Chapter 1 Forest, Wildlife and its Conservation — OUR RAJASTHAN STD 7 — Question

About 10% of the total area of Rajasthan is covered with forest. Its classification is as follows:

Classification of forests from a legal point of view:

1. Reserve Forest: These forests are under government control. They are environmentally important hence cutting of trees and grazing of animals is strictly banned here. This type of forest occupies more than one third of the total forest area.
2. Protected Forest: These forests are also under government control, but under certain regulations permission is given for cutting trees and animal grazing here. These type of forests cover more than half of the total forest area.
3. Unclassified Forest: In these forests, no government restriction applies, for cutting of trees and animal grazing.

Geographical classification of forests:

1. Tropical Thorny Forest:
These forests are found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. Thorny trees and shrubs are found in these forests. The main trees here are Rohida, Khejadi, Dhaukra, Ber, Babul, Kair, Neem etc. This desert vegetation is also called Xerophytes.

2. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest:
These forests are also called monsoon forests. Most of the wood is sturdy of these forests. The trees of these forests shed their leaves during summer season. Trees like Teak, Banyan, Mango, Tendu, Saalar, Mahua, Guler, Dhonk, Dhaak, Sal, Custardapple, Bamboo, Indian gooseberry, Neem, Indian rosewood, etc. are found in these forests.

3. Semi Tropical Evergreen Forest:
These forests are always green, hence they are called Evergreen Forest. They are found in the hilly regions of Abu. They are found only in the high hilly areas. Mainly Mango, Bamboo and Teak are found in these forests.