Forest Types of India — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. Himalayan Moist Temperate

Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is the dominant tree species of Himalayan Moist Temperate forests found between 1500-3000 metres elevation in the Himalayas. Known as the 'timber of the gods', deodar is a highly valued timber species used for construction and furniture. These forests are also home to oak, rhododendron, and other conifers. Deodar is the state tree of Himachal Pradesh.

Correct Answer: B. 1000-2000 metres

Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) forests are primarily found between 1000-2000 metres elevation in the outer Himalayas and Shivalik hills. These forests are fire-adapted and often form monoculture stands on dry south-facing slopes. Chir pine produces resin (turpentine) and timber used in construction. In Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Chir pine forests face threats from annual forest fires.

Correct Answer: B. Tropical Wet Evergreen

Silent Valley National Park in Kerala contains pristine Tropical Wet Evergreen forests, one of the last remaining undisturbed stretches of tropical rainforest in India. The park was saved from a hydroelectric project in the 1980s after a massive conservation campaign led by Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad. Silent Valley is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and harbours rare species like Lion-tailed Macaque. It receives over 3000 mm of annual rainfall.

Correct Answer: B. Northeastern states

Bamboo forests in India are most abundant in the Northeastern states, particularly Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These states account for nearly 66% of India's total bamboo resources. India is the world's second largest bamboo producer after China. Bamboo is used for construction, paper, handicrafts, and as food (bamboo shoots) in northeastern cuisine.

Correct Answer: A. 50,000 ha per year

India's average annual deforestation rate is approximately 50,000 hectares per year according to various estimates, though the government's official reports often show net forest gain due to plantation programmes. The main drivers of deforestation are agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and illegal encroachment. India's National Forest Policy 1988 set a target of 33% forest cover for the country. Afforestation campaigns like Van Mahotsav aim to compensate for tree loss.

Correct Answer: B. Moist Deciduous Forests

Sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant tree in Moist Deciduous Forests, particularly in northern and central India including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. Sal wood is extremely hard and durable, widely used for railway sleepers, construction, and furniture. Sal forests also support important wildlife like elephants, tigers, and leopards. The Sal tree is held sacred by many tribal communities across India.

Correct Answer: B. Government-led afforestation on non-forest and degraded land for community benefit

Social Forestry refers to the government-led afforestation programme on non-forest and degraded lands aimed at meeting rural community needs for fuel, fodder, timber, and minor forest products. The concept was popularised in India during the 1970s-80s as a strategy to reduce pressure on natural forests. Farm forestry, agroforestry, and roadside tree plantations are components of social forestry. It also involves participation of local communities in forest management.

Correct Answer: C. Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests have the highest biodiversity in India, as they provide year-round warm and humid conditions that support diverse plant and animal life. The Western Ghats and Northeast India Tropical Wet Evergreen forests are recognised as global biodiversity hotspots. These forests contain thousands of plant species including endemic orchids, ferns, and flowering plants. They are also home to unique fauna like Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, and various endemic bird species.

Correct Answer: B. Forest with maximum protection where most activities are prohibited

Reserved Forest under the Indian Forest Act 1927 means forest land with maximum legal protection where all activities including grazing, collection of minor forest produce, and habitation are prohibited unless specifically permitted. Reserved Forests cover about 75% of India's classified forest area. Violations in Reserved Forests are punishable with imprisonment and fines. This category was created to protect forests from over-exploitation.

Correct Answer: C. February to June

Forest fire season in India generally extends from February to June when vegetation is dry and temperatures are high. The most fire-prone period is March to May. Chir pine forests in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and dry deciduous forests in central India are particularly vulnerable. Forest fires destroy habitat, kill wildlife, and release large amounts of carbon dioxide. The Forest Survey of India monitors forest fires using satellite imagery.