Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest occurring in the temperate zone of the Himalayas between 1500 and 3300 metres where the annual rainfall varies from 150 cm to 250 cm, the Himalayan moist temperate forests cover the entire length of this mountain range in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Climatic Conditions
- Precipitation is mostly cause of cyclonic disturbances from the Mediterranean Sea throughout the winter.
- The rainfall ranges from 1000 to 2500 mm, with an altitudinal range of 1500 to 5500 metres.
- The aspect and layout of the ground may affect the height range.
- The state of Jammu and Kashmir receives an annual rainfall of 1150 mm (Bhaderwah).
- From July to October, the south-west monsoon provides the majority of the rain.
- These forests grow best on gneiss and schists, although they can also thrive on conglomerate and shales.
- Quartzites, granites, and limestones are the most common substrates for the himalayan moist temperate forests
Distribution
- Occurs in the temperate zone of the Himalayas between 1500 and 3300 metres.
- Cover the entire length of this mountain range in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Characteristics
- These are closed evergreen forests. Trunks have large girth.
- Branches are clothed with mosses, ferns and other epiphytes.
- The trees rarely achieve a height of more than 6 metres.
- Deodar, Chilauni, Indian chestnut, birch, plum, machilus, cinnamomum, litsea, magnolia, blue pine, oak, hemlock, etc. are important species.
- Mainly composed of coniferous species.
- Species occur in mostly pure strands.
- Pines, cedars, silver firs, spruce, etc. are the most important trees.
- They form high but fairly open forest with shrubby undergrowth including oaks, rhododendrons and some bamboos
Timber
- It provides fine wood which is of much use for construction, timber and railway sleepers.
Threats
- Forests have been ruthlessly cut down, reducing tree density in community forests.
- Fodder, fuelwood, and sawn timber are harvest from both reserve and community forests, wreaking havoc on forest vegetation.
Also Read : Montane Wet Temperate Forests
