The 8 Oldest Forests In The World

Tongass National Forest (Alaska)

Alaska's Tongass: Largest U.S. forest at 17M acres, absorbs 10-12% of national forest carbon. World's largest temperate forest, home to ancient trees, glaciers, and a 10,000-year history with Alaska Natives.

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Waipoua Forest (New Zealand)

NZ's largest native expanse on the west coast. Home to colossal kauri trees like Tāne Mahuta (2,000 years old, "Lord of the Forest") and Te Matua Ngahere (2,500-3,000 years old, "Father of the Forest"). Inhabited for centuries by the Maori tribe, now safeguarded by NZ's Department of Conservation.

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Daintree Rainforest (Australia)

Australia's largest, spanning 463 sq miles, over 180 million years old—older than the Amazon. Home to 12,000 insects and diverse wildlife, it harbors 30% of Australia's frogs, reptiles, and marsupials, 65% of bats and butterflies, and 18% of all birds.

3

Yakushima (Japan)

Lush rainforest, inspiration for "Princess Mononoke." Moss-covered rocks, ancient Japanese cedar trees ("yakusugi"), up to 7,000 years old. Nature's timeless magic in a snapshot.

4

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (California)

In Inyo National Forest, California, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest hosts the twisted Bristlecone pines, with some exceeding 4,000 years. Methuselah, the world's oldest non-clonal tree at 4,852 years (2021), resides here, its exact location kept secret for protection.

5

Białowieża Forest (Poland and Belarus)

On the Poland-Belarus border, is Europe's largest and oldest, a UNESCO site. Patriarch Oak (600+ years) and Great Pine (350+ years in 2021) thrive. With an undisturbed history, it's a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including 900 European bison—nearly 25% of the world's population.

6

Tarkine Forest (Australia)

Australia's largest temperate rainforest, second-largest globally. Home to Tarkiner people for 40,000 years. Stronghold for Huon pine trees, exclusive to Tasmania, with a remarkable lifespan of up to 3,000 years.

7

Kakamega Forest (Kenya)

Kakamega Forest, Kenya, once vast, now 90 sq miles due to settlement and resource overuse. Mama Mutere, a 300-year-old tree, fell in 2014, and a 700-year-old fig tree remains in the diminished forest.

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