Which Type of Forest Occupies the Highest Percentage of Area in India?

India is home to a variety of forests, which play vital role in maintaining the country’s ecological balance. These forests differ based on climate, rainfall and location, creating diverse habitats for plants and animals. Some forests are dense and evergreen, while others shed their leaves seasonally. Among the many forest types, one particular type covers the largest area in the country, making it the most widespread.

Forest that Occupies the Highest Percentage of Area in India

India has many types of forests, each with its own unique features. Among them, Topical Deciduous Forests, also called Monsoon Forests, cover the largest area. These forests are found in regions with moderate rainfall and distinct wet and dry seasons. They are rich in biodiversity and provide valuable resources like timber and medicinal plants.

Location and Rainfall of Tropical Deciduous Forests

Tropical Deciduous Forests thrive in areas with:

• Rainfall: Between 100 cm and 200 cm annually.
• Temperature: Ranges from 24ºC to 30ºC.
• Location: These forests are mainly found in the northern plains, the wetter western side of the Deccan Plateau and the states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra and parts of Uttar Pradesh.

Characteristics of Tropical Deciduous Forests

• Seasonal shedding: The trees shed their leaves during the dry season (usually summer) to conserve water.
• Diverse Flora and Fauna: These forests are home to many plants and animals.
• Rich in resources: They provide timber, fuelwood and other forest products.

Types of Trees in Tropical Deciduous Forests

Some common trees found in Tropical Deciduous Forests include:

• Teak
• Sal
• Shisham
• Bamboo
• Mahua
• Sandalwood

These trees are valuable for timber and are widely used in furniture making and construction.

Other Forest Types in India

Apart from Tropical Deciduous Forests, India also has:

• Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
• Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
• Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests
• Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests