Types of Forests in India

1. Tropical Evergreen Forests (Rainforests)

• Location: High rainfall areas (> 200 cm) — Western Ghats, Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Feature: Trees do not shed leaves simultaneously; the forest looks green throughout the year.
• Key Trees: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood.

2. Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests)

• Location: Most widespread in India — Central, Eastern, and parts of Northern India.
• Feature: Trees shed their leaves in the dry season to conserve water. Also called Monsoon Forests.
• Key Trees: Teak (Sagwan), Sal, Sandalwood. Teak is the most commercially important tree.

3. Tropical Thorn Forests (Scrub Forests)

• Location: Low rainfall areas (< 75 cm) — Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Haryana.
• Feature: Plants have thorns and deep roots; Cactus and Acacia are common.

4. Mangrove Forests (Tidal Forests)

• Location: Delta regions of rivers (river mouths where sea meets fresh water) — Sundarbans (WB), Bhitarkanika (Odisha).
• Feature: Salt-tolerant trees with stilt roots; the Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest.

5. Montane Forests (Mountain Forests)

• Location: Himalayan region, Western and Eastern Ghats.
• Feature: Vegetation changes with altitude:
  • Below 1000m: Tropical forests.
  • 1000–2000m: Temperate forests (Oak, Chestnut).
  • 2000–3500m: Coniferous forests (Pine, Deodar, Silver Fir).
  • Above 3500m: Alpine meadows, then permanent snow.