![]() The Indian dry deciduous forests are mainly located at tropical and subtropical latitudes. They occur in climates that are warm, year-round, and may receive several hundred centimeters or rain per year. The seasonal droughts in these forests have a great impact on all the living beings, as the trees lose moisture through their leaves, during this time. In spite of being less biologically diverse than rainforests, the Indian dry deciduous forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Some of the most notable animals include monkeys, large cats, parrots, various rodents, and ground dwelling birds. The Mammalian biomass also tends to live in higher numbers in dry forests than in rain forests. ![]() Among the Indian dry deciduous forests, the South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests are not exceptionally outstanding for biological richness or endemism. The South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests are located on the lee side of the Western Ghats Mountain Range. The forests in this region extend across the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and their vegetation is highly influenced by climate. As the tall Western Ghats Mountain Range intercepts the moisture from the southwest monsoon, the eastern slopes and the Deccan Plateau receive very little rainfall. The annual rainfall in these forests ranges from 900 to 1,500 millimeters (mm). The Indian dry deciduous forests in this region have a three-storied structure, with an upper canopy at 15-25 meters, an understory at 10-15 meters, and undergrowth at 3-5 meters. The vegetation in these forests is characterised by Boswellia serrata, Anogeissus latifolia, Acacia catechu, Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia paniculata, Terminalia belirica, Chloroxylon swietenia, Albizzia amara, Cassia fistula, Hardwickia binata, Dalbergia latifolia, etc. The forests are also home to several important populations of India's large threatened vertebrates. One of the most important among them is the elephant population that ranges from the Nilgiri Hills to the Eastern Ghats. Some of the other important species include the Asian elephant, wild dog, sloth bear, chousingha, gaur, and grizzled giant squirrel. |