Sri Lanka's southwestern corridor is characterized by its lush tropical rainforest. But as one ascends higher up into the mountains, a whole new kind of forest appears. A unique and moist world with a distinct ecosystem. Tropical montane forests, also known as cloud forests, account for less than 1% of the earths surface. Though they are a type of rainforest, they are typically situated at much higher elevations and are markedly colder. These rare forests occur at altitudes between 3,500 and 8,500 feet. The vegetation at these heights tends to be temperate, with a high concentration of ferns, mosses, orchids and vines. The stubby trees here are stunted and gnarled. Since Sri Lanka is an island, moist air arriving from the Indian Ocean, condenses at these high elevations, which envelops the canopy in a thick layer of mist at all times. The soils become rich with nutrients from the moist environment. These habitual conditions, combined with the remote isolation of this biome, results in a stunning myriad of life. An exotic array of flowers, trees and epiphytes, many of which are endemic to the ecosystem, thrive in this unique habitat. Mammals, Birds, Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles and Insects all live and support each other together, and many have adapted to the peculiar climate, which has created various subspecies specific to the region. The rarity of the flora and fauna found within this ecosystem, subsequently designates cloud forests as a major biodiversity hotspot. Following colonial rule over the island, the highland region saw mass clear cutting of its forests in order to make way for foreign crops, such as tea and coffee. As communities began moving into these once uninhabited mountains for work, the demand for settlements increased the rate of deforestation. Today, as tourism in the area increases, continued development and infrastructure projects have dwindled the number of cloud forests. A vast area, which was once covered by tropical montane forest, has now been reduced to 3,099 hectares, or a mere 0.05% of the entire country's land mass. These forests, which are teaming with species found no where else on earth, are increasingly vulnerable to extinction. In order to restore this environnment, there must be awareness on the integrity of cloud forests. The abundance of water in these forests drives a naturally clean irrigation system to support people living around them. The dense vegetation in this biome generates much Carbon Dioxide absorption, which is crucial in slowing down climate change. The cloud forests of Sri Lanka are inspiring, and perhaps allude to a greater metaphor on how a civilization can sustainably function just as an ecosystem. This wilderness is one of Sri Lanka's greatest treasures, and to ensure its protection, The Canopy Post blog aims to highlight the importance in preserving cloud forests to the public, by using community stories, scientific knowledge, sustainable solutions and cultural references.