Rainforest Survival Guide

Rainforests cover 6% of Earth and are home to two-thirds of all animal and plant species. They are extremely difficult to navigate, present tough trekking terrain, are full of biting insects and whilst they are hot and humid in the day, they can be surprisingly cold at night.

It is hard to get your bearings in the forest because the density of the vegetation makes it difficult to get a good view. Bear used his skill to climb a tree so that he could spot forest valleys which often indicate a waterway, which is your best way out. If you are not a confidant climber, find a stream (there will be lots of these) and follow it, it will eventually take you to a river.

Avoid stepping on snakes by warning them that you are coming. If you are walking through grassy areas or anywhere where you can't get a good view of what you are stepping on, then stamp your feet. Snakes will pick up the vibrations and will do their best to avoid you.

In a rainforest, it might not be worth wasting energy hunting animals or setting traps because there will be plenty of plants to eat. But you must familiarize yourself with what is edible and what isn't before you set out on a trip – and remember, every forest is different. You can't beat a bit of local knowledge.

The biggest people killers in rainforests are not ferocious wild animals, they are falling trees. When it rains, the ear splitting sound of falling timber will be all around you. Seek shelter by a rocky outcrop if you can or make your way to the most open ground you can find.

Check out these real-life survival stories

The British Army group that got lost in a Bornean rainforest for 31 days and the hair-raising story or four mates who headed into the Amazonian rainforest with tragic consequences.

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