Complete Geography Notes on Forest and natural vegetation of Bihar for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025
Geography-7
Here’s a detailed explanation of the topic “Forests and Natural Vegetation of Bihar” as per the BPSC Prelims syllabus, covering:
- Forest Cover: Percentage and Regions
- Types of Natural Vegetation
- Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biodiversity Relevance
Forest and Natural Vegetation of Bihar
Although Bihar is an agrarian and densely populated state, it still retains some important forest areas, especially in the southern and southwestern districts near the Chotanagpur Plateau.
1. Forest Cover: Percentage and Regions
Key Facts (as per Forest Survey of India – FSI Report 2023):
- Total forest cover in Bihar: 7,292 sq. km
- Percentage of total geographical area: 7.75%
- Compared to National Average: Much lower (India’s national average ~21.71%)
Regions with Significant Forest Cover:
| Region | Districts | Features |
| Southwest Bihar | Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad | Dense forest in hilly areas |
| Southern Bihar | Gaya, Nawada, Jamui | Dry deciduous forest and hill vegetation |
| Eastern Bihar | Banka, Bhagalpur (fringe zones) | Patchy forest cover |
| North Bihar | Minimal coverage | Mostly agricultural lands |
Threats to Forests:
- Deforestation for agriculture and settlements
- Mining and industrial activities in Rohtas and Kaimur
- Encroachments and illegal logging
2. Types of Vegetation in Bihar
The natural vegetation of Bihar primarily belongs to the Tropical Deciduous Forest category, specifically:
A. Dry Deciduous Forests:
- Found in Rohtas, Kaimur, Gaya, Jamui
- Dominated by:
- Sal (Shorea robusta)
- Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo)
- Khair (Acacia catechu)
- Palash (Butea monosperma)
B. Mixed Deciduous Forests:
- Found in slightly moist areas like Nawada, Banka
- Include:
- Mahua
- Tendu
- Bamboo
- Arjun
C. Grasses and Shrubs:
- In degraded and cleared forest areas
- Used for grazing, fuelwood, and thatching
Medicinal and Economic Importance:
- Tendu leaves – for bidi making
- Mahua – edible flowers and oil
- Palash – used for dye and in traditional medicine
3. Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biodiversity Relevance
Bihar has several protected areas, crucial for conservation of flora and fauna, despite its limited forest area.
Major Wildlife Sanctuaries in Bihar:
| Sanctuary | District | Key Species | Features |
| Valmiki Tiger Reserve | West Champaran | Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants | Only tiger reserve in Bihar; part of Valmiki National Park |
| Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary | Gaya, Nawada | Deer, wild boars, leopards | Mixed forests; near historical Bodh Gaya |
| Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary | Kaimur | Leopards, sloth bears, birds | Forested hills and waterfalls |
| Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary | Bhagalpur (Ganga river stretch) | Gangetic Dolphin (national aquatic animal) | India’s only dolphin sanctuary |
| Nagi-Nakti Bird Sanctuary | Jamui | Migratory birds (bar-headed goose, etc.) | Formed around two man-made dams |
| Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary | Begusarai | Siberian crane, sarus crane | Important wetland and Ramsar site |
Notable Wildlife Species in Bihar:
- Fauna: Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Gangetic dolphin, Sloth bear, Chital, Nilgai
- Avifauna: Migratory waterfowl, bar-headed geese, sarus cranes
- Reptiles: Gharials, turtles in Ganga and tributaries
Biodiversity Relevance:
- Forests act as carbon sinks, regulate climate
- Sanctuaries help in conservation of endangered species
- Wetlands and forest areas support regional ecology, biodiversity corridors
Quick Summary Table
| Category | Details |
| Total Forest Cover | 7.75% of state area |
| Major Forest Areas | Rohtas, Kaimur, Gaya, Jamui |
| Forest Type | Tropical Dry Deciduous |
| Key Trees | Sal, Palash, Sissoo, Bamboo |
| Tiger Reserve | Valmiki Tiger Reserve |
| Bird Sanctuaries | Nagi-Nakti (Jamui), Kanwar Lake (Begusarai) |
| Dolphin Sanctuary | Vikramshila (Bhagalpur) |
Likely MCQs
| Question | Answer |
| Percentage of forest cover in Bihar | ~7.75% |
| District with Valmiki Tiger Reserve | West Champaran |
| Only dolphin sanctuary in Bihar | Vikramshila |
| Forest type in Bihar | Tropical Dry Deciduous |
| Two sanctuaries in Jamui | Nagi & Nakti Bird Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha WLS |
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