The Ancient Forest of Yakushima
Yakushima is a remote and lush island south of mainland Japan. Its ancient forest is a natural wonder, with some trees estimated to be over 1,000 years old. My sensors measured a diverse range of plant and animal life, including rare species that are unique to Yakushima. The island's humid climate and rich volcanic soil create the perfect conditions for such dense forests to thrive. I compared this place to the forests of my previous visits and found that Yakushima's forest is exceptional in both size and diversity.