sources of food for a wide array of birds and reptiles. The fauna species encompass bats, monkeys,

This is the bottom layer of tropical rainforest. This layer is dark due to dense ground vegetation and only 2% of sunlight reaches the floor. Due to less availability of sunlight, only few plant species can grow. This layer is rich in organic matter such as fallen leaves, seeds, fruits, and branches. Furthermore, this layer is rich in fungi and mosses. The fauna species of the forest floor include elephants, tigers, pumas, leopards, jaguars, ocelots, mongoose, tapirs,

Faunas are the important component of the tropical rainforest ecosystem and provide a wide array of environmental services such as; they keep tropical rainforest systems in balance

layer often fluctuates from time to time depending upon temperature and wind speed.

are often observed flying, jumping, gliding, and hoping for canopy gaps.

snakes, lizards, jaguars, frogs, and invertebrates.

cassowaries, okapis, armadillos, pigs, and gorillas.

1.4. Environmental services provided by fauna in tropical rainforest

layers of trees, namely; emergent, upper canopy, understory, and forest floor.

14 Tropical Forests - The Challenges of Maintaining Ecosystem Services while Managing the Landscape

1.3.1. Emergent vegetation layer

1.3.2. Canopy layer

1.3.3. Understory layer

1.3.4. Forest floor

Fauna species are not only confined to specific habitats but also utilize various habitats in search of food, shelter, and reproduction. Tropical rainforest is rich in fauna species such as birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates.
