Tropical moist deciduous forests are one of the most common forests in India. Tropical deciduous forest, also known as “Monsoon Forest” is a type of vegetation that occurs in regions that receive good amounts of rainfall for a part of the year and experience a dry climate for the other half. Thus they are found in the tropics region which suits their desirable climatic conditions.

Climatic Conditions

• Annual rainfall 100 to 200 cm.
• Mean annual temperature of about 27°C
• The average annual relative humidity of 60 to 75 per cent.
• Spring (between winter and summer) and summer are dry.

Characteristics

• The trees drop their leaves during the spring and early summer when sufficient moisture is not available.
• The general appearance is bare in extreme summers (April-May).
• Tropical moist deciduous forests present irregular top storey [25 to 60 m].
• Heavily buttressed trees and fairly complete undergrowth.
• These forests occupy a much larger area than the evergreen forests but large tracts under these forests have been cleared for cultivation.

Distribution

The tropical moist deciduous forest encompasses the following region

• A belt of Eastern Ghats, encircling the evergreen forest belt.
• From 77° E to 88° E, a strip of terai and bhabar runs along the Shiwalik mountain.
• Manipur and Mizoram.
• Eastern Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh hills.
• Plateau of Chota Nagpur.
• Odisha as a whole.
• West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are included.

Soil

• Since topsoil is frequently washed away driven by strong rains, these forests may have poor soil.
• In addition, the cover is so dense that only a few smaller plants can thrive.
• The presence of trees helps to keep soil in place, which helps to prevent erosion.
• Fallen trees also play a vital role in nutrient conservation and cycling, as well as erosion reduction.
• Windbreaks created by trees also serve to keep topsoil from being blown away.

Economic Importance

• The tropical moist deciduous forests are one of the best forests in terms of export, import, and revenue, according to India’s economic resource pooling.
• These forests offer abundant supplies of Sal, Teak, Rosewood, and Sandalwood trees.
• These are utilized for logging as well as the manufacture of a variety of products such as railway lines, structures, furniture, and a variety of other items.
• Sandalwood of good grade is sold on the international market for a premium price.
• The Muthanga sanctuary in Kerala is home to a diverse range of birds and animals, including tropical moist dry deciduous, evergreen forests, bamboo thickets, and plantations.

Also Read : Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests