Southeast Asia’s Forests: Tropical Rainforests Dominate

Tropical rainforests are the predominant forest type across Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Papua New Guinea). They harbor Earth’s highest terrestrial biodiversity.

Other Significant Forest Types

• Mangrove forests – Coastal fringes; storm protection, nurseries for fish, carbon sinks.
• Temperate/montane forests – Higher elevations (e.g., northern Vietnam, Sumatra’s highlands); conifers, oaks.
• Peat swamp forests – Waterlogged, carbon‑rich; critically threatened by drainage for palm oil.
• Dry deciduous forests – Rain‑shadow areas (central Myanmar, parts of Indonesia); seasonal leaf drop.

Deforestation for palm oil, timber, and agriculture is the region’s top conservation crisis.