Tropical Evergreen Forest, Maps, Types and Trees

Tropical Evergreen Forest: Tropical evergreen forests, commonly referred to as tropical rainforests, flourish in warm and humid areas near the equator, presenting lush and diverse ecosystems. Marked by dense vegetation, rich biodiversity, and consistent rainfall year-round, these forests are a fascinating subject of exploration. This article aims to delve into the realm of tropical evergreen forests, examining their geographical distribution, showcasing various types, and exploring notable tree species that contribute to these extraordinary ecosystems.

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What are Tropical Evergreen Forest?

Evergreen Tropical Tropical rainforests, another name for forests, are humid, warm regions close to the tropics where they grow and create complex, varied ecosystems. These forests are notable for their consistently high rainfall, profusion of green plants, and plant and animal species diversity. They also have tall trees that together form a dense canopy that blocks out sunlight and creates a unique microclimate below.

In addition to their ecological value, these forests are essential for maintaining the equilibrium of the world’s climate, providing habitat for a wide variety of species, and promoting the welfare of nearby communities. Tropical evergreen forests are widely recognized as among of the most significant and breathtaking ecosystems on Earth, and they represent ecological significance.

Characteristics of Tropical Evergreen Forest

Tropical evergreen forests possess several distinct characteristics that contribute to their unique and diverse ecosystems. These forests are dense, with a multilayered canopy, and remain green year-round due to consistent rainfall. They harbor an incredible biodiversity, including a wide variety of plant and animal species. The humid climate and nutrient-rich soils further support rapid growth and complex ecological interactions. Here are the key features of these forests:

1. High Biodiversity: Tropical evergreen forests are known for their exceptional biodiversity. They support a wide variety of plant and animal species, including numerous endemic and rare species.
2. Dense Canopy: The forest is dominated by tall and closely spaced trees that form a dense canopy. This canopy limits the amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor, creating a shaded and humid environment.
3. Year-round Greenery: Due to consistent temperature and abundant rainfall, tropical evergreen forests maintain green foliage throughout the year, earning them the name “evergreen.”
4. Multi-layered Structure: These forests exhibit a multi-layered structure with different levels of vegetation, including an upper canopy, understory, and forest floor. This layered structure supports diverse life forms at various heights.
5. Epiphytes and Vines: Tropical evergreen forests are known for their abundance of epiphytes, such as orchids and ferns, which grow on the branches of trees. Vines and lianas are also common, climbing and intertwining among the trees.
6. Rich Soil: The continuous leaf litter and rapid decomposition in these forests contribute to the development of nutrient-rich soil.
7. Sensitive to Disturbances: Tropical evergreen forests are highly sensitive to disturbances like deforestation, logging, and climate change, which can disrupt their delicate ecological balance and lead to species loss.

In summary, tropical evergreen forests are characterized by their high biodiversity, dense canopy, year-round greenery, multi-layered structure, abundance of epiphytes and vines, rich soil, and vulnerability to disturbances. These forests are of immense ecological importance and deserve conservation efforts to protect their unique and fragile ecosystems.

Tropical Evergreen Forest in India

In India, areas with regular warm temperatures and heavy rainfall are home to tropical evergreen forests. The northeastern states, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the eastern Ghats, and the western slopes of the Western Ghats are the primary locations of these forests. Key characteristics of India’s tropical evergreen forests are as follows:

1. Biodiversity Hotspots: India’s tropical evergreen forests are considered biodiversity hotspots due to their rich and diverse flora and fauna. They are home to numerous endemic plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones.
2. Lush Green Canopy: These forests exhibit a dense and continuous canopy formed by tall trees that block much of the sunlight, resulting in a shaded and humid environment on the forest floor.
3. Species Diversity: India’s tropical evergreen forests host a wide variety of tree species such as rosewood, teak, ebony, mahogany, and bamboo. They also support a diverse range of animal species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, various monkey species, and a plethora of bird and insect species.
4. Epiphytes and Vines: The forest vegetation is often adorned with abundant epiphytes like orchids, ferns, and mosses. Vines and lianas are also prevalent, climbing and intertwining among the trees.
5. Fragile Ecosystems: These forests are highly susceptible to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change, posing a significant threat to their delicate ecosystems and the unique species they support.
6. Ecological Importance: Tropical evergreen forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, regulating local climate, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna.
7.  Apart from the above characteristics,  tropical evergreen forest covers around 7% of earth surface and in India are mostly found in the regions receiving more than 200cm rainfall and maintaining temperatures between 15-30 degree Celsius.

India’s tropical evergreen forests are vital ecosystems that require conservation efforts to safeguard their biodiversity and ecological integrity. Preservation of these forests is not only important for the local communities and wildlife but also contributes to global environmental sustainability.

States where Tropical rainforest are dominant –

1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Assam
4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
5. Maharashtra
6. Karnataka
7. Arunachal Pradesh
8. Meghalaya
9. Tripura
10. Nagaland
11. West Bengal

Let’s learn about the geography of tropical evergreen forest in detail and then about the flora and fauna in the regions.

Tropical Evergreen Forest Geographical Location in India

Originally stretching across the Indian subcontinent, India’s tropical evergreen forests were celebrated for their thick foliage and diverse wildlife. Unfortunately, human activities have significantly diminished their extent, confining them to the deltas of major rivers such as the Ganga, Godavari, Mahanadi, and Yamuna. The Western Ghats forests span multiple states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and parts of Tamil Nadu. The expansive mangroves in the Ganga delta in West Bengal, distinguished by the Sundari trees, rank among the world’s largest tidal forests.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands harbor impenetrable tropical evergreen forests and mangroves. Moreover, states like Assam, Odisha, Meghalaya, Tripura, and others showcase dense tropical forests. Despite some of these forests undergoing a shift towards semi-evergreen status due to heightened human-animal conflict and encroachment, their importance in fostering biodiversity and sustaining various plant and animal species remains undeniable.

To safeguard these invaluable habitats and protect wildlife, stringent protocols and restrictions on human activities are crucial. Preserving the integrity of these forests is essential for their rejuvenation and ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The identified states with significant tropical evergreen forest cover include Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Types of Tropical Evergreen Forest in India

In India, different types of tropical evergreen forests can be found due to the country’s diverse geographical features and climatic conditions. Here are some of the notable types of tropical evergreen forests in India:

1. Western Ghats Forests encompass the Western Ghats mountain range, boasting a remarkable biodiversity. This habitat harbors an array of flora and fauna, earning its status as a global biodiversity hotspot.
2. North-eastern Hill Forests, situated in the northeastern states of India, stand out for their dense vegetation and distinctive species. Abundant rainfall enhances their lush greenery and promotes high species diversity.
3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Forests are celebrated for their pristine tropical evergreen expanses, including mangroves and diverse coastal vegetation. These forests are habitats for numerous endemic and rare species.
4. The Sundarbans Mangrove Forest in West Bengal claims the title of the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is renowned for its distinctive ecosystem, housing the iconic Royal Bengal tiger.
5. Kerala Backwaters Forests thrive along the backwaters of Kerala, featuring lush tropical evergreen landscapes that flourish in the wet and humid conditions of the region. These forests contribute to the unique beauty of the area.

These different types of tropical evergreen forests in India exhibit distinct characteristics and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance, supporting diverse plant and animal life, and providing various ecosystem services.

Tropical Evergreen Forest Animals In India

The tropical evergreen forest in India has rich and diverse wildlife and trees that can grow to a few hundred feet. These big trees with dense leaves and vegetation provide an ideal place for animals and birds to find a stable habitat. The typical animal species that are found in tropical evergreen forests in India are, namely, Elephants, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Tigers, King Cobras, Monkeys, Bats, Snails, Lemurs, Sloths, Bears, Indian Pythons. There are also innumerable endangered birds, which include owls, vultures, eagles, hawks etc.

Tropical Evergreen Forest Plant Species In India

The southern parts of India are where the Tropical Evergreen Forests are primarily located, mostly in the western ghats. The main vegetation found in these forests is ebony, mahogany, and rosewood. The trees and plant species found in Tropical Evergreen Forest In India, namely, White Cedar, Chestnut, Teak, Mango, Agar, Rosewood, Bamboo, Mahagony etc.

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