Lecture Notes: Types of Forests in India

Introduction

• India is a tropical country with diverse climatic zones.
• Mainland extends from 8°4'N to 37°6'N; Tropic of Cancer divides it into tropical and subtropical zones.
• Climate varies from warm regions like Kerala to cold regions like Kashmir.
• Forests in India can be divided into five types based on climatic and geographical variations.

Types of Forests in India

1. Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests

• Location: Western slopes of Western Ghats, Northeastern Hills, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Climate: Annual temperature around 22°C, rainfall over 200 cm.
• Characteristics:
  • Dense, tall, and green throughout the year.
  • Multiple layers of vegetation: shrubs, short trees (20-30m), tall trees (60m+).
  • Trees compete for sunlight; have canopies that allow little ground sunlight.
  • Leaves are large and narrow-tipped to allow quick runoff of rainwater.
  • Common species: Rosewood, Mahogany, Neem, Ebony.
• Semi-Evergreen Forests: Found in less rainy parts, a mix of evergreen and moist deciduous trees.
  • Common species: White Cedar, Hollock, Kail.

2. Tropical Deciduous Forests

• Subtypes: Moist Deciduous and Dry Deciduous Forests.
• Moist Deciduous Forests:
  • Location: West Bengal, Mizoram, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra.
  • Rainfall: 100-200 cm, thrive in monsoon season.
  • Common species: Teak, Sal, Shisham, Bamboo, Sandalwood.
• Dry Deciduous Forests:
  • Location: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan.
  • Rainfall: 70-100 cm, less moisture.
  • Characteristics: Grass and climber plants thrive due to more ground sunlight.

3. Tropical Thorn Forests

• Location: Areas with rainfall less than 50 cm such as Southwest Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh.
• Characteristics:
  • Dense and scrub-like vegetation with thorny shrubs.
  • Trees are leafless for most of the year, storing water in stems.
  • Common species: Babool, Palm, Acacia, Cactus.

4. Montane Forests

• Regions: Northern Himalayas, Southern Mountains (Western Ghats, Nilgiris).
• Northern Mountains:
  • Types: Alpine, Coniferous, Evergreen, Deciduous.
  • Common trees in different belts: Silver Fir, Blue Pine, Spruce, Oak.
• Southern Mountains:
  • Temperate vegetation at higher altitudes, subtropical at lower.
  • Common trees: Magnolia, Laurel, Cinchona.

5. Littoral and Swamp Forests

• Location: Wetland areas like Sundarbans Delta, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Western Coastal Plains.
• Characteristics:
  • Found in wetlands where water covers soil.
  • Important Ramsar sites for conservation.

Conclusion

• India has diverse forest types due to its vast geographical and climatic variations.
• Each forest type supports different species and plays a crucial role in ecological balance.