Flora, Fauna, National Parks, Sacred Groves & Conservation Initiatives
The State of Telangana is endowed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Dense teak forests are mainly found in the northern part along the banks of the Godavari River. According to the Champion & Seth Classification of Forest Types (1968), Telangana’s forests belong to three forest type groups, further divided into twelve forest types.
Teak (Tectona grandis) no longer ranks among the top five tree species due to over-felling, according to the latest State of Environment Report-TS. Telangana is known for its rich biological diversity, spread across nine agro-climatic regions, harboring a total of 2,800 plant taxa belonging to 1,051 genera and 185 families. This accounts for 16% of India’s Angiosperms. Among these, 2,071 species are dicotyledons belonging to 150 families and 796 genera, and 729 species are monocotyledons belonging to 35 families and 255 genera.
1. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests: Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam – Dominated by teak, salai, and dhawda.
Dry Deciduous Scrubs: Adilabad, Nirmal, Mancherial – Sparse vegetation including Acacia and Prosopis.
Dry Teak Forests: Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam – Teak-dominated forests.
Secondary Dry Deciduous Forests: Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Warangal – Regenerating forests with mixed species.
Dry Bamboo Brakes: Adilabad, Komaram Bheem, Mancherial – Dense bamboo thickets.
Hardwickia Forests: Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar – Rocky terrains dominated by Hardwickia binata.
Dry Savannah Forests: Nizamabad, Medak, Rangareddy – Open forests with scattered trees and grasslands.
Boswellia Forests: Adilabad, Komaram Bheem – Resin-producing trees.
Dry Grasslands: Hyderabad outskirts, Medak, Rangareddy – Minimal tree cover, grass-dominated areas.
2. Tropical Thorn Forests
Southern Thorn Forests: Hyderabad, Medak, Nizamabad, Rangareddy – Thorny shrubs dominate.
Southern Thorn Scrubs: Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy – Sparse thorny vegetation adapted to arid conditions.
3. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests: Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Rangareddy, Khammam – Rich biodiversity with sal, teak, mango, bamboo, and other species.
Conservation Initiatives: Telangana Ku Haritha Haram
The state government has launched Telangana Ku Haritha Haram to plant and protect 230 crore seedlings over four years. This initiative aims to increase forest cover and reduce pressure on existing forests through community participation via Vana Samrakshana Samithis (VSS), Eco-Development Committees (EDCs), and Watershed Development Committees.
State Symbols
State Tree: Jammi Chettu (Prosopis cineraria)
State Animal: Chital (Spotted Deer)
State Bird: Palapitta (Indian Roller)
State Flower: Tandgedu (Tanner's Cassia)
State Fruit: Mango
State Fish: Korameenu or Korramatta (Murrel Fish)
Jammi Chettu (Prosopis cineraria)
A hardy tree adapted to hot, dry climates, with small yellow-green flowers and light green leaves. Provides shade and shelter for birds and insects. Its wood is used for construction and furniture.
Chital (Spotted Deer)
Native to the Indian subcontinent, Chital have reddish-brown coats with white spots. They are gregarious and gather in herds of up to 30. They help regulate vegetation and maintain ecosystem balance.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
Mrugavani National Park
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary
Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Amrabad Tiger Reserve)
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Paakhal Wildlife Sanctuary
Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary
Adilabad: Dankanapally, Jainath, Keslapur, Kunthala Waterfalls, Mahagoan, Narnoor, Pochara Falls, Sadalpur, Sirichelma, Tangri Madra, Yekantapur
Hyderabad: Babasharfuddin Pahad, Chiran Palace (Brahmananda Reddy National Park), Guruvayur Temple, Maulali Darga, Nowbath Pahad, O.U. Campus – Nagadevata / Gyanalaxmi temple
Other Districts: Karimnagar, Warangal, Mahabubnagar, Khammam, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Rangareddy – All sacred groves as listed in the source article.
Urban Forest Blocks Developed/In Progress
Urban forests are being developed in Adilabad, Hyderabad, Jagtial, Khammam, Mahabubnagar, Medak, and other districts. Hundreds of locations are included, such as Mavala, Kadam, Chatakonda, Jubilee Hills, Venkatraopet, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Velugumatla, Appannapalli, Tandur, Narsapur, Manoharabad, and more.
Plants and Their Uses
Telangana’s flora includes over 2,800 species, with 1,800 used in traditional medicine. Crops and millets include rice, jowar, little millet, kodo millet, pearl millet, proso millet, finger millet; pulses include chickpea, green gram, black gram, cowpea, pigeon pea, horse gram; oilseeds include gingelly.
Animal Diversity
Telangana is home to 163 species of annelids, 1,337 arthropods, 480 molluscs, 180 freshwater fish, 22 amphibians, 103 reptiles, 486 birds, and 108 mammals.
Conclusion
Telangana’s forests are vital for ecology, economy, and cultural heritage. With rich flora and fauna, sacred groves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation initiatives like Telangana Ku Haritha Haram, the state is preserving its natural wealth for future generations.
1. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
Districts: Nallamala region: Nagarkurnool, Mahabubabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Warangal Rural, Suryapet, Nalgonda, Mulugu, Jangaon, Jayashankar Bhupalpally
Biodiversity: Very high, with sal, teak, mango, bamboo, and many understory plants.
Wildlife: Supports many mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Ecological Value: Excellent for soil conservation, water retention, and carbon storage.
Conclusion: Best for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
2. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
Districts: Adilabad, Komaram Bheem, Mancherial, Karimnagar, Jagtial, Warangal Rural, Warangal Urban, Mulugu, Mahabubabad, Jogulamba-Gadwal, Wanaparthy, Mahabubnagar
Biodiversity: Moderate to high, dominated by teak and other hardwoods.
Wildlife: Supports herbivores and predators but fewer species than moist forests.
Timber Value: Very high; teak is commercially valuable.
Ecological Value: Good for soil and microclimate regulation; more prone to fire and deforestation.
Conclusion: Best for timber and mixed ecological benefits.
3. Tropical Thorn Forests
Districts: Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Rangareddy, Vikarabad, Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar, Kamareddy, Siddipet, Medak, Sangareddy
Biodiversity: Low to moderate; thorny shrubs and sparse trees dominate.
Wildlife: Supports small mammals, reptiles, and birds adapted to arid conditions.
Timber Value: Low; mainly fuelwood from Acacia and Prosopis.
Ecological Value: Prevents desertification and soil erosion in dry regions.
Conclusion: Least rich in biodiversity and timber, but essential in arid zones.
Summary: For biodiversity and ecological services, moist deciduous forests (especially Nallamala) are best. For timber and forest products, dry deciduous forests are valuable. Thorn forests play a vital role in arid land conservation.
The State of Telangana is endowed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Dense teak forests are mainly found in the northern part along the banks of the Godavari River. According to the Champion & Seth Classification of Forest Types (1968), Telangana’s forests belong to three forest type groups, further divided into twelve forest types.
Teak (Tectona grandis) no longer ranks among the top five tree species due to over-felling, according to the latest State of Environment Report-TS. Telangana is known for its rich biological diversity, spread across nine agro-climatic regions, harboring a total of 2,800 plant taxa belonging to 1,051 genera and 185 families. This accounts for 16% of India’s Angiosperms. Among these, 2,071 species are dicotyledons belonging to 150 families and 796 genera, and 729 species are monocotyledons belonging to 35 families and 255 genera.
Fauna of Telangana
Telangana is rich in animal diversity, with 108 species of mammals including Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Giant Squirrel, Hyena, Fox, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Indian Bison (Gaur), Spotted Deer (Chital), Barking Deer, Black Buck, Four-horned Antelope, Blue Bull, Sambar, Mouse Deer, Honey Badger, Civets, Jungle Cats, Otter, Pangolin, Bats, Tree Shrew, Common Langur, and more.Forest Type Groups and Sub-Types (with Districts)
According to Champion & Seth Classification (1968), Telangana’s forests are divided into three main forest type groups with twelve sub-types, found across various modern districts:1. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests: Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam – Dominated by teak, salai, and dhawda.
Dry Deciduous Scrubs: Adilabad, Nirmal, Mancherial – Sparse vegetation including Acacia and Prosopis.
Dry Teak Forests: Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam – Teak-dominated forests.
Secondary Dry Deciduous Forests: Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Warangal – Regenerating forests with mixed species.
Dry Bamboo Brakes: Adilabad, Komaram Bheem, Mancherial – Dense bamboo thickets.
Hardwickia Forests: Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar – Rocky terrains dominated by Hardwickia binata.
Dry Savannah Forests: Nizamabad, Medak, Rangareddy – Open forests with scattered trees and grasslands.
Boswellia Forests: Adilabad, Komaram Bheem – Resin-producing trees.
Dry Grasslands: Hyderabad outskirts, Medak, Rangareddy – Minimal tree cover, grass-dominated areas.
2. Tropical Thorn Forests
Southern Thorn Forests: Hyderabad, Medak, Nizamabad, Rangareddy – Thorny shrubs dominate.
Southern Thorn Scrubs: Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy – Sparse thorny vegetation adapted to arid conditions.
3. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests: Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Rangareddy, Khammam – Rich biodiversity with sal, teak, mango, bamboo, and other species.
Telangana Vegetation and Wildlife
Besides the primary forest types, Telangana also has palm trees, banyan trees, and eucalyptus. The state’s forests support rich biodiversity found in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and sacred groves.Conservation Initiatives: Telangana Ku Haritha Haram
The state government has launched Telangana Ku Haritha Haram to plant and protect 230 crore seedlings over four years. This initiative aims to increase forest cover and reduce pressure on existing forests through community participation via Vana Samrakshana Samithis (VSS), Eco-Development Committees (EDCs), and Watershed Development Committees.
Forest Statistics
Recorded Forest Area (RFA) in Telangana is 26,904 sq. km (24% of its geographical area). This includes 20,353 sq. km of Reserved Forest, 5,939 sq. km of Protected Forest, and 612 sq. km of Unclassed Forests. Reserved forests comprise 75.65%, protected forests 22.07%, and unclassed forests 2.28%. From 1st January 2015 to 5th February 2019, 9,420 hectares were diverted for non-forestry purposes.State Symbols
State Tree: Jammi Chettu (Prosopis cineraria)
State Animal: Chital (Spotted Deer)
State Bird: Palapitta (Indian Roller)
State Flower: Tandgedu (Tanner's Cassia)
State Fruit: Mango
State Fish: Korameenu or Korramatta (Murrel Fish)
Jammi Chettu (Prosopis cineraria)
A hardy tree adapted to hot, dry climates, with small yellow-green flowers and light green leaves. Provides shade and shelter for birds and insects. Its wood is used for construction and furniture.
Chital (Spotted Deer)
Native to the Indian subcontinent, Chital have reddish-brown coats with white spots. They are gregarious and gather in herds of up to 30. They help regulate vegetation and maintain ecosystem balance.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
National ParksMahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
Mrugavani National Park
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary
Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Amrabad Tiger Reserve)
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Paakhal Wildlife Sanctuary
Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary
Sacred Groves
Telangana has numerous sacred groves, traditionally protected due to religious significance. There are 65 documented groves, though the actual number may be much higher.Adilabad: Dankanapally, Jainath, Keslapur, Kunthala Waterfalls, Mahagoan, Narnoor, Pochara Falls, Sadalpur, Sirichelma, Tangri Madra, Yekantapur
Hyderabad: Babasharfuddin Pahad, Chiran Palace (Brahmananda Reddy National Park), Guruvayur Temple, Maulali Darga, Nowbath Pahad, O.U. Campus – Nagadevata / Gyanalaxmi temple
Other Districts: Karimnagar, Warangal, Mahabubnagar, Khammam, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Rangareddy – All sacred groves as listed in the source article.
Urban Forest Blocks Developed/In Progress
Urban forests are being developed in Adilabad, Hyderabad, Jagtial, Khammam, Mahabubnagar, Medak, and other districts. Hundreds of locations are included, such as Mavala, Kadam, Chatakonda, Jubilee Hills, Venkatraopet, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Velugumatla, Appannapalli, Tandur, Narsapur, Manoharabad, and more.
Plants and Their Uses
Telangana’s flora includes over 2,800 species, with 1,800 used in traditional medicine. Crops and millets include rice, jowar, little millet, kodo millet, pearl millet, proso millet, finger millet; pulses include chickpea, green gram, black gram, cowpea, pigeon pea, horse gram; oilseeds include gingelly.
Animal Diversity
Telangana is home to 163 species of annelids, 1,337 arthropods, 480 molluscs, 180 freshwater fish, 22 amphibians, 103 reptiles, 486 birds, and 108 mammals.
Conclusion
Telangana’s forests are vital for ecology, economy, and cultural heritage. With rich flora and fauna, sacred groves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation initiatives like Telangana Ku Haritha Haram, the state is preserving its natural wealth for future generations.
Best Forest Types in Telangana: Moist, Dry, and Thorn Forests Explained
Telangana’s forests vary in biodiversity, ecological value, and economic importance. Here’s a comparison of the three main forest types based on modern districts, including the Nallamala Forest region:1. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
Districts: Nallamala region: Nagarkurnool, Mahabubabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Warangal Rural, Suryapet, Nalgonda, Mulugu, Jangaon, Jayashankar Bhupalpally
Biodiversity: Very high, with sal, teak, mango, bamboo, and many understory plants.
Wildlife: Supports many mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Ecological Value: Excellent for soil conservation, water retention, and carbon storage.
Conclusion: Best for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
2. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
Districts: Adilabad, Komaram Bheem, Mancherial, Karimnagar, Jagtial, Warangal Rural, Warangal Urban, Mulugu, Mahabubabad, Jogulamba-Gadwal, Wanaparthy, Mahabubnagar
Biodiversity: Moderate to high, dominated by teak and other hardwoods.
Wildlife: Supports herbivores and predators but fewer species than moist forests.
Timber Value: Very high; teak is commercially valuable.
Ecological Value: Good for soil and microclimate regulation; more prone to fire and deforestation.
Conclusion: Best for timber and mixed ecological benefits.
3. Tropical Thorn Forests
Districts: Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Rangareddy, Vikarabad, Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar, Kamareddy, Siddipet, Medak, Sangareddy
Biodiversity: Low to moderate; thorny shrubs and sparse trees dominate.
Wildlife: Supports small mammals, reptiles, and birds adapted to arid conditions.
Timber Value: Low; mainly fuelwood from Acacia and Prosopis.
Ecological Value: Prevents desertification and soil erosion in dry regions.
Conclusion: Least rich in biodiversity and timber, but essential in arid zones.
Summary: For biodiversity and ecological services, moist deciduous forests (especially Nallamala) are best. For timber and forest products, dry deciduous forests are valuable. Thorn forests play a vital role in arid land conservation.
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