New Delhi: During the rainy or monsoon season, the forests might receive as much or more rainfall as a rainforest, which makes them lush and green. They are filled with woody vines and epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants). During this season, the ‘closed canopy’ means little light reaches the forest floor. However, when the dry season arrives, the forests transform. Despite the challenging conditions, most trees shed their leaves to conserve precious moisture, and many woody plants shaded by the wet-season canopy take the opportunity to flower and fruit, showcasing the remarkable resilience of these natural ecosystems. Let us look at the top 10 largest forests in India.
Top 10 largest forests in India
Sundarbans
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Namdapha National Park
Gir National Park
Jim Corbett National Park
Kanha National Park
Bandipur National Park
Saranda Forest
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Pichavaram Forest
Sundarbans
The Sundarbans is India’s largest forest, covering a 10,277 km² area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers, which flow into the Bay of Bengal. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and natural protection against cyclones and tsunamis, benefiting millions living along the coast. The Sundarbans are home to the Royal Bengal Tigers, uniquely adapted to the watery landscape of tidal channels and mudflats.
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve spans 5,520 km² in the Western Ghats, covering Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The name “Nilgiris” or “blue mountains” comes from the purplish-blue flowers of the plant Strobilanthes Kunthiana, which blooms once every 12 years. The reserve includes national parks and sanctuaries such as Mudumalai, Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Mukurthi, which house tigers, Asian elephants and the endangered Nilgiri tahr.
Namdapha National Park
Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Namdapha National Park covers 1,985.23 km² and is one of the most biodiverse areas in the Eastern Himalayas. Its elevation ranges from 200 m to over 4,500 m, encompassing tropical rainforests and temperate and alpine forests. The park is not just a scenic wonder but a crucial hub for biodiversity conservation, home to four species of big cats: the tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard. Rare species like the red panda and the Namdapha flying squirrel are found only in this region, underlining the park’s significance in preserving unique species.
Gir National Park
It spreads over 1,410.30 km² in Gir National Park, Gujarat, and is the sole home of Asiatic lions. The landscape of dry deciduous forests mixed with scrub and grasslands provides a suitable habitat for lions, leopards, hyenas, and chital. The park’s teak forests and rich avian diversity make it a prime bird area.
Jim Corbett National Park
Situated in Uttarakhand and covering 1,318 km², Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park, established in 1936. It was primarily established to protect Bengal tigers, a sensitive and endangered species, and played a significant role in initiating Project Tiger in 1973. The park’s landscape includes hills, riverine belts, large marshy depressions, and grasslands. It boasts a wide variety of vegetation types and ecosystems.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, covers 940 km². It is not just a park but the most critical area for conserving Bengal tigers. Established in 1955, it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973. This national park has thick sal forests, lush bamboo, and large grasslands.
Bandipur National Park
In Karnataka, within the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, lies Bandipur National Park, covering 868.63 km². It features a mix of dry and moist deciduous forests at the crossroads of the Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau. Bandipur was among the first chosen sites to protect the Bengal Tiger under Project Tiger. Other significant species are the Indian elephant, gaur and dhole.
Saranda Forest
The Saranda Forest in Jharkhand, known as Asia’s largest sal forest, spans 820 km². It represents a high biodiversity of both flora and fauna and is crucial for the local community’s livelihood. The forest sustains elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to its conservation and the significant role of local communities in preserving these natural habitats.
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
In Meghalaya, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove covers about 302 km² and is a unique example of traditional conservation by the local Khasi tribes. The Khasi consider this grove holy and untouched by human beings, and the ecosystem prospers.
Pichavaram Forest
Near the coast of Tamil Nadu, the Pichavaram Forest extends over 110 km² and is one of India’s most crucial mangrove ecosystems. Due to the islands and water channels within it, the forest provides a home for various fish, birds, and marine life. The forest also serves as a natural defence against cyclones and tsunamis.
A forest is an ecosystem characterised by a dense community of trees. Hundreds of definitions of forests are used worldwide, considering factors such as tree density, tree height, land use, legal standing, and ecological function. In this article, we will examine the top 10 largest forests in India. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
