Forests

What Are Forests?

A forest is a large area of land covered with trees and other vegetation. Forests include everything from small bushes and flowering plants to tall trees. They are continuous areas dominated by trees.

Important fact: The ideal forest cover for a healthy country is 20-30% of total land area. Unfortunately, Pakistan's forest cover has been decreasing rapidly. Between 2000 and 2007, Pakistan lost forests at a rate of 2.1% per year – the ninth highest rate in the world.

Two Main Categories of Forests

1. Productive Forests (Natural Forests)

• These grow naturally without human planting
• Include types like alpine, coniferous, and mangrove forests
• Trees grow in a random, haphazard manner
• High tree density with canopies close together
• Many different species of varying ages and heights
• High commercial value (can be sold for timber)
• Protect the environment and provide wildlife habitats

2. Protective Forests (Man-Made Plantations)

• Planted by humans, often in straight rows (called linear plantations)
• Used for environmental protection and shade
• Moderate tree density with canopies further apart
• Usually just one fast-growing species
• Trees are the same age and height
• Less commercial value but still protect against soil erosion

Types of Forests in Pakistan

1. Alpine Forests

Location: Found at very high altitudes (4,000 – 4,500 meters above sea level) in Dir, Chitral, and Kohistan (Gilgit-Baltistan).

Characteristics:

• These are dwarf forests – the trees are very short and small
• Grow in severe climatic conditions with very short growing seasons
• Most water is frozen, so liquid water is scarce
• Trees grow between rocks to shelter from freezing cold winds
• Roots grow sideways (laterally) instead of deep down because the soil beneath is frozen
• Trees are mainly evergreen and cushion-shaped

Main Species: Silver Fir, Juniper, Birch

Uses: Mainly used for firewood