Forestry in India - Biodiversity in Indian Forests

Biodiversity in Indian Forests

Indian forests are more than trees and an economic resource. They are home to some of earth's unique flora and fauna.

Indian forests represent one of the 12 mega biodiverse regions of the world. India's Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are amongst the 32 biodiversity hotspots on earth.

India is home to 12 percent of world's recorded flora, some 47000 species of flowering and non-flowering plants. Over 59000 species of insects, 2500 species of fishes, 17000 species of angiosperms live in Indian forests. About 90000 animal species, representing over 7 percent of earth's recorded faunal species have been found in Indian forests. Over 4000 mammal species are found here. India has one of the richest variety of bird species on earth, hosting about 12.5 percent of known species of birds. Many of these flora and fauna species are endemic to India.

Indian forests and wetlands serve as temporary home to many migrant birds.

Read more about this topic:  Forestry In India

Famous quotes containing the words indian and/or forests:

    But we, in anchor-watches calm,
    The Indian Psyche’s languor won,
    And, musing, breathed primeval balm
    From Edens ere yet over-run;
    Marvelling mild if mortal twice,
    Here and hereafter, touch a Paradise.
    Herman Melville (1819–1891)

    Ye say they all have passed away,
    That noble race and brave;
    That their light canoes have vanished
    From off the crested wave;
    That, mid the forests where they roamed,
    There rings no hunters’ shout;
    But their name is on your waters,
    Ye may not wash it out.
    Lydia Huntley Sigourney (1791–1865)