Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests are transitional forests between tropical wet evergreen forests and tropical deciduous forests. They are comparatively drier areas compared to tropical wet evergreen forests.
Climatic Conditions
- The average annual rainfall is 200-250 cm.
- The average yearly temperature ranges from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius.
- The relative humidity level is around 75%.
- In comparison to tropical evergreen forests, the dry season is not as short.
Soil
- Most part of the tropical semi-evergreen forests have red soils, laterites, black soils and humid soils.
- In comparison to silt, the soils are dominate by sand and clay.
- With increasing soil depths, a declining trend in soil organic carbon (SOC) was detected.
- Increased carbon return in the form of litterfall is the result of a dense canopy and thick undercover.
- This will contribute to a large amount of organic matter on the forest floor.
Flora
- Several commercially important tree species can be found in these forests.
- Tree trunks are frequently buttressed and cover in epiphytes.
- The laurel, rosewood, mesua, white cedar, Indian chestnut, champa, and other significant species.
- Teak, Jamun, cashew, hog plum, coral tree, jasmine, and crossandra are some of the indigenous and unfamiliar tree and plant species found in this forest.
Importance of Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests
- Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests plays a significant role in hydrology and watershed management.
- The peninsular Indian states, which derive the majority of their water from rivers that originate in the Western Ghats, have a population of about 245 million people.
- As a result, the region’s land and water support the livelihoods of millions of people.
- The rain-laden monsoon winds that sweep in from the south-west during late summer are intercept by the trees of these forests, which act as a crucial barrier.
- The extraordinarily high amount of biological variety and endemism in these forests is a distinguishing feature.
Also Read: Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests
