Tropical Dry Forest By: Cody Osif

Climate Tropical Dry Forests climate are warm year-round, and may receive several hundred centimeters of rain per year. They deal with long dry seasons which last several months and vary with geographic locations. The annual average temperatures of tropical dry forest are 24.3C, which is 75F. The average precipitation, is 55 mm. It alternates between wet and dry seasons, and it also consists of rich soil subject to erosion.

Description Tropical dry forests consist of tall, deciduous trees that dominate these forests, and during the drought a leafless period occurs. Because trees lose moisture through their leaves, the shedding of leaves allows trees such as teak and mountain ebony to conserve water during dry periods. The newly bare trees open up the canopy layer, enabling sunlight to reach ground level and facilitate the growth of thick underbrush. Tropical dry forest has a wide variety of wildlife including monkeys, large cats, parrots, various rodents, and ground dwelling birds. Many of these species have adapted to the difficult climate.

Location The tropical dry forest is a type of forest found near the Equator. Tropical dry forest can be found in some parts of Africa, South and Central America, Mexico, India, Australia, and tropical islands

Animal Adaptations One dominant specie in a tropical dry forest is the hog deer. Deer have a stomach with 4 separate compartments to digest its varied diet. Long legs and cloven hooves allow it to run very fast and jump long distances and heights. The thin head and body allow for fast movement through vegetation. Their hair coat changes color twice a year for better camouflage. Deer communicate by tail signals, noises, and several odors. If this specie was removed from the ecosystem it would affect other species life, like the tigers. Big cats feed on several animals, specially deer, so if the deer vanished the tigers could have a possibility of dying.

Threats & Humans Deforestation, Human fires, Pollution, Animal hunting and capture, Unsuitable human development