Government Of Bihar

Distribution of the Forests: The state has got natural sal forests in the district of West Champaran in the terai region of shivaliks. Besides, Sal forests are abundant in the southern Bihar in the districts of Kaimur,Rohatas,Aurangabad,Gaya,Jamui,Munger and Banka. The West Champaran district has moist deciduous Sal forest while south Bihar has dry deciduous Sal Forests. Most of the Natural Forests are notified as protected Forests. The Distribution of Forests in the Bihar State is as follows:

 

The state of Bihar presently has 6845 sq km notified natural forest area which is 7.27% of the geographical area of the state. These natural forests are spread in the districts of West Champaran, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Jahanabad, Nawada, Nalanda,Munger,Banka and Jamui. The north Bihar except West Champaran is devoid of Natural Forests.

The Plant Species Composition: The important Tree species of Bihar are Sal (Shorea robusta), Shisham, Teak, Gamhar, Kadamb, Semal ,Neem Peepal Bargad,Arjun, Asan, Haldu,Mahua and Kend etc .

Important wildlife species of Bihar: The State of Bihar is rich in wild animals. The important Terrestrial species are Tiger , Leopard, Bear, Hyena, Bison, Chital, Barking Deer etc. Besides there are many varieties of Crocodile, Magars and Fishes, Gangetic turtles in River systems. Bihar has got the privilege of having the National Aquetic animal , Fresh water Dolphin in the River Ganges,Kosi ,Gandak, Mahanada and Paimar rivers of the state etc. Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary has been notified at Bhagalpur portion of the River Ganges. Bihar is also famous for different wetlands and many varieties of local bird species as well as migratory birds. Different Natural wetlands like Kanwar lake, Baraila lake, Kusheshwar nath Lake, Udaypur lake and man made lakes Nagi Dam& Nakti Dam have been declared as Bird Sanctuary. The Bihar has breeding population of greater adjutants in Naugachia area of Bhagalpur district. The state has constructed a Rescue and Rehabilitation centre at Bhagalpur.

The sub Himalayan foothill of Someshwar and Dun ranges in Champaran constitute another belt of moist deciduous forests. These also consists of scrub, grass and reeds. Here the rainfall is above 1,600 mm and thus promotes luxuriant Sal forests in the favoured areas. The hot and dry summer gives the deduous forests. The most important trees are Shorea Robusta (Sal), Shisham, Cedrela Toona, Khair, and Semal. This type of forests also occurs in Saharasa and Purnia districts.

Forests in Bihar

1.Bihar Forests - At a Glance:

2.Protected Areas:

3.Details of Protected Areas:

Source: Bihar Forest Department