Scotland is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, ranking 28th from the bottom of a list of 240 countries and territories.
The State of Nature report, published in 2023, showed there had been a 15% decline in average species abundance since 1994.
Lichens, bryophytes (mosses) and flowering plants, for which the rainforest provides the ideal environment, have suffered “massive declines in distributions since the 1970s,” the report added.
In January, the Scottish Parliament passed the Natural Environment Bill which aims to halt and reverse the losses being experienced in our biodiversity.
Legally-binding targets will be set in secondary legislation for the restoration of habitats such as temperate rainforests.
Additional reporting by Julie Anne Barnes.