What Are the Different Types of Forests in India?

Answer: Tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests and scrubs, montane forests, and mangrove forests.

India has five different types of forests based on climate and geography. They are- Tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests and scrubs, montane forests, and mangrove forests. These forests are home to countless plants, animals, and even people. In this article, we will understand the different types of forests in India, one by one. You will also understand why forests are important.

Tropical Evergreen Forests

The tropical evergreen forests are located in the Western Ghats, Northeast India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The trees in these forests remain green all year round. The reason? The forest gets more than 200 cm of rainfall every year. Examples of trees here are mahogany, ebony, and rosewood. Sunlight barely touches the ground because the tree canopy is so thick!

Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests)

Tropical Deciduous Forests are located in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand,  Chhattisgarh, parts of UP, Bihar, and Odisha. Teak, Sal, and Bamboo trees can be found here. All trees shed leaves during the dry season. Tropical deciduous forests are the most widespread forests in India. You can find animals like elephants and tigers here.

Thorn Forests and Scrubs

Thorn Forests and Scrubs are the third forest in the list of the Different types of forests in India. These forests are located in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the dry parts of Madhya Pradesh. The forest features Cactus, Acacia, and Date Palm. The region receives less than 70 cm of rainfall yearly. Therefore, certain plants here store water in their stems just like camels!

Montane Forests

Montane Forests are located in the Himalayan mountain regions. These forests change with height, from tropical to alpine forests. You can find trees like Pine, Deodar, and fir here. Montane Forests are home to Snow leopards and red pandas. Moreover, you can experience summer and winter weather in the same forest by changing the altitude.

Mangrove Forests

The Mangrove Forests are located in Coastal areas like Sundarbans in West Bengal and the Andaman coast. To learn about the different types of forests in India, you must learn about these forests. The trees in the mangrove forests have stilt-like roots that rise above the water. For example, Sundari, Palm, and Coconut trees can be found here. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. The forests are considered to be the home of the Royal Bengal tigers.

 Why Are Forests Important?

Forests are important for several reasons. Some of these reasons are provided below:

1. They are home to diverse flora and fauna
2. They assist in the maintenance of the temperature of the Earth. They also help in maintaining the rainfall.
3. These forests provide us with essential resources such as timber and medicinal plants.
4. These forests are significant as they prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility.

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