Best Forest

The fiery topaz is a hummingbird species native to the Amazon rainforests of South America. It’s distinguished by its exceptionally vibrant orange-red coloration in males, a result of unique pigments within its feathers. This small bird is primarily found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venez...

The Forest Giant is a Neotropical damselfly species holding the distinction of having the largest wingspan of any living dragonfly or damselfly in the world.

The crested grasshopper (Tropidacris cristata) is a large insect belonging to the family Romaleidae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Recognized as one of the largest grasshopper species in the world, it possesses a robust body and wingspan that can reach impressive length...

Tropidacris dux, commonly known as the Mayan Giant Grasshopper, is among the largest grasshopper species in the world, with females reaching up to 10 centimeters in length. It is native to Neotropical regions, with a range extending from Mexico through Central America to parts of South America. The...

Uropetala carovei, commonly known as the New Zealand bush giant dragonfly, is a large dragonfly native only to New Zealand’s forests. This species stands out due to its impressive size and the predatory behavior of its larval stage, which targets land snails. It is primarily observed in forested are...

Redwood National and State Parks encompass nearly 135,000 acres along California’s northern coast. These parks safeguard an exceptional concentration of coast redwoods, some exceeding 350 feet in height. The area represents the largest remaining intact redwood forest ecosystem globally. It is signif...

Termas Geométricas is a Chilean thermal spa located near Pucon, renowned for its innovative geometric design. Completed in 2004 by German del Sol, the complex features red wooden walkways integrated into a forested landscape. It provides a natural hot spring experience appealing to visitors seeking...

Sequoia National Park protects ancient giant sequoia trees, some of the planet’s largest living organisms. The park features towering forests and granite mountains within the Sierra Nevada range of California. It is a destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in experiencing r...

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is a large owl species found throughout Europe and Asia. It’s recognized by its substantial size, impressive wingspan, and striking orange facial disc. Primarily nocturnal, this strigid predator hunts rodents and small mammals. The species is most frequently observed in forest...

Ashdown Forest encompasses a significant expanse of historic heathland in East Sussex, England. This area gained international recognition as the backdrop for A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh books. The unique landscape, shaped by centuries of grazing and fire, provides habitat for diverse plant and ani...

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small, nocturnal owl belonging to the Strigidae family. It’s notable for being one of North America's smallest owls and for its widespread distribution across forested regions. Primarily found in Canada and the northern United States, it frequently utilizes cavities cr...

The wood duck is a waterfowl species native to North America. It’s recognized by the striking coloration of males, which evolved as a key factor in attracting mates. Historically threatened, conservation efforts have led to population recovery. Wood ducks inhabit forested wetlands and are commonly f...

The Fulvous Forest Skimmer (Neurothemis fulvia) is a dragonfly species found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, China, and Indonesia. The adult male is distinguished by deep orange-brown coloration covering much of its wings, while females are paler and more translucent. The...

The Pileated Woodpecker is a large North American woodpecker distinguished by its striking red crest and black-and-white plumage. It excavates substantial rectangular cavities in dead trees, vital nesting locations for numerous forest birds and mammals. Primarily found in mature forests across Canad...

Gilbert’s potoroo is a small marsupial native to southwestern Australia specifically the forests of Western Australia. It's notable as one of the most critically endangered macropods in Australia and was rediscovered after being thought extinct for over fifty years. The species is primarily found wi...

The white-necked jacobin is a small hummingbird species found throughout tropical Central and South America. It’s distinguished by the prominent white feathers on its throat and nape, a characteristic unique among hummingbirds. Primarily observed in forest habitats, it plays a role in pollinating na...

Titanacris albipes is a large grasshopper in the family Romaleidae native to the Neotropical region, where it inhabits tropical rainforest canopies of the Amazon basin. The species is noted for its vividly colored hind wings, which are typically purple or violet and are exposed in flight. Its range...

The gaudy grasshopper (Aularches punctatus) is a historical name for Aularches miliaris, a brightly colored Asian species described by Drury in 1773.

Trichonephila maculata, commonly known as the giant wood spider, is a large species of golden silk orb-weaver prevalent in tropical regions of Asia. Females exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, possessing massive bodies with vibrant yellow and black markings, while males are significantly smaller and...

The Oriental Bay Owl is a small owl belonging to the genus *Tyto* found in Southeast Asian rainforests. Its distinctive appearance includes a broad facial disc and noticeable ear tufts, adaptations for acute hearing crucial for nocturnal hunting. Primarily targeting rodents and insects, it plays a r...

Kings Canyon National Park protects a significant portion of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. It features the dramatic Kings Canyon carved by the Kings River alongside the remarkable Grant Grove containing some of the world’s largest sequoia trees. The park is accessible to hikers, campers...

Meiji Jingu is a serene Shinto shrine located in Harajuku, Tokyo. It honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken with its expansive forest setting reflecting the imperial estate where it was established. The shrine provides a tranquil space for reflection and offers insight into Japan’s late 19th-centur...

The Crested Owl, *Lophostrix cristata*, is a nocturnal bird of prey found in Central American forests. It’s notable for its prominent tufted feathers above the eyes, a characteristic that aids in species recognition. Primarily inhabiting wooded areas, it's studied by ornithologists and wildlife rese...

The Violet-crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica) is a medium-sized hummingbird species inhabiting humid forests and woodland edges from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: male...

The Great Slaty Woodpecker is a large woodpecker native to forests of Southeast Asia. It’s notable as the world's largest woodpecker species, measuring up to 50 centimeters in length and weighing approximately 600 grams. Researchers and ornithologists studying avian populations within this region fi...

Muir Woods National Monument preserves a significant stand of coastal redwood trees within Marin County, California. Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it protects some of the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth. The monument’s dense forest offers a unique opportunity for...

Volcanoes National Park protects a portion of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains. It's renowned as a critical habitat for critically endangered mountain gorillas and other primates. The park supports significant forest ecosystems alongside active volcanoes. It is primarily used by scientists studying biodiv...

The Morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae), also known in Māori as the Ruru, is a small brown owl endemic to New Zealand. It is the country's only surviving native owl species and belongs to the family Strigidae. The common name derives from its distinctive two-syllable call. It is nocturnal and inhabits...

St. George Terroir Gin represents a unique approach to American gin production. It’s distilled in California utilizing botanicals sourced directly from the region's diverse forests and coastal landscapes. This includes juniper, bay laurel, Douglas fir, and wild sage, reflecting local terroir. The re...