Types of forest in India reflect the country’s vast geography, diverse climate, and rich natural heritage. From the rain-soaked Western Ghats to the snowy Himalayas, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the evergreen forests of the northeast, every region supports unique vegetation. Forests are shaped by rainfall, temperature, soil type, and altitude. Because of these factors, India has some of the world’s most diverse forest ecosystems.

According to ecological studies and the famous Champion and Seth classification, Indian forests are grouped into six broad categories and further divided into multiple subtypes. These forests not only provide timber and resources but also regulate climate, conserve biodiversity, and support the livelihood of millions.

Also read – Physiographic Divisions of India 

Classification of Forest in India

On the basis of such parameters, Champion and Seth introduced a systematic and scientific classification of the types of forest in India.

Basis of Classification

• Rainfall and Climate – The amount and pattern of rainfall with temperature largely determine the type of vegetation. For example, evergreen forests grow in high rainfall areas, while thorn forests exist in dry zones.
• Soil and Topography – Different soils like alluvial, black, laterite, or sandy along with altitude, slope, and landform affect the forest composition. Fertile plains support deciduous forests, while hilly regions favor conifers.
• Vegetation Composition – Forests are classified based on dominant plant species, tree density, and canopy cover. Evergreen, deciduous, alpine, and mangroves differ because of their plant communities.
• Human Interference and Past Treatment – Deforestation, shifting cultivation, grazing, and plantation activities change the natural forest type. Forests are often categorized by whether they are virgin, degraded, or managed.

Different types of forest in india map

Types of Forest in India Champion and Seth classification 

The Champion and Seth classification (1968) is the most detailed system. It divides Indian forests into 6 major groups, 16 type groups, and nearly 200 subtypes.

Major Group	Sub-Groups	Examples
Moist Tropical	4 types	Evergreen, Semi-evergreen, Moist Deciduous, Swamp forests
Dry Tropical	3 types	Dry Evergreen, Dry Deciduous, Thorn forests
Montane Sub-tropical	3 types	Broadleaf hill, Pine, Dry evergreen forests
Montane Temperate	3 types	Wet temperate, Moist temperate, Dry temperate
Alpine	3 types	Sub-alpine, Moist alpine scrub, Dry alpine scrub
Littoral & Swamp	1 type	Mangroves and coastal swamp forests

This classification helps us understand the diversity of the types of forest in India in a scientific way.

Different Types of Forest in India

These moist tropical forests showcase the richness of India’s biodiversity and thrive where rainfall is abundant. Moving ahead, let us look at the other major types of forest in India that grow under drier or colder conditions.

1. Moist Tropical Forests

These forests thrive in regions of heavy rainfall and high temperature.

(a) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are dense forests that stay green all year, forming multiple vegetation layers.

• Rainfall: These forests receive heavy rainfall above 250 cm annually.
• Temperature: They thrive in warm climates with temperatures between 25–27°C.
• Distribution: Found in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka), and northeastern states.
• Flora: Common trees include Mahogany, White Cedar, Bamboo, and Jamun.
• Features: Dense, multi-layered forests that remain green throughout the year.

(b) Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests

Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests act as a bridge between dense evergreen and deciduous forests, showing characteristics of both types. Their mixed vegetation supports rich biodiversity and adapts well to moderate rainfall regions.

• Vegetation: These forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, creating a transitional ecosystem.
• Rainfall: They thrive in areas receiving 200–250 cm of annual rainfall.
• Distribution: Found mainly in Assam, Odisha, and the lower Himalayan regions.
• Flora: Common trees include Rosewood, Champa, Mango, and Laurel.

(c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests

Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests shed their leaves in the dry season to save water.

• Leaf Shedding: Trees in these forests shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water.
• Rainfall: These forests grow in regions receiving 100–200 cm of rainfall annually.
• Distribution: They are mainly found in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and northeastern states.
• Flora: Common trees include Teak, Sal, Bamboo, and Amla.

(d) Littoral and Swamp Forests (Mangroves)

Littoral and Swamp Forests grow in coastal and waterlogged areas, adapting to wet and saline conditions.

• Habitat: These forests grow in coastal regions and waterlogged areas, adapting to saline and wet conditions.
• Distribution: Found mainly in the Sundarbans and Andaman Islands, forming dense mangrove ecosystems.
• Flora: Dominant species include Sundari, Rhizophora, and various palms.
• Importance: They protect coastlines from erosion, support fisheries, and act as carbon sinks, contributing to environmental stability.

Also read – Biogeographic Zones of India

2. Dry Tropical Forests

Dry tropical forests highlight how vegetation adapts to scarce rainfall and prolonged dry seasons. Beyond these arid landscapes, the next types of forest in India emerge in hilly regions with varying altitude and climate.

These forests survive in low rainfall and seasonal droughts.

(a) Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests

Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests receive around 100 cm of annual rainfall, allowing them to survive in semi-moist conditions.

• Rainfall: These forests get about 100 cm of rainfall annually, which helps them survive in semi-moist conditions.
• Distribution: They are mainly located in the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, where the climate is suitable for their growth.
• Flora: The major trees include Neem, Tamarind, and Jamun, which provide shade, fruits, and medicinal benefits.

(b) Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests grow in regions receiving 100–150 cm of annual rainfall, supporting trees that shed leaves in dry seasons.

• Rainfall: These forests thrive in areas receiving 100–150 cm of rainfall annually, supporting deciduous vegetation.
• Distribution: They are found across most of India, except in Rajasthan and the Western Ghats.
• Flora: The main trees include Teak, Rosewood, and Satinwood, valued for timber and other uses.

(c) Tropical Thorn Forests

Tropical Thorn Forests survive in areas with very low rainfall, less than 75 cm annually, making them highly drought-resistant.

• Rainfall: These forests receive very low rainfall, less than 75 cm annually, making them drought-resistant.
• Distribution: They are found in arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and parts of the Deccan plateau.
• Flora: Vegetation mainly includes hardy, drought-tolerant plants such as Cactus, Babul, and Acacia.

Also read – Narmada Bachao Andolan

3. Montane Sub-Tropical Forests

Montane sub-tropical forests show how elevation and cooler temperatures shape diverse plant species. Moving higher, the montane temperate forests adapt to even cooler climates with unique vegetation and wildlife.

These forests grow in hilly areas between 1000–2000 m altitude.

• Sub-tropical Broadleaf Hill Forests: Found in the Eastern Himalayas, these forests are dominated by Oaks and Chestnuts. They grow in moderate elevations with humid conditions and support diverse wildlife.
• Sub-tropical Moist Pine Forests: Located in the Western Himalayas, these forests are mainly composed of Chir Pine. They thrive in cooler, moist climates and provide timber and resin.
• Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forests: Found in the Shiwaliks and lower Himalayas, these forests consist of Olive and Acacia trees. They survive in areas with limited rainfall and help prevent soil erosion.

4. Montane Temperate Forests

Montane temperate forests thrive in cooler climates at mid-elevations, supporting a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. Beyond these zones, the harsh conditions of high altitudes give rise to alpine forests with hardy shrubs and conifers.

Found in cooler mountain climates with moderate rainfall.

• Montane Wet Temperate Forests: Found in Kerala hills and the Eastern Himalayas, these forests have cool temperatures and high rainfall, dominated by trees like Oak and Magnolia. They provide rich habitats for wildlife and maintain soil moisture.
• Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests: Located in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, these forests feature Cedars and Silver Firs. They thrive in moist, moderate climates and help protect watersheds and biodiversity.
• Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests: Present in Ladakh and Kinnaur, these forests have sparse vegetation with drought-resistant trees like Deodar, Oak, and Olive. They are adapted to dry, cold climates and prevent soil erosion.

5. Alpine Forests

Alpine forests survive in extreme cold and high-altitude conditions above 3000 m, featuring hardy shrubs and specialized vegetation. These forests mark the upper limit of tree growth in the Himalayas before the snowline begins.

Located above 3000 m elevation in the Himalayas.

• Sub-alpine Scrub: Found just below the tree line in the Himalayas, it mainly consists of hardy plants like Rhododendrons and Betula that can survive cold and harsh conditions. These plants help prevent soil erosion and provide shelter for wildlife.
• Moist Alpine Scrub: Occurs in higher altitudes with more rainfall, dominated by Birch and Rhododendrons. This scrub supports biodiversity and acts as a natural barrier against landslides.
• Dry Alpine Scrub: Grows in cold, arid regions of the Himalayas, featuring drought-resistant plants like Junipers and Honeysuckle. These species are adapted to low rainfall and help stabilize mountain slopes.

Also read – Biogeographic Zones of India

6. Littoral and Swamp Forests

Littoral and swamp forests thrive in coastal and waterlogged areas, forming unique ecosystems. They play a crucial role in protecting shorelines and supporting diverse wildlife.

Special category forests that include mangroves and swamp vegetation.

• Protect coasts from erosion
• Provide habitats for tigers, crocodiles, and migratory birds

Types of Forest in India Importance 

The different types of forest in India are not only vital for nature but also for human life, supporting biodiversity, resources, and climate stability.

• Maintain ecological balance – Forests help keep the environment stable by regulating rainfall, temperature, and water cycles, supporting wildlife and plant diversity.
• Source of timber, medicines, fruits, bamboo – Forests provide essential resources like wood, medicinal plants, fruits, and bamboo, which are used by humans for daily life and industries.
• Control soil erosion and floods – Tree roots hold the soil together, preventing erosion, while forests absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of floods.
• Act as carbon sinks reducing global warming – Forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to lower greenhouse gases and combat climate change.
• Provide livelihood to tribal communities – Many tribal and rural communities depend on forests for food, fuel, shelter, and traditional occupations.

Also read – Biogeographic Zones of India

Forest Types in India Major Distribution 

The distribution of major forest types in India shows how different regions support diverse ecosystems based on climate, rainfall, and topography. Understanding this spread helps us appreciate the ecological and economic importance of each forest type across the country.

Forest Type	% of Total Forest Cover	Major States
Moist Tropical	35%	Kerala, Karnataka, NE states
Dry Tropical	40%	MP, Chhattisgarh, TN, Gujarat
Montane Sub-tropical	10%	Himachal, Uttarakhand, NE
Montane Temperate	8%	J&K, Sikkim, Himachal
Alpine	5%	Ladakh, Arunachal, Uttarakhand
Mangroves	2%	West Bengal, A&N Islands

Conclusion

Types of forest in India reflects the country’s unique geography and climate. From dense evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to alpine scrub in Ladakh, each forest type supports different species, resources, and ecological functions. Forests regulate water, soil, air, and climate, making them essential for life. Protecting these forests is not just about saving trees, but about sustaining biodiversity, culture, and future generations. Understanding the types of forest in India helps us value their role in ecology and human survival.

 

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