Question

Where are the tropical thorn forests found in the India and why?

Answer 1

The Thorn Forests are found in those states in our country where the average annual rainfall is too less or scanty. The semi-arid regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana & the dry parts of the Deccan plateau are very much suitable for the thorn forests to thrive well and even sustain themselves for a longer time-period.

The main features of such forests are :----

(i) Average annual rainfall is less than 70 cm.

(ii) They have stunted forests with thorny bushes.

(iii) Important trees found in such forests are Babul, Kikar, Khair, Plums, Cactus, and Dates.

(iv) Such forests have plants with long roots so that they can move farther in search of nutrients in soil.

(v) Another characteristic feature is presence of sharp thorns to protect them from animals and also from uprooting.

(vi) Forests have heights from 6 metres to 10 metres.

(vii) Common animals found are donkeys, camel, rattle snake, porcupine, wild deer, Nilgai, rabbit.