Download geo-handout-2 - WordPress.com

The City School
PECHS Junior Boys
Natural vegetation
Class 6 (Geography)
Handout
Natural Vegetation of Pakistan
Natural vegetation comprises forests, shrubs and grasses, and is determined by climatic
conditions and soil types. The climate of Pakistan is too dry for forests, except in the northern
hilly and sub-mountain belts. Soil formation on the hill slopes is a prerequisite for forest growth,
but human practices in these areas have contributed to erosion, rather than to soil formation.
Northern and North-Western Mountain Forests
These are mostly evergreen coniferous softwood forests, with some broadleaf species growing
on the lower altitudes. Coniferous forests constitute the main source of commercial lumber,
obtained by felling trees from the more accessible parts of the groves on the lower slopes of the
hills. In the future, with the construction of access roads, their economic exploitation will
improve. The deodar tree is particularly useful as a source of timber for houses and for railway
sleepers. Broadleaf species, like oak, walnut and chestnut, are used in the manufacture of
furniture.
Shrub Forests of the Foothills and Plains
Shrub forests are found over large areas in the northern and north-western foothills and plains.
The principal species are acacia, wild olive, and mesquite.
The Baluchistan Hill Forests
In the Quetta and Kalat divisions of Baluchistan there are some dry hill forests at altitudes. The
trees include Chilghosa pines and pencil junipers.
Riverine Bela Forests and Irrigated Plantations
These are high-yielding commercial units of hardwood species. They contain planted shisham,
mulberry and acacia trees. Shisham is a high-quality cabinet wood extensively used for highquality furniture. Changa Manga Forest near Lahore is the largest of the irrigated forest
plantations. First established about 100 years ago, it now covers 12,500 acres.
.
The Rakhs
The Rakhs are dry scrub forests grown in small patches on the arid plain. They provide
insignificantly small quantities of fuel wood. Species include farash, bakain, jand, and karil.
Tidal Forest
These occur in the coastal wastelands from Karachi to Kutch, covering an area of approximately
750,000 acres. These forests are of the mangrove type, with trees of stunted growth, and
produce some fuel wood for use in Karachi.