Indian Flora and Fauna of the Eastern Zone comprises of a huge variety. A large area of the eastern India is covered by dense forest having numerous species of plants and trees. Different soil forms and climatic variations have aided the growth different types of vegetation including mangrove forests, deciduous forests and evergreen forest. This flora also supports a number of fauna including birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and many more belonging to numerous species. Some of the endangered species are exclusively found in India.
Flora and Fauna of West Bengal
Flora and fauna of West Bengal is very rich owing to the varying geography ranging from Himalayas to coastal plains. About 14% of the total geographical area of the state is covered with forest. World`s largest mangrove forest is known as Sundarbans is located in this state. The wildlife of the state includes Indian rhinoceros, deer, leopards, crocodiles, gaur etc. A huge variety of birds is also prevalent in the state. High altitude forest of the state grows trees like barking deer, chinkara, red panda, takin, serow, pangolin, Kalij pheasants, minivet. Sunderbans of West Bengal houses the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, Gangetic dolphin, estuarine crocodile and river terrapin. Natural fish nursery of mangrove forest is also well known in the country. The combination of fertile alluvial soil and favourable rainfall makes the state ideal for the growth of a variety of vegetation. Species like Shorea robusta, Sal, Casuarina are quite common. Tropical evergreen forest of this region also shelters a number of trees. Temperate forest of West Bengal includes species like oaks, rhododendrons and conifers.
Flora and Fauna of Bihar
The state of Bihar has a great assortment of flora and fauna. Major species of fauna in the state includes tigers, nilgai, wild boar, sambhar, cheetal and kakkar. One of the most famous species is the Ganges River dolphins which is predominant in the Brahmaputra and the Ganges. Several wildlife sanctuaries in the state host a number of tigers. The major flora of the state includes sheesham, mangroves, scrubs, bent and many more.
Flora and Fauna of Jharkhand
Flora of Jharkhand mainly comprise of moist of dry deciduous forests. Important trees of this state include sal, jamun, gambhari, mahua, jack fruit, kendu, shisham, lac, katha, pesar, aasan, mango, baheda, bamboo. The tourism of the state is greatly enhanced by the rich flora and fauna of the state. Richest evergreen forest of the country is located in Jharkhand. Several wildlife sanctuaries and great forest cover shelters a number of fauna in the state. The prominent members of the fauna of Jharkhand include Bison, Elephant, Wolf, Antelope, Rabbit, Fox, Sambhar, Wild boar, Python, Squirrels, Blue bull, Mongoose, Jackal, Honey badger, Malabar giant, Tiger, Deer, Langur, Rhesus, Porcupine, Wild cat, etc.
Flora and Fauna of Orissa
Around one third of the total area of Orissa is under forests. Owing to the congenial climate of the state, it has become the home for a vast variety of flora and fauna. Mostly two categories of forest are dominant in Orissa viz. the tropical moist deciduous forests and the tropical dry deciduous forests. Flora of the state comprises of about 7000 varieties of plants. Over 120 species of orchids and 63 types of Mangroves are found in the state making it the second largest mangrove ecosystem of the country. Commercial trees of Orissa are Teak, Sal, Rosewood, Bamboo, Haldi, Paisal and Sanghvan. Vegetation having medicinal value is also abundant in this state. Vast variety of fauna is also sheltered in the state including about 86 species of mammals, 473 species of birds, 110 species of reptiles, 19 species of amphibians and 3 crocodilian species. Several endangered species like Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, white tigers, Irawaddy Dolphins, Royal Bengal Tigers and white crocodiles are also exclusive in this region. Other varieties of fauna include Tiger, Leopards, Elephants, Bears, Monkeys, Chousingha, Black Buck, Sloth-Bear, Spotted-Deer, Wild-Boar, Porcupine, Lion tailed Macaque, Flying Cat, Monitor Lizards, Indian Trogon, Purple Herons, Pallas`s Fish-eagles, Egrets, Spoonbills, Hill Mynah, Pied Hornbill etc.
A number of wildlife sanctuaries are also located in this region of India where the rich diversity of flora and fauna of the country can be explored. Tourism of eastern India has greatly augmented by the natural resources of western India. Indian Flora and Fauna of the Eastern Zone attract tourists from all around the globe.