Variation is seen in the distribution of forests on the basis of geographical regions in Rajasthan. The nature of rainfall is mainly responsible for this variation. Only 9.32 per cent of total area of Rajasthan is covered with forests. The cover of dense forests in Rajasthan is only on 3.83 per cent of the total area of entire state. The forest area in Rajasthan per capita is only 0.03 hectare.
The forests found in Rajasthan are classified into the following categories, on the basis of geographical conditions and administration:
The form of geographical classification in the distribution of forests has been given below:
1. Tropical Thorny Forests: These types of forests are found in the arid and semi-arid regions of western Rajasthan. Tropical thorny vegetation is found in the districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Pali, Bikaner, Churu, Nagaur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu etc. The tree of Khejri is an important vegetation of this type of forest. Besides it, Ber, Kair, Thor and other shrubs are also found in these forests.
2. Sub – Tropical Mountain Forests: These forests are found only in the Abu mountainous region. Evergreen and semi – evergreen vegetation is seen in this type of forests. The trees of Mango, Bamboo, Teak and Neem are mainly seen in sub – Tropical mountain forests. These forests are found only in an area of 0.5 per cent.
3. Tropical Arid Autumn Forests: These forests are extended in a very large area of Rajasthan. These types of forests are found in the central and south – eastern part of Rajasthan where average annual rainfall is from 50 to 100 cm. There are several sub – types of these forest in Rajasthan, i.e. dry teak forests, salar forests, bamboo forests, dhonkara forests, palash forests, babool forests and mixed autumn forests.
The forests that are found in the state of Rajasthan have been shown in the following map:
