Tropical montane cloud forests represent a rare and fragile ecosystem that is under threat in many parts of the world. Urgent action is needed to conserve these rich mountain forests, not only because they harbour concentrations of endemic and threatened species but to maintain their vital role in the provision of freshwater. All tropical forests are under threat but cloud forests are uniquely threatened both by human pressures and by climate change impacting on temperature, rainfall and the formation of clouds in mountain areas.
This report aims to stimulate new initiatives to conserve and restore cloud forests around the world. It provides maps of their distribution, regional overviews of the threats they face, and an agenda for priority actions. The particular qualities of cloud forests and issues in their conservation are identified, alongside examples of successful conservation approaches.
