🌲 Biome · Temperate Forest

Temperate Forest

Leaves, shadows and an enormous diversity of life.

General difficulty

Medium

Biome overview

Temperate forests combine marked seasons, soils rich in organic matter and a layered structure (ground, understory and tree canopy) that allows for a huge variety of ecological niches.

Ecological strengths

Relatively mild climates for much of the year, abundance of natural shelters (logs, roots, rocks) and good food availability for herbivores and omnivores.

Vulnerabilities and threats

Notable seasonal changes, cold periods with less food availability and risk of fires or intense storms that alter the habitat.

Special features

Many forest animals are crepuscular or nocturnal, and camouflage and mimicry behaviors with leaf litter and tree bark stand out.

Biome climate profile

General parameters that many species of the Temperate Forest habitat usually share.

10 °C 24 °C

Temperature range

10–24 °C (según especie)

Remember to adapt these values to the specific needs of each species.

Relative humidity

50–80 %

Ventilation and substrate type greatly influence the actual humidity of the microhabitat.

Typical regions

Forests of Europe, North America and temperate zones of Asia.

General installation guidelines

Large terrariums with shaded areas, log-type shelters and plants resistant to moderate cold.

Day / night cycle

Example of temperature ranges throughout the day for the Temperate Forest biome.

☀ Day

18–24 °C

Greater activity during soft light hours (morning and afternoon).

🌙 Night

10–16 °C

Lower temperatures that favor rest and crepuscular habits.

Ecological curiosities

Interesting little facts about how the Temperate Forest biome works.

🌱 Some temperate forests can host more than 200 different bird species.
🍃 Forest soils are one of the ecosystems with the highest activity of fungi and microorganisms.

Simulating this habitat in captivity

General guidance for recreating the Temperate Forest biome in terrariums, aquariums or similar facilities.

Overview of the simulated habitat

In captivity, forest biomes are ideal for terrestrial or semi-terrestrial terrariums with lots of natural decoration: bark, branches, mosses and shelters.

Strengths in captivity

It is relatively easy to create hiding places and wet or dry areas. Temperature parameters are not extreme and there are many plants suitable for this type of setup.

Common challenges and risks

If there is not enough ventilation, excess humidity can accumulate and mold or mites can appear. It is also easy for the terrarium to become "poor" in stimuli if environmental enrichment is not renewed.

Quick tips for setting up the environment

Combine areas with deep leaf litter and others with rock or bark to offer different microhabitats.
Include closed shelters where the animal can feel completely hidden.
Control humidity with moderate spraying and cross ventilation (grilles top and bottom).