Top 10 Indian states with highest forest area

Top 10 Indian states with highest forest area

India is a large and diverse country and is one of the 17 mega biodiversity areas in the world. Its land area extends from the world's wettest regions to very dry deserts, from coastlines to alpine regions, and from river deltas to tropical islands. The diversity and distribution of forest vegetation is large and includes tropical evergreen, tropical deciduous, swamp, mangrove, subtropical, montane, shrubland, sub-alpine and alpine forests. In this we will talk about the largest forested state of India.

10. Tamil Nadu

The forest area of Tamil Nadu is 22,877 km² which is 17.59% of the total geographical area of the state. Here we find the famous Nilgiri mountain range, the gem of the Eastern Ghats. The forests of Tamil Nadu provide a wonderful opportunity to nature and wildlife lovers to see many endemic species of flora and fauna.

9. Jharkhand

With a total forest area of 23,605 sq km, Jharkhand is a paradise for nature lovers. Do you know that Saranda forest of Jamshedpur is the largest Sal forest in Asia? Quite interestingly, the name Jharkhand means land covered with forests.

8. Assam

The recorded forest area of Assam totals 26,832 km², which is 34.21% of its geographical area. If we look at their legal status, reserved forests constitute 66.58% of the total forest area and unclassified forests constitute 33.42% of the total forest area. Conservation and protection of these forests is important, as they are essential for biodiversity.

7. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has significant forest area (about 37,258 km²), which includes tropical dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests and mangrove forests along its coastline. When you are in Andhra Pradesh, one cannot ignore the Nallamala Forest, one of the largest undisturbed stretches of forest in South India. This forest is spread across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and is part of the Eastern Ghats.

6. Karnataka

With 43,382 sq km of total recorded forest area, Karnataka is home to five tiger reserves, 30 wildlife sanctuaries, 15 conservation reserves and 1 community reserve. The forests of Karnataka have always attracted wildlife and nature lovers. There is never a dull moment when there are places like Bandipur, Kabini, Kudremukh, Nagarhole and Agumbe.

5. Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is home to vast expanses of forests, including tropical moist deciduous forests and dry deciduous forests, making it one of the states with significant forest cover in India. An area of approximately 59,772 square km is recorded as forest area.

4. Odisha

Odisha boasts vast forested areas spanning around 61,204.17 sq km, encompassing diverse ecosystems such as tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and coastal mangrove forests. This makes it a prime destination for immersing oneself in nature's wonders.

3. Maharashtra

With a vast forest area totaling 61,907.08 km², Maharashtra exhibits a rich diversity of forest ecosystems, including tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests and mangrove forests along its coastline. The Sahyadris, also known as the Western Ghats, contribute significantly to this diversity. Notable districts of Maharashtra including Amravati, Aurangabad, Chandrapur, Dhule, Gadchiroli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Thane and Yavatmal are known for their extensive forest coverage, with Gadchiroli leading the way.

2. Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh boasts around 83,743 sq km of forest area, ranking closely behind the state with the largest forest cover in India. Renowned for its diverse wildlife and untouched forests, the region features a wide range of forests, from tropical rainforests to subalpine forests. Surveys indicate that Arunachal Pradesh harbors approximately 20% of India's fauna.

1. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh boasts of the largest forest area in India, with a total area of 94,689 km², which is 30.7% of the total geographical extension of the state. The state is home to a rich diversity of forests, ranging from tropical moist deciduous to tropical dry deciduous and subtropical montane forests. Famous names of these diverse forest areas include Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Panpatha and Pench.

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