Tropical Evergreen Forests
Tropical evergreen forests, often referred to as rainforests, are found in regions that receive heavy rainfall, generally exceeding 200 cm annually. In India, these forests are primarily located in the Western Ghats, island groups like Lakshadweep, Andaman, Nicobar Islands, and parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu. The continuous warm and moist climate results in a rich biodiversity with plants, trees, and animal species.
Key Characteristics
- Height: The trees can reach impressive heights of up to 60 meters or more.
- Layered Structure: The dense vegetation creates a multilayered structure of flora, including tall trees, shrubs, and creeping plants.
- Year-Round Greenery: Unlike deciduous forests, these forests do not have a defined leaf-shedding season, making them appear green all year round.
Important Flora and Fauna
- Commercially Important Trees: Some significant tree species found in these forests include ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.
- Wildlife: These forests are home to various animals such as elephants, monkeys, lemurs, deer, and one-horned rhinoceroses in Assam and West Bengal. A rich avian population also thrives, including an array of birds, bats, sloths, and other species.
The importance of tropical evergreen forests lies in their contribution to ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, and their economic value through resources like timber and medicinal plants.