Types of Forests in India

Discover the various Types of forests in India, exploring the rich diversity of Indian forest types ecosystems.

Types of Forests in India: Different types of forests cover 24.56% of the land area in India. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has produced the “India State of Forest Report 2021,” which states that as of 2021, India’s total forest and tree cover area is 80.9 million hectares. The states of Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra comprise the top five states in India in terms of forest cover. India is one of the top ten countries with vast forests.

There are six main types of forests in India depending on the prevailing vegetation and climate. In this article, we will look into the different types of forests in India in detail.

Types of Forests in India

India is home to a variety of forests, ranging from the tropical rainforests of the northeast to the deciduous forests of the central regions and the arid thorn forests of the central regions and the arid thorn forests of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Due to its diverse geographic and climatic conditions, the forests of India can be classified on the different bases as follows:

Indian Forest Types
Type of Forest	Characteristics	Location
Tropical Evergreen Forests	High rainfall (>200 cm); Dense vegetation; Diverse species	Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Western Ghats, North-East India
Tropical Deciduous Forests	Moderate rainfall (70-200 cm); Seasonal leaf shedding	Central India, Foothills of the Himalayas
Scrub Forests	Low rainfall (<70 cm); Small trees and bushes	Semi-arid areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
Desert Vegetation	Very low rainfall; Cacti and thorny bushes	Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Moist Evergreen Forests	Heavy rainfall (>250 cm); Thick undergrowth; Rich biodiversity	Western Ghats, North-Eastern states
Mangrove Forests	Tidal areas; Protect coastlines; Unique flora and fauna	Sundarbans, Coasts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Open Forest	Tree cover 10-40%; Allows undergrowth	Deccan plateau, Parts of Rajasthan
Moderately Dense Forest	Tree canopy density 40-70%; Diverse plant and animal life	Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh
Extremely Dense Forest	Canopy density >70%; Rich species diversity	Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Andaman Islands
Northern Subtropical Forests	Broad-leaved deciduous and evergreen trees; Seasonal temperature variation	Himalayan foothills from Jammu and Kashmir to West Bengal

Classified on the Basis of Annual Rainfall

Forests in India are classified on the basis of the amount of rainfall they receive annually or on climatic conditions. The classification is as follows:

Tropical Evergreen Forests

These are found in the region receiving an average annual rainfall of more than 200 cm and temperatures between 20-28°C that is, in warm and humid areas. Tropical evergreen forests are mainly found in the northeastern states, Western Ghats in the southwestern part of the country, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

They are characterized by a dense and continuous canopy of tall trees that form a multi-layered structure, limiting sunlight penetration to the forest floor. The vegetation found includes epiphytic plants (plants that grow on other plants) and lianas (woody vines) due to the high humidity and competition for sunlight. Tree found are mahogany, rose wood, and ebony.

Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests

Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests are found in the region where annual rainfall varies between 200 to 300 cm. They have distinct wet and dry seasons and the temperatures generally range from 20-30°C. Tropical semi-evergreen forests in India are found in the Western Ghats, the northeastern states, and parts of the Eastern Ghats.

These forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous tree species. Tropical semi-evergreen forests includes teak, rosewood, Indian laurel, and chestnut.

Tropical Deciduous Forests

Tropical deciduous forests, also known as monsoon forests and are found in areas where annual rainfall varies between 70 and 200 cm. These are most widespread forest covering large parts of central and southern India, including states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

These forests are further classified as moist and dry deciduous forests depending on the rainfall received. Tropical Deciduous Forests includes Sal, Teak, Shisham, Amaltas, Sandalwood, Tendu, etc.

Tropical Thorn Forests

Tropical thorn forests, also known as tropical dry forests or thorn scrub forests, are characterized by the dominance of drought-resistant, spiny vegetation adapted to arid and semi-arid regions. They are found in the region where annual rainfall is below 50 cm.

These forests are mainly found in the arid and semi-arid regions of India, including parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and parts of Karnatakathorn forests includes Khejri, Ber, Babool, Neem, Khair, etc.

Montane Forests

Montane forests, also known as mountain forests or highland forests, are found in high-altitude. These forests are found in the mountainous regions of northern India, mainly in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and also parts of northeastern states.

Montane forests are characterized by variety of tree species, which varies with altitude. At lower elevations, oak, rhododendron, and chestnut are found and at higher elevations, coniferous trees such as pine, spruce, and fir become dominant.

Check: Montane Forests of India

Littoral and Swamp Forests

Littoral and swamp forests, also known as coastal and mangrove forests, are found along the coastal regions of India. Vegetation in these forests has adapted to saline or brackish water ecosystem. Mangrove trees are the dominant species in many of these areas due to their salt tolerance property.

Littoral and swamp forests are primarily found along coastline, including the eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, the western coast along the Arabian Sea, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. Common mangrove species found in India include the Sundari (Heritiera fomes), Rhizophora, Avicennia, and Sonneratia.

Check: Forest Cover of India

Classified on the Basis of Geographical Distribution

The classification on the Basis of Geographical Distribution is as follows:

Western Ghats Forests

The Western Ghats includes diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense tropical rainforests to montane grasslands and shola forests at higher elevations. Western Ghats span over several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Western Ghats forests have variety of tree species, including rosewood, teak, sandalwood, and wide variety of evergreen and deciduous trees.

Eastern Ghats Forests

The region have varying climatic conditions, therefore, these forests includes a wide range of vegetation, from tropical and subtropical forests to dry deciduous woodlands. Eastern Ghats span over several Indian states, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh.

Eastern Ghats forests have a variety of tree species, including teak, sal, sandalwood, bamboo, and various deciduous and evergreen trees.

Himalayan Forests

These forests includes a wide range of ecosystems, varying from subtropical and temperate forests to alpine meadows, as we move to higher elevation. In Himalayan forests diverse tree species, including deodar, chir pine, oak, rhododendron, birch, fir, juniper, and chestnut are found.

Coastal Forests

Coastal forests, found along India’s long coastline, include mangrove ecosystems dominated by trees like the mangrove species (Rhizophora spp.), Avicennia, and Ceriops. They are adapted to thrive in brackish water environments and play an important role in coastal protection and supporting marine life.

Classified on the Basis of Administration

Depending on the governance and management structures the forest in India are divided into following types:

Reserved Forests

• Reserved forests are protected by the government under various forest acts and regulations.
• Access to these forests is restricted, and their resources are managed and regulated by forest departments.
• The area under this category is 53% of the total forest area.

Protected Forests

• Protected forests are areas where the government regulates and controls access to resources for specific purposes like conservation or watershed management.
• In these areas limited activities like controlled grazing is allowed.
• The area under this category is 29% of the total forest area.

Unprotected Forests

• Unclassed forests are areas that have not been classified under any specific category.
• They may not receive the same level of protection and management as reserved or protected forests. Activities like cattle grazing, cropping is allowed.
• The area under this category is 18% of the total forest area.

Classified on the Basis of Constitution of India

According to the Constitution of India, the forest in India are divided into three categories based on the ownership of the forest, whether privately owned or under the control of the government. The classification is as follows:

Private Forests

• Owned and regulated by private individuals or organizations.
• These forested areas cover slightly over 1% of the total forested land.
• They are utilized for various purposes such as timber production, agriculture, and recreational activities.

State Forests

• Managed and protected by the State Forest Department.
• State forests account for the highest proportion, approx 94%, of the total forested area.
• They are used for ecotourism, recreational purposes, and the collection of minor forest resources.

Commercial Forests

• These forests, are either owned by private corporations or the government, and are used for revenue generation.
• Under this category comes 5% of the total forest area.
• They are used for activities such as timber harvesting, pulp and paper production, and other commercial purposes.

Classified on the Basis of Composition

Based on the composition the forests are divided as follows:

Broad-Leaf Forests

• These forests are found in regions with warm and humid climate including tropical and subtropical regions.
• The seasonal leaf fall contributes to a nutrient-rich forest floor, that promotes soil fertility.
• Broad-leaf forests in India are important for local communities as they provide timber for construction, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products like medicinal herbs and fruits, thus supporting livelihoods.
• Broad-leaf forests covers approximately 94% of the total forested area.

Coniferous Forests

• Coniferous forests, characterized by cone-bearing evergreen trees,are found in cold climates characterized by low precipitation and long winters.
• These are found primarily in the northern and northwestern parts of the country, including states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
• They are well-adapted to adverse climatic conditions. Needle-like leaves helps to reduce water loss and enable them to adapt to extreme temperatures.
• Coniferous forests typically have acidic soil.
• Coniferous forests includes around 6.50% of the total forested land.

Classification According to Density

There are four general classifications of forest cover according to density: mangrove, open forest, moderately dense forest, and extremely dense forest. The internationally recognized classification rules serve as the basis for the division of the cover into open and dense forests. Due to methodological limitations and the immense amount of effort required for ground validation, it has not been feasible to further divide the dense forest into more groups. Mangroves are unique in their biological functions and have been given their own classification due to their unique tone and texture. Scrub and non-forest are among the other classifications. Below is an explanation of these classes:

• Extremely Dense Forest: any land covered with trees with a canopy density of at least 70%, including mangrove cover.
• Moderately Dense Forest: Any area with between 40% and 70% canopy density above the ground covered in trees, including mangrove cover
• Open Forest: Any terrain with between 10% and 40% of canopy density covered in trees, including mangrove cover
• Scrub: Every forest area with inadequate tree growth, primarily composed of small or stunted trees with a canopy density of less than 10%
• Non-Forest: Any region not covered by the classes listed above.

Tropical Evergreen Forests India

• Found in regions with more than 200 cm of rainfall.
• Home to diverse species like ebony, mahogany, and rosewood.
• Predominantly located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Western Ghats, and parts of the North-East.

Check: Tropical Evergreen Forests in India

Tropical Deciduous Forests India

• Receive rainfall between 70 to 200 cm.
• Trees shed leaves in the dry season to conserve water.
• Spread across central India, along the foothills of the Himalayas.

Scrub Forests India

• Exist in areas with less than 70 cm of rainfall.
• Characterized by small trees and bushes.
• Common in semi-arid areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Desert Vegetation India

• Adapted to extremely arid conditions.
• Includes cacti, small bushes, and thorny trees.
• Predominantly found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.

Moist Evergreen Forests

• Receive heavy rainfall of over 250 cm.
• Rich in biodiversity with thick undergrowth.
• Located in the North-Eastern states and along the Western Ghats.

Mangrove Forests India

• Specialized forest ecosystem in tidal areas.
• Protect coastlines and support unique flora and fauna.
• Significant mangrove cover in the Sundarbans and the coasts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Open Forest India

• Trees cover 10-40% of the area.
• Facilitates undergrowth and grass.
• Common in the Deccan plateau and parts of Rajasthan.

Moderately Dense Forest India

• Tree canopy density of 40-70%.
• Supports a wide range of plant and animal life.
• Found in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.

Extremely Dense Forest India

• Canopy density exceeds 70%.
• Rich in species diversity and dense vegetation.
• Located in the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, and Andaman Islands.

Northern Subtropical Forests India

• Characterized by broad-leaved deciduous and evergreen trees.
• Experience seasonal temperature variations.
• Spread across the Himalayan foothills from Jammu and Kashmir to West Bengal.

Forest Cover in India

• Covers about 24% of India’s total geographical area.
• Includes a mix of dense, moderate, and open forests.
• The Indian government aims to bring 33% of its geographical area under forest cover.

Biodiversity in Indian Forests

• India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries.
• Hosts over 8% of the world’s biodiversity.
• Indian forests are home to tigers, elephants, lions, and numerous bird species.

Other Type of Forests

Sacred Groves

Sacred groves are untouched patches of forests or natural areas that hold cultural and religious significance for local communities or tribes. They are considered sacred and are protected from any form of exploitation of resources. These groves are reservoirs of rare and endemic plant and animal species and help in preserving local customs and spiritual beliefs. Communities often perform rituals and ceremonies to maintain their sanctity.

Community-Managed Forests

Community-managed forests are areas where local communities, often indigenous or tribal, actively participate in the management and conservation of forest resources. These forests promote sustainable resource use, empower local communities, and contribute to biodiversity conservation. These forests are managed collectively, with rules and norms established by the local community.

Check: Forest Restoration in India

Forest Report 2021 in India

Forests are included in the concurrent list of the constitution of India. So, each state in India has its own Forest Department responsible for the conservation, regulation and protection of forests within its jurisdiction. The central government formulates and implements policies related to forests and wildlife in India. Forests in India are governed under various laws and policies to ensure their conservation, regulation, and for their sustainable use.

• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 empowers the central government to restrict the diversion of forestland for non-forest purposes.
• National Forest Policy, 1988 defines the objectives for the sustainable management and conservation of forests in India. It aims that 33% of the country’s geographical area should be under forest cover.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006 aims to empower forest-dwelling communities and indigenous people to recognize their rights over forest resources.

A forested region that is officially recognized and documented as such in government records is referred to as a “Forest Area.”

According to India State of Forest Report, 2021, the total forest and tree cover of the country is approx. 80.9 million hectare which forms 24.62 % of the geographical area of the country. 17 states and UT’s have above 33% of the geographical area under forest cover. Area wise, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in the country followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha.

Diverse range of forest are found in the country depending upon the distribution of rainfall, temperature, or seasonal variation.

Indian Forest Types – FAQs

What are the main types of forests found in India?

India’s forests can be classified into five major groups: Tropical Evergreen Forests, Tropical Deciduous Forests, Thorny Bushes, Mountain Vegetation, and Mangrove Forests.

Where are Tropical Evergreen Forests located in India?

Tropical Evergreen Forests are primarily found in the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of the northeastern states.

What distinguishes Tropical Deciduous Forests in India?

Tropical Deciduous Forests, also known as Monsoon Forests, shed their leaves in the dry season. They are widespread across central India, along the foothills of the Himalayas.

Can you explain the significance of Thorny Bushes in India?

Thorny Bushes, or Desert Vegetation, are adapted to arid conditions and are primarily found in the western part of India, including Rajasthan and Gujarat.

What is unique about Mountain Vegetation in India?

Mountain Vegetation varies with altitude, from Montane Sub-tropical Forests to Montane Temperate Forests, and is found in the Himalayas and high-altitude regions of southern India.

Where are Mangrove Forests located in India?

Mangrove Forests are located along the coastlines, particularly in the Sundarbans in West Bengal and the coastal regions of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

How are forests in India classified based on rainfall?

Forests in India are classified based on average annual rainfall into Moist Evergreen Forests (high rainfall regions) and Dry Tropical Forests (low rainfall regions).

What role do coniferous forests play in India’s ecosystem?

Coniferous forests, found in cold climates of the Himalayas, are characterized by cone-bearing evergreen trees and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

How Many Types of Forest found in India?

India have five types of forests depending upon the rainfall, climatic conditions etc. Five Types of forest are tropical evergreen, tropical deciduous, Tropical Thorn, Montane, and Mangrove forests, etc.

Which is the largest forest in India?

According to the area covered Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in the country followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra.

What is deciduous forest?

Deciduous forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves seasonally, usually in the fall. Important tree species are Sal, Teak, Shisham, Amaltas, Sandalwood, Tendu, etc

What is a forest?

A forest is a large, dense area dominated by trees and various vegetation. It have a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, that play an important role in maintaining ecological balance.

What is the difference between tropical and temperate forests?

Tropical forests are found in warm, humid regions and have green vegetation throughout the year. The temperate forests are characterized by distinct dry and wet seasons and shed leaves during winter.

What is the significance of mangrove forests?

Mangrove forests act as a buffer against coastal erosion, provide habitat for marine life, and protect coastal communities from storm surges.

How do deciduous forests adapt to changing seasons?

Deciduous forests shed their leaves in the dry or cold season to conserve water and energy, then regrow them when conditions are favorable.