Cloud forest habitat, Bellavista, Ecuador

A quick habitat impression, typical for cloud forests. Terrain is very uneven. As an example, some 5m into this scene is a steep cliff down, so navigating a forest like this without an official path is dangerous, as well as exhausting.

Vegetation is very complex as every tree is covered in moss, epiphytes, ferns, orchids and other "parasitic" plants that rely on the moist air flow. Many trees crumble under the weight of all these parasites, hence the forest floor is covered in very thick debris, piles of branches and leaves.

Temperatures can swing widely but direct sun light is rare, usually it's misty and fairly cool.

Photography is very difficult. Due to the canopy it's very dark for a camera whilst there's bright white backlight in every direction.