NATURAL
VEGETATION
Forests of three distinct areas exist in the state. These are the forests of
the north which include the mountain temperate forests and the tropical forests
of the Duars, the deciduous forests of the plateau fringe and the mangrove
forests of Sunderbans. Of these the northern forests are the most
important.
FORESTS OF THE DARJEELING HILLS
These forests are related to altitude and aspect. Below 1000 metres there are
tropical evergreen forests. Above 1000 metres the effect of altitude is
definitely felt. Subtropical forests are found in between 1000 and 1500
metres. Terminalia, Cedrela, Michelia, Various laurels and Bamboos are found in
this belt.
Temperate forests are found from 1500 to 3000
metres. They contain some
varieties of oaks and conifers. Magnolia campbellii and large rhododendrons tree
are also found in this belt. Much of this forest area has been cleared for tea
gardens around Darjeeling and Kurseong. Beech and birch are found in many areas.
Conifers are found in slightly higher situations. There are dense forests
of deodars nearly all along the Dow Hill ridge which continue up to Senchal, and
clothe the entire Tiger Hill. Birches are found all round Darjeeling.
There are few deodars on the Ghoom ridge, where oaks are more common. Due to the
occurrence of mists on the southern slopes, the trees are covered with mosses and
orchids. Many kinds of sweet temperate berries are also found in the
undergrowth. Magnolias and oaks occur around Kalimpong while conifers cover
higher slopes and peaks. Above 3000 metres, silver fir is very common. It is common in the Singalila
Range. Dwarf rhododendrons also occur here. Higher up are Alpine meadows, smell
bushes and flowering plants.
TROPICAL MIXED EVERGREEN FORESTS OF THE FOOT HILLS
Some of the most dense forests of West Bengal occur in the
foothills of the Himalayas. Many of them are
protected. They are generally well managed and properly exploited. Much of this
forest is moist deciduous and here sal (shorea robusta) is the most common and
valuable tree. Other common tree associated with sal forests are Champa (Michelia
Champaea) and Chilauni (Schima Wallichii), Khair, Gamar and toon. Bamboo is also
found here. Vistas of tall grasses grow along the rivers. Evergreen
laurels and other moisture loving plants are found mixed up with the deciduous
forests.
A broad belt of these forests stretches along the entire length of the
northern districts. It is broader towards the east in the Duars. Here low-level
tea gardens have taken a heavy toll of the forests. Corridors of these forests
penetrate the hills along the river gorges of Mechi, Balason, Mahanadi, Tista,
Jaldhaka and many other smaller streams.
 This forest is very dense. There is much undergrowth of shrubs and bushes.
Orchids cling to the trees and giant creepers form a tangled mass of
impenetrable vegetation. Wild animals abound in the jungles which include the
rare one-horned Indian rhinoceros, the elephant and the Bengal tiger. Sanctuaries have
been provided for them at Mahananda, Gorumara (National Park), Chapramari, Neora
Valley (National Park), Jaldapara and Buxa
(Tiger Reserve).
Soils of these forests are naturally rich in humus. Along the river beds the
soils are found in broad belts of sterile sands and pebbles. At some places high
banks of these gravels are found.
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