Biodiversity of Bihar

Documenting Bihar's forest ecosystems — moist tropical, dry tropical and sub-tropical montane forest types. Content and images coming soon.

Moist Tropical Forest

Moist Tropical Forest

Bihar's moist tropical forests occur mainly in West Champaran district, within the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and the Someshwar and Dun hill ranges bordering Nepal. High rainfall and Himalayan foothill terrain support dense Sal-dominated stands with a rich understorey, sheltering tigers, elephants and gaur.

West Champaran district — Valmiki Tiger Reserve and the Someshwar-Dun hill ranges

Dry Tropical Forest

Dry Tropical Forest

Drier, mixed-deciduous forest occurs on the Kaimur plateau spanning Kaimur and Rohtas districts, including the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary. Lower rainfall and rocky, elevated terrain support hardy species such as Mahua, Palash and Khair, adapted to seasonal water scarcity.

Kaimur plateau — Kaimur and Rohtas districts

Sub-Tropical Montane Broad Leaved Forest

Sub-Tropical Montane Broad Leaved Forest

Found at higher elevations of the Someshwar and Dun ranges in West Champaran, where the terrain transitions toward the Himalayan foothills. Cooler temperatures and broadleaved canopy species mark a distinct forest type from the plains below, supporting a different mix of birds and understorey plants.

Higher elevations of the Someshwar-Dun ranges, West Champaran