Dothar Rainforest

The Dothar Rainforest is a broad leaf jungle located on the Dotharan Coast of Felora. At points, its thick canopy offers shelter from harsh weather, sunlight, and eyes in the sky. The region is home to many communities of humans, orcs, and elves.

Geography

The forest occupies a belt between the bounds Dotharan Alliance territory along it's northwest, the ancestral lands of the D'jo to the north and northeast, and the imposing Dotharan Mountains. It is divided into two main ecoregions, the coastal forests and the interior forests.

Ecosystem

The dense, broadleaf canopy of the jungle forms an intricate network of branches and leaves, creating a shaded understory that protects the forest floor from the harsh sunlight and heavy rains common to the region. Numerous rivers and streams snake through the rainforest, providing vital water sources for the flora and fauna. These waterways support freshwater fish, amphibians, and a variety of aquatic plants. Many of them have been integrated into the Dotharan canal system.   Other areas of the forest are periodically or permanently flooded, creating wetlands and swamps that speckle the rainforest. These habitats are particularly important for amphibians, insects, and water-loving plants.

Climate

The jungle is perpetually warm, with high levels of rainfall throughout the year. Trees here may grow to over 25 meters within 5 years.

Fauna & Flora

Flora

Canopy
Towering trees like mahogany, kapok, and ceiba form the uppermost layer of the forest, reaching heights of over 200 feet. Their broad leaves and thick branches provide shelter and support for numerous epiphytes, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.
Understory Vegetation
Beneath the canopy, a diverse array of smaller trees, shrubs, and plants thrive in the dappled light. Palms, lianas (woody vines), and large-leafed plants like elephant ears are common, creating a dense and layered vegetation structure.
Forest Floor
The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of decomposing organic matter, providing a rich substrate for fungi, mosses, and a variety of ground-dwelling plants. This layer is also home to saplings waiting for their chance to reach the canopy.   Characteristic canopy and emergent flora includes Inkehli, Malacantha and Lovoa trees.

Fauna

Mammals
The Dothar Rainforest hosts a wide range of mammals, from small creatures like monkeys, lemurs, and rodents to larger predators such as jaguars, leopards, and wild boars. These animals have adapted to the complex vertical structure of the forest, with many species being arboreal.
Birds
Vibrant birdlife flourishes in the Dothar Rainforest, with species such as parrots, toucans, and hornbills adding bursts of color and sound to the canopy. Birds of prey like eagles and owls patrol the skies and the forest floor.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The humid environment supports a plethora of reptiles and amphibians, including various species of snakes, lizards, frogs, and salamanders. Many of these creatures are camouflaged to blend into the lush greenery.
Insects and Invertebrates
The forest is alive with the hum of insects. Butterflies, beetles, ants, and spiders are abundant, playing crucial roles in pollination, decomposition, and the food web. Unique species of bioluminescent insects add a magical glow to the forest at night.
Alternative Name(s)
Dotharan Jungle
Type
Forest, Jungle (Tropical)
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Contested By