{"id":30087,"date":"2024-02-27T06:56:30","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T06:56:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=30087"},"modified":"2024-02-27T06:56:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T06:56:33","slug":"classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/","title":{"rendered":"Classification of Indian Forests &#8211; UPSC Indian Geography Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-geography?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Geography\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/14.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/14.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/14-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/14-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>India boasts a diverse array of forests, with its total forest and tree cover now encompassing <strong>24.56% <\/strong>of the country&#8217;s overall geographical area. Among the most significant types of forests in India are coniferous forests, evergreen forests, wet evergreen forests, deciduous forests, broadleaved forests, and mangrove forests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d64ceeb7f86\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d64ceeb7f86\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#FOREST\" title=\"FOREST\">FOREST<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Tropical_Wet_Evergreen_Forests\" title=\"Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests\">Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Tropical_Semi-Evergreen_Forests\" title=\"Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests\">Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Tropical_Moist_Deciduous_Forests\" title=\"Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests\">Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Littoral_and_Swamp\" title=\"Littoral and Swamp\">Littoral and Swamp<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Tropical_Dry_Deciduous_Forest\" title=\"Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest\">Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Tropical_Thorn_Forests\" title=\"Tropical Thorn Forests\">Tropical Thorn Forests<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Tropical_Dry_Evergreen_Forest\" title=\"Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest\">Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Subtropical_Broad-Leaved_Forests\" title=\"Subtropical Broad-Leaved Forests\">Subtropical Broad-Leaved Forests<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Subtropical_Pine_Forests\" title=\"Subtropical Pine Forests\">Subtropical Pine Forests<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Subtropical_Dry_Evergreen_Forest\" title=\"Subtropical Dry Evergreen Forest\">Subtropical Dry Evergreen Forest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Montane_Wet_Temperate_Forests\" title=\"Montane Wet Temperate Forests\">Montane Wet Temperate Forests<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Himalayan_Moist_Temperate_Forest\" title=\"Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest\">Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Himalayan_Dry_Temperate_Forest\" title=\"Himalayan Dry Temperate Forest\">Himalayan Dry Temperate Forest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Subalpine_Forest\" title=\"Subalpine Forest\">Subalpine Forest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Moist_Alpine_Scrub\" title=\"Moist Alpine Scrub\">Moist Alpine Scrub<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Dry_Alpine_Scrub\" title=\"Dry Alpine Scrub\">Dry Alpine Scrub<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_%E2%80%93_Indias_Diverse_Forests\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) &#8211; India&#8217;s Diverse Forests\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) &#8211; India&#8217;s Diverse Forests<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#1_What_percentage_of_Indias_geographical_area_is_covered_by_forests_and_trees\" title=\"1. What percentage of India&#8217;s geographical area is covered by forests and trees?\">1. What percentage of India&#8217;s geographical area is covered by forests and trees?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#2_How_is_the_term_%E2%80%98forest_defined_in_India_and_who_has_the_authority_to_define_it\" title=\"2. How is the term &#8216;forest&#8217; defined in India, and who has the authority to define it?\">2. How is the term &#8216;forest&#8217; defined in India, and who has the authority to define it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#3_What_is_the_significance_of_Sir_HG_Champions_work_in_forest_classification_in_India\" title=\"3. What is the significance of Sir HG Champion&#8217;s work in forest classification in India?\">3. What is the significance of Sir HG Champion&#8217;s work in forest classification in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#4_How_are_Indias_forests_categorized_and_what_factors_are_considered_in_their_classification\" title=\"4. How are India&#8217;s forests categorized, and what factors are considered in their classification?\">4. How are India&#8217;s forests categorized, and what factors are considered in their classification?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#5_Can_you_provide_an_overview_of_Tropical_Wet_Evergreen_Forests_in_India\" title=\"5. Can you provide an overview of Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests in India?\">5. Can you provide an overview of Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#6_Where_can_Tropical_Semi-Evergreen_Forests_be_found_and_what_are_their_characteristics\" title=\"6. Where can Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests be found, and what are their characteristics?\">6. Where can Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests be found, and what are their characteristics?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#7_Which_regions_in_India_are_known_for_Tropical_Moist_Deciduous_Forests_and_what_species_are_found_there\" title=\"7. Which regions in India are known for Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, and what species are found there?\">7. Which regions in India are known for Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, and what species are found there?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#8_What_are_Littoral_and_Swamp_Forests_and_where_are_they_abundant_in_India\" title=\"8. What are Littoral and Swamp Forests, and where are they abundant in India?\">8. What are Littoral and Swamp Forests, and where are they abundant in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#9_Where_can_Tropical_Thorn_Forests_be_primarily_located_and_what_is_their_characteristic_vegetation\" title=\"9. Where can Tropical Thorn Forests be primarily located, and what is their characteristic vegetation?\">9. Where can Tropical Thorn Forests be primarily located, and what is their characteristic vegetation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#10_What_is_unique_about_Subtropical_Pine_Forests_in_northeast_India_and_which_trees_dominate_this_ecosystem\" title=\"10. What is unique about Subtropical Pine Forests in northeast India, and which trees dominate this ecosystem?\">10. What is unique about Subtropical Pine Forests in northeast India, and which trees dominate this ecosystem?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/classification-of-indian-forests-upsc-indian-geography-notes\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FOREST\"><\/span><strong>FOREST<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The responsibility of defining what qualifies as a forest lies with individual states.\u00a0<\/li><li>The Supreme Court&#8217;s ruling in the <strong>T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs the Union of India <\/strong>case in 1996 affirmed the states&#8217; authority to establish the criteria for identifying forests.<\/li><li>In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court emphasized that the term &#8220;forest&#8221; should be interpreted based on its dictionary definition.\u00a0<\/li><li>This interpretation is applicable to all legally acknowledged forests, irrespective of their categorization as reserved, protected, or any other classification.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/xRUDesItmjrLCy_5DCSXi647t2JnpXRxKvaNmIMRXbU4EFxbp0pwFEIVurgV4-qfKXcbOVIHVVfEkqQtIQ-Fg2ppgRhS3XUvAoQr7_E6EQURcZO2dYUV_lFbwSN4KyZ14juncBmH7h-ihX_rpPBWFKA\" alt=\"INDIAN FOREST\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>INDIAN FOREST<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Sir HG Champion<\/strong> made a pioneering effort in the classification of India&#8217;s forest types with his monumental work, <strong>&#8216;Preliminary Survey of Forest Type of India and Burma,&#8217;<\/strong> published in 1936.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Subsequently, in 1968, Champion, along with Seth, presented an updated classification in <strong>&#8216;A Revised Survey of the Forest Kinds of India.&#8217;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The classification methodology takes into account various factors, including climate, physiognomy (general appearance of vegetation), species composition, phenology (seasonal changes), terrain, soil characteristics, altitude, aspect, and biotic factors. This comprehensive approach provides a detailed understanding of the diverse forest ecosystems in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>India&#8217;s forests are broadly categorized into <strong>six &#8220;major groupings&#8221;<\/strong> that span from tropical to alpine regions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within these major groupings, further subdivisions are made into <strong>16 sub-groups <\/strong>based on specific temperature and moisture regimes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This hierarchical classification system enables a nuanced and precise categorization of the rich and varied forest landscapes across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-cse-gs-integrated-course?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Integrated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42401 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tropical_Wet_Evergreen_Forests\"><\/span><strong>Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Located in the southern states of <strong>Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands<\/strong>, as well as the entire northeastern region, including West Bengal&#8217;s sub-mountain division.<\/li><li>Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests boast an annual rainfall exceeding 250 cm.&nbsp;<\/li><li>With an average annual temperature ranging between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius, and humidity around 77 percent, these forests experience a brief dry season.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Characterized by minimal undergrowth and infrequent litter, they host valuable species such as mahogany, mesua, white cedar, jamun, canes, and bamboo.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tropical_Semi-Evergreen_Forests\"><\/span><strong>Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Functioning as a transitional zone between tropical wet evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests inhabit the Western coast, Assam, lower slopes of the Eastern Himalayas, Odisha, and Andaman Island.&nbsp;<\/li><li>With an annual rainfall of 200-250 cm and an average temperature of 24-27 degrees Celsius, these forests feature teak, jamun, cashew, hog plum, coral tree, jasmine, and crossandra.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Diverse wildlife, including Indian Leopard, Indian giant Squirrel, Lemur, Deer, One-Horned Rhinos, Birds, Great Horn Bill, Bats, Sloth, Scorpions, and Snails, thrives in this environment.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tropical_Moist_Deciduous_Forests\"><\/span><strong>Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Widespread across India, except in the western and northwestern regions, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests endure rainfall between 100 and 200 cm.&nbsp;<\/li><li>These economically significant forests house species like Sal, Adina Cardifolia (Kusum), Xylia Xylocarpa, Anogeissus Iatifolia (Dhau), and Machilus Villosa.<\/li><li>Notably, the endangered Hoolok Gibbon finds its habitat in the tropical moist deciduous forests of Manipur.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Littoral_and_Swamp\"><\/span><strong>Littoral and Swamp<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Abundant across India, Littoral and Swamp Forests are prevalent in Deccan Plateau reservoirs, Gujarat&#8217;s saline coast, Rajasthan&#8217;s saline coast, the Gulf of Kutch, Eastern Coast Deltas, Kashmir&#8217;s lakes and rivers, and North East India&#8217;s swamps.&nbsp;<\/li><li>These evergreen swamp forests, thriving in waterlogged areas, support a productive mangrove ecosystem, offering shelter and a nursery for various fish species and other animals.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tropical_Dry_Deciduous_Forest\"><\/span><strong>Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Found predominantly in North India and the Deccan Plateau&#8217;s southern parts, Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests extend into the plains of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the northeastern regions of the Peninsular plateau.&nbsp;<\/li><li>These forests, rich in biodiversity, host species like Teak, Coromandel Ebony, Dhaora, Lagerstroemia Parviflora, Terminalia Tomentosa, Lannea Coromandelica, and Boswellia Serrata.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Notable inhabitants include the Bengal Tiger, Gaur, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Chousingha, and Blackbuck.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tropical_Thorn_Forests\"><\/span><strong>Tropical Thorn Forests<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Primarily located in northern India and some drier areas of the Deccan Plateau, Tropical Thorn Forests endure an annual rainfall of less than 70 cm.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Dominated by stunted Acacia species, including Prosopis, Grewia, Salvadora, Zizyphus, Anogeissus, Gardenia, Capparis, and Carissa, these forests are home to diverse carnivores like the common leopard, caracal, Indian desert cat, jungle cat, rusty-spotted cat, grey wolf, golden jackal, desert fox, Indian fox, and striped hyena.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tropical_Dry_Evergreen_Forest\"><\/span><strong>Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Exclusive to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests are limited to a coastal strip from Vishakapattinam in Andhra Pradesh to Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;<\/li><li>With varying rainfall distribution, these forests feature fine-pored soils, high clay content.<\/li><li>An array of species such as Ceylon Wood, Spanish Cherry, Ceylon Ebony, Nux-vomica, Eugenia, Veerai Tree, and Indian Plum. Inhabitants include the Dhole, Sloth Bear, and Indian Spotted Chevrotain.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subtropical_Broad-Leaved_Forests\"><\/span><strong>Subtropical Broad-Leaved Forests<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Stretching from central Nepal&#8217;s middle hills through Darjeeling, Bhutan, and into Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India.<\/li><li>Subtropical Broad-Leaved Forests form a tall forest at 500 to 1,000 m. Sal, Terminalia, Bauhinia, Schima, and Castanopsis species dominate these forests.<\/li><li>Housing threatened mammals like the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Smooth-coated Otter, Clouded Leopard, Gaur, Sumatran Serow, Irrawaddy Squirrel, and Particolored Flying Squirrel.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subtropical_Pine_Forests\"><\/span><strong>Subtropical Pine Forests<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Covering a significant elevation range of 800 to 2000 meters in northeast India&#8217;s hilly states, Subtropical Pine Forests rely on the southwestern monsoon for rainfall.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Trees such as Shisham, Teak, Sal, Pine, Fir, Juniper, and Rhododendron populate these forests, which lack stable populations of large carnivores due to scarce wild prey.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subtropical_Dry_Evergreen_Forest\"><\/span><strong>Subtropical Dry Evergreen Forest<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Found in the western Himalayas, Bhabar, and Shiwaliks up to 1000 meters above sea level, Subtropical Dry Evergreen Forests endure an annual rainfall of 800 millimeters.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The ecoregion supports globally threatened species like the Lesser Florican and features diverse bird life, including the Woolly-necked Stork, White-bellied Sea-eagle, and Indian Gray Hornbill.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Montane_Wet_Temperate_Forests\"><\/span><strong>Montane Wet Temperate Forests<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Occurring on moderate-height mountains, Montane Wet Temperate Forests are distributed in the southern parts of India, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu&#8217;s upper mountainous areas.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Trees like Cullenia Exarillata, Mesua Ferrea, Palaquium Ellipticum, Gluta Travancorica, and Nageia Wallichiana characterize these forests.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Endemic species like the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Broad-tailed Grassbird, and Nilgiri Long-tailed Tree Mouse inhabit this ecoregion.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Himalayan_Moist_Temperate_Forest\"><\/span><strong>Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Extending the entire length of the Himalayan mountain range, Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests grow between 1500 and 3300 meters above sea level.&nbsp;<\/li><li>These forests receive 150 to 250 cm of annual rainfall, with diverse species like pines, cedars, silver firs, spruce.<\/li><li>Royal Bengal Tiger, Barking Deer, and Himalayan Black Bear.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Vulnerable species like the Himalayan Black Bear find refuge in this habitat.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Himalayan_Dry_Temperate_Forest\"><\/span><strong>Himalayan Dry Temperate Forest<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Occupying middle altitudes in the Himalayas, Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests feature an open evergreen forest with an undergrowth of open scrub.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Experiencing mild summers and lengthy, cold winters, these forests host temperate zone conifers like deodar, blue pine, fir, and spruce.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Endangered wildlife such as the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Argali, and Black-necked Crane inhabit this ecoregion.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Subalpine_Forest\"><\/span><strong>Subalpine Forest<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Functioning as a transition zone between dense forest and alpine tundra, Subalpine Forests are conifer-dominated forests found primarily in temperate latitudes&#8217; subalpine zone.&nbsp;<\/li><li>These forests, characterized by trees like Abies Spectabilis, Larix Griffithii, Betula Utilis, Acer, and Sorbus, host diverse animal species including the Brown Bear, Himalayan Serow, Markhor Goat, White-bellied Musk Deer, and Red Panda.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Moist_Alpine_Scrub\"><\/span><strong>Moist Alpine Scrub<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Spanning from 3000 meters up to the snowline, Moist Alpine Scrub occurs in both the main Himalayan regions and the trans-Himalayan barren freezing deserts.&nbsp;<\/li><li>With a subarctic to arctic climate and heavy snowfall, this scrub supports stunted trees like black juniper and drooping juniper.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Notable mammals include Snow Leopards, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Takin, Himalayan Musk Deer, Himalayan Goral, and Himalayan Serow.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dry_Alpine_Scrub\"><\/span><strong>Dry Alpine Scrub<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Thriving over 3500 meters above sea level, Dry Alpine Scrub prevails in shaded depressions and along streams generated by snowmelt waters.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Experiencing dry arctic conditions, this scrub features shrubs and pasture areas but lacks trees.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Characteristic plants include Juniperus Wallichiana, Lonicera spp., and Potentilla spp.&nbsp;<\/li><li>This region is home to giant, endangered species such as Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, and various mountain goats and sheep.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_%E2%80%93_Indias_Diverse_Forests\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) &#8211; India&#8217;s Diverse Forests<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_percentage_of_Indias_geographical_area_is_covered_by_forests_and_trees\"><\/span>1. What percentage of India&#8217;s geographical area is covered by forests and trees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: India&#8217;s total forest and tree cover encompass 24.56% of the country&#8217;s overall geographical area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_How_is_the_term_%E2%80%98forest_defined_in_India_and_who_has_the_authority_to_define_it\"><\/span>2. How is the term &#8216;forest&#8217; defined in India, and who has the authority to define it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: As of now, there is no specific nationwide definition of the term &#8216;forest&#8217; in India. The responsibility lies with individual states, and the Supreme Court&#8217;s ruling in the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs the Union of India case in 1996 affirmed the states&#8217; authority to establish the criteria for identifying forests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_What_is_the_significance_of_Sir_HG_Champions_work_in_forest_classification_in_India\"><\/span>3. What is the significance of Sir HG Champion&#8217;s work in forest classification in India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Sir HG Champion made a pioneering effort in the classification of India&#8217;s forest types with his monumental work, &#8216;Preliminary Survey of Forest Type of India and Burma&#8217; in 1936. In 1968, he, along with Seth, presented an updated classification in &#8216;A Revised Survey of the Forest Kinds of India,&#8217; considering factors like climate, vegetation, species composition, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_How_are_Indias_forests_categorized_and_what_factors_are_considered_in_their_classification\"><\/span>4. How are India&#8217;s forests categorized, and what factors are considered in their classification?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: India&#8217;s forests are broadly categorized into six &#8220;major groupings&#8221; ranging from tropical to alpine regions. Within these, there are 16 sub-groups based on specific temperature and moisture regimes. The classification considers factors such as climate, physiognomy, species composition, phenology, terrain, soil characteristics, altitude, aspect, and biotic factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Can_you_provide_an_overview_of_Tropical_Wet_Evergreen_Forests_in_India\"><\/span>5. Can you provide an overview of Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests in India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are located in southern states and the northeastern region, boasting high annual rainfall, temperatures between 25-27\u00b0C, and humidity around 77%. These forests are characterized by minimal undergrowth, infrequent litter, and host valuable species like mahogany, mesua, white cedar, jamun, canes, and bamboo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Where_can_Tropical_Semi-Evergreen_Forests_be_found_and_what_are_their_characteristics\"><\/span>6. Where can Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests be found, and what are their characteristics?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests function as a transitional zone between wet evergreen and deciduous forests. They are located along the Western coast, Assam, lower slopes of the Eastern Himalayas, Odisha, and Andaman Island. With an annual rainfall of 200-250 cm and an average temperature of 24-27\u00b0C, these forests feature teak, jamun, cashew, hog plum, coral tree, jasmine, and diverse wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Which_regions_in_India_are_known_for_Tropical_Moist_Deciduous_Forests_and_what_species_are_found_there\"><\/span>7. Which regions in India are known for Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, and what species are found there?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests are widespread in India, except in the western and northwestern regions. They house economically significant species like Sal, Adina Cardifolia (Kusum), Xylia Xylocarpa, Anogeissus Iatifolia (Dhau), and Machilus Villosa. The endangered Hoolok Gibbon finds its habitat in these forests, particularly in Manipur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_What_are_Littoral_and_Swamp_Forests_and_where_are_they_abundant_in_India\"><\/span>8. What are Littoral and Swamp Forests, and where are they abundant in India?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Littoral and Swamp Forests are abundant across India, found in areas such as Deccan Plateau reservoirs, Gujarat&#8217;s saline coast, Rajasthan&#8217;s saline coast, the Gulf of Kutch, Eastern Coast Deltas, Kashmir&#8217;s lakes and rivers, and North East India&#8217;s swamps. These evergreen swamp forests support a productive mangrove ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Where_can_Tropical_Thorn_Forests_be_primarily_located_and_what_is_their_characteristic_vegetation\"><\/span>9. Where can Tropical Thorn Forests be primarily located, and what is their characteristic vegetation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Tropical Thorn Forests are primarily located in northern India and some drier areas of the Deccan Plateau. Enduring an annual rainfall of less than 70 cm, they are dominated by stunted Acacia species, including Prosopis, Grewia, Salvadora, Zizyphus, Anogeissus, Gardenia, Capparis, and Carissa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_What_is_unique_about_Subtropical_Pine_Forests_in_northeast_India_and_which_trees_dominate_this_ecosystem\"><\/span>10. What is unique about Subtropical Pine Forests in northeast India, and which trees dominate this ecosystem?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Subtropical Pine Forests cover a significant elevation range of 800 to 2000 meters in northeast India&#8217;s hilly states. Dominated by trees such as Shisham, Teak, Sal, Pine, Fir, Juniper, and Rhododendron, these forests lack stable populations of large carnivores due to scarce wild prey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. 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Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India boasts a diverse array of forests, with its total forest and tree cover now encompassing 24.56% of the country&#8217;s overall geographical area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":30091,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[1073,186,232,213,140],"class_list":["post-30087","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-geography-general-studies","tag-forests","tag-general-studies-1","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-notes","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30087"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30087\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30092,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30087\/revisions\/30092"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30091"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}