ABSTRACT
This chapter explains about both the vulnerability of tropical rain forests and the assault on them. While there are many kinds of rain-forest communities, some of which, because of high water or soil condition, consist of only a few species, the general situation in these forests is one of floristic richness. The gene pool of complex tropical rain-forest ecosystems is very vulnerable, and “EARTHCARE” means a concern for the genetic resources represented by this global resource. The unprecedented rate at which tropical rain forests are being cleared or drastically modified has aroused the concern of reputable scientists and organizations around the world. There are many kinds of tropical-forest formations, ranging from unusual thorn forests, through several kinds of seasonal forests, to many kinds of evergreen wet forests. Even in a rain forest there may be drier seasons when felled trees become dry enough to bum or when fire can nibble at the edges of the standing forest.
