1.
primeval forest, virgin forest, old-growth forest
A forest that has grown naturally without significant human intervention, maintaining its original ecological state.
原生林を守る。
To protect the primeval forest.
この島には手付かずの原生林が残っている。
Untouched primeval forest remains on this island.
原生林は多くの希少な動植物の生息地になっている。
Primeval forests serve as habitats for many rare plants and animals.
原生林 refers to a forest that has grown naturally without significant human intervention. A compound of 原生 (primeval, original) + 林 (forest).
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 原生林を守る: to protect primeval forest
- 原生林が残る: primeval forest remains
- 手付かずの原生林: untouched primeval forest
CONTRAST:
- 原生林: primeval/virgin forest (never logged or significantly altered)
- 天然林: natural forest (grew naturally but may have some human impact)
- 人工林: planted forest, plantation
- 二次林: secondary forest (regrown after logging)
In Japan, notable 原生林 include 白神山地 (世界遺産, beech forest) and 屋久島 (ancient cedar forest).