The world has a new tallest tropical tree, and it's as tall as six sperm whales stacked end to end, according to National Geographic.
The tree measures a vertigo-inducing 308.6 feet tall and was found inside a forest reserve in the state of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The tree was discovered near the previous record holder, a 293.6-footer found earlier this year.
The tree was identified using laser scanning, so the species is not known, but scientists told National Geographic it is from the Shorea genus, a group of almost 200 species of mostly rainforest trees in Southeast Asia.
The laser technology, called Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), can create three-dimensional maps of forests in great detail. The scanning done in the Maliau Basin will help inform management and conservation efforts.
“Tallest tree aside, this work really highlights the value of protecting primary forests,” Glen Reynolds, program manager for the research, told National Geographic. “These ancient trees are really only found in primary forests, many of which are not properly protected. A detailed map like this will be useful for establishing conservation priorities.”
The tallest trees in the world are the California redwoods, which can grow up to nearly 380 feet.
