5.1.1. Tropical Evergreen Forests

These forests are restricted to heavy rainfall areas of the Western Ghats and the island groups of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar, upper parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu coast. They are at their best in areas having more than 200 cm of rainfall with a short dry season.

Tropical evergreen forests thrive in regions that receive a lot of rainfall, specifically over 200 centimeters. This type of climate ensures that these forests remain lush and green year-round. Western Ghats and certain islands like Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar, along with parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu, are key locations where these forests can be found.

Think of these locations like a garden that receives abundant water; just like a garden flourishes with proper watering, the tropical evergreen forests thrive in areas with consistent rainfall.

The trees reach great heights up to 60 metres or even above. Since the region is warm and wet throughout the year, it has a luxuriant vegetation of all kinds — trees, shrubs and creepers giving it a multilayered structure.

In tropical evergreen forests, trees can grow extremely tall, often reaching heights of over 60 meters. This vertical growth, along with warm and moist conditions, leads to a rich diversity of plant life. You'll find layers of vegetation including towering trees, smaller shrubs, and creeping plants, creating a complex, layered structure that provides habitats for various animals.

Imagine a skyscraper in a busy city; just as different floors might house offices, restaurants, and apartments, different layers of vegetation in these forests provide various homes for wildlife.

There is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves. As such, these forests appear green all the year round.

Unlike deciduous trees that shed their leaves at specific times of the year, trees in tropical evergreen forests do not have a set schedule for leaf shedding. This continuous greenery results in these forests being classified as evergreen, meaning they maintain a lush appearance throughout all seasons.

It's like having a plant that never goes dormant; it keeps growing and stays green all the time, making your space look vibrant throughout the year.

Some of the commercially important trees of this forest are ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona.

Tropical evergreen forests are not just important for biodiversity, but they also contain many trees that are valuable for commercial purposes. You’ll find species like ebony, mahogany, and rosewood, which are prized for their quality wood. Additionally, rubber trees are crucial for producing natural rubber, and cinchona is notable for its bark that contains quinine, used in medicine.

Similar to how a grocery store sells different products, these forests offer a variety of resources that industries rely on for wood products and other materials.

The common animals found in these forests are elephant, monkey, lemur and deer. One-horned rhinoceroses are found in the jungles of Assam and West Bengal. Besides these animals, plenty of birds, bats, sloth, scorpions and snails are also found in these jungles.

These forests are home to a wide range of animal species. You can find large mammals like elephants and unique species like the one-horned rhinoceros. Various smaller animals like monkeys, lemurs, and deer also inhabit these areas. Additionally, a plethora of bird species, bats, and even reptiles like scorpions contribute to the diversity of wildlife.

Imagine walking through a bustling neighborhood filled with different types of people; each has their unique traits and contributions. Similarly, the tropical evergreen forests are bustling with diverse animal species, each playing a role in the ecosystem.

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