Physics Wallah

Forests in Bihar, List, Types, Percentage of Area, Map

The Forests in Bihar span approximately 7.76% of the state, playing a vital role in biodiversity conservation. From Valmiki National Park to riverine forests, Forests in Bihar are a natural treasure.
authorImageBhavya Upadhyay10 Sept, 2024
Share

Share

forests in Bihar

Forests in Bihar: Bihar, one of India’s most historically rich states, is specifically known for its fertile grassland, yet it also stands as an example of significant forested areas that play a vital role in its ecological balance. While Bihar is specifically recognized for its agricultural output, the forests in Bihar are equally important for the conservation of biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating climate change. We have prepared this guide, to provide an overview of the forests in Bihar , from their types to their district-wise distribution, sanctuaries, and their importance in the region's overall ecology.

Languages of Bihar

Forests in Bihar

The forests in Bihar cover around 7.76% of the state's geographical area. While the percentage may seem average, Bihar’s forests are highly diverse and play a crucial role in supporting both wildlife and human communities. Forests in Bihar provide resources like timber, fuelwood, and medicinal plants, and also help in regulating the water cycle, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining air quality.

In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the need to expand forest cover through afforestation programs, considering the environmental challenges that are duly raised by deforestation, soil degradation, and climate change.

Forests in Bihar
Aspect Details
Total Forest Cover in Bihar Approximately 7.76% of the state's total geographical area (around 7,300 sq km).
Types of Forests Tropical dry deciduous, riverine, and mixed forests.
Major Forested Districts West Champaran, Gaya, Rohtas, Munger, and Kaimur.
Key Wildlife Sanctuaries Valmiki National Park, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary.
Percentage of Forest Area The forest area in Bihar is around 7.76% of the state's total area.
Primary Forest Resources Timber, fuelwood, bamboo, medicinal plants, honey.
Conservation Efforts "Hariyali Mission," afforestation and reforestation programs to increase forest cover.
Protected Areas Valmiki National Park, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary, and others.

Irrigation in Bihar

Forest Area in Bihar in Percentage

The area of Forest in Bihar is approximately 7.76% of the state's total land area, which is about 7,300 square kilometres . Though it falls short of the national average forest cover, Bihar has been focusing on increasing its forested area through reforestation and afforestation initiatives. The state's forest department continues to play an active role in conserving and regenerating forested areas.

Forest Area in Bihar in Percentage
Class Area % of GA
Very Dense Forest 333.13 0.36
Moderately Dense Forest 3,280.32 3.48
Open Forest 3,692.54 3.92
Total 7,305.99 7.76
Scrub 249.88 0.27

Geography of Bihar

How Many Forests in Bihar?

It is necessary to understand that Bihar’s forest cover is spread across various districts with a variety of forest types and sanctuaries. The forests in Bihar can be categorized into
  • Reserved Forest
  • Protected Forest
  • Unclassified Forest
Bihar is home to several significant forested regions, including sanctuaries and national parks that support the flora and fauna of the region.

Types of Forest in Bihar

The types of forest in Bihar are largely classified into tropical dry deciduous forests, riverine forests, and mixed forests. The tropical dry deciduous forests are the most dominant, found in areas where rainfall is moderate. These forests shed their leaves during dry periods to conserve moisture.
  1. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests : Dominant in areas like Gaya and Rohtas, these forests are characterized by species such as Sal, Teak, and Sheesham.
  2. Riverine Forests : Found along the banks of rivers such as the Ganges and its tributaries, these forests consist of a mix of trees that thrive in moist conditions, including bamboo groves.
  3. Mixed Forests : These include both deciduous and evergreen species, providing a unique habitat for various wildlife species.

Lakes in Bihar

List of Forests in Bihar

Here is a list of forests in Bihar that are important for conservation and biodiversity, this list of forests in Bihar is categorized under these types of forest which we have discussed above.
Types of Forest in Bihar
SI.No. Forest Type % of Forest cover
1. Cane Brakes 0.03
2. Moist Teak Forest 0.06
3. Bhabar-Dun Sal Forest 3.66
4. West Gangatic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest 2.30
5. Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland 0.22
6. Barringtonia Swamp Forest 0.03
7. Khair-Sissu Forest 0.06
8. Dry Deciduous Scrub 2.48
9. Boswellia Forest 4.52
10. Dry Bamboo Brake 0.97
11. Dry Siwalik Sal Forest 5.14
12. Dry Peninsular Sal Forest 21.13
13. Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest 30.70
14. Plantation/TOF 28.70
Total 100.00

Forests in Bihar Sanctuaries

Forests in Bihar sanctuaries play a significant role in protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity. The state is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that not only conserve wildlife but also attract eco-tourism.

  • Valmiki National Park : Located in the West Champaran district, this is the most prominent forest in Bihar and is known for being a tiger reserve and is home to tigers, deer, and an array of bird species. It is an integral part of the forests in Bihar that contribute to tiger conservation.
  • Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary : Situated in the Munger district, Bhimbandh is one of the oldest wildlife reserves in Bihar and is home to various wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and numerous bird species.
  • Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary : Located in the Kaimur district, spread over 1,342 square kilometres, this is one of the largest sanctuaries in Bihar, known for its rugged landscape and diverse species of flora and fauna.
  • Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary : Situated in the West Champaran district, it offers a habitat for birds and reptiles, making it an important ecological zone.
  • Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary : Located in the Nalanda district, this forest sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and is known for its scenic beauty.

Folk Dances of Bihar

Protected Areas of Bihar

Bihar has several protected areas that are essential for conserving wildlife and forest ecosystems. These include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserved forests. The most significant of these areas include:
Protected Areas of Bihar
Name Districts of Bihar Type Size in km 2
Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary Gaya Wildlife Sanctuary 259.48
Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary Munger Wildlife Sanctuary 681.99
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary 35.84
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary Kaimur and Rohtas Wildlife Sanctuary 1504.96
Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary Begusarai Wildlife Sanctuary 67.5
Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary Jamui Wildlife Sanctuary 3.32
Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary Jamui Wildlife Sanctuary 7.91
Valmiki National Park West Champaran National Park 335.65
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary Bhagalpur Wildlife Sanctuary 50
Barela Jheel Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Vaishali Wildlife Sanctuary 1.96
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park Patna Zoo and Botanic Garden 0.619
Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary Champaran Wildlife Sanctuary 8.74
Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary West Champaran Wildlife Sanctuary 880.78
These protected areas not only protect endangered species but also act as hubs for eco-tourism, research, and education.

Forests in Bihar Map

When looking at the Forests in Bihar map , you can see that there is more forest area present in the northern and southern regions of the state, with large patches of green areas spread across the districts of West Champaran, Rohtas, Gaya, and Munger. The forests outline the hilly regions of Bihar, particularly in the southern districts where the terrain is more rugged.

Folk Music of Bihar

District-wise Forest Cover in Bihar

The district-wise forest cover in Bihar showcases how unevenly distributed the forest areas are. Some districts have significantly higher forest cover compared to others. Here is an overview of districts with notable forest cover:
District-wise Forest Cover in Bihar
District Geographical Area (GA) 2019 Assessment %

of GA

Scrub
Very Dense Forest Mod. Dense Forest Open Forest Total
Araria 2,830 0.00 8.10 142.91 151.01 5.34 0.38
Arwal 638 0.00 1.63 2.37 4.00 0.63 0.00
Aurangabad 3,305 0.00 62.26 94.50 156.76 4.74 16.70
Banka 3,020 0.00 103.34 157.39 260.73 8.63 34.55
Begusarai 1,918 0.00 28.64 53.31 81.95 4.27 0.00
Bhagalpur 2,569 0.00 46.21 23.52 69.73 2.91 0.00
Bhojpur 2,395 0.00 19.44 12.81 32.25 1.89 0.00
Buxar 1,703 0.00 2.94 2.95 5.89 0.26 0.00
Darbhanga 2,279 0.00 43.54 94.12 137.66 2.77 0.00
Gaya 4,976 0.00 134.40 455.91 590.31 29.04 62.34
Gopalganj 2,033 0.00 1.98 2.93 4.91 0.16 0.00
Jamui 3,098 28.97 351.69 267.29 647.95 69.60 15.74
Jehanabad 931 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.00
Kaimur(Bhabua) 3,332 0.00 525.14 531.25 1,056.39 41.12 19.43
Katihar 3,057 0.00 6.03 55.95 61.98 2.03 0.00
Khagaria 1,486 0.00 3.18 15.27 18.45 1.24 0.00
Kishanganj 1,884 0.00 16.33 87.37 103.70 5.50 0.00
Lakhisarai 1,228 17.00 144.42 18.99 180.41 14.69 5.49
Madhepura 1,788 0.00 0.93 51.95 52.88 2.96 0.40
Madhubani 3,501 0.00 40.34 163.73 204.07 5.83 0.00
Munger 1,419 37.97 223.67 21.96 283.60 19.99 9.98
Muzaffarpur 3,172 0.00 52.17 109.65 161.82 5.10 0.00
Nalanda 2,355 0.00 6.86 24.99 31.85 1.35 9.17
Nawada 2,494 0.00 200.98 312.52 513.50 20.59 20.46
Pashchim Champaran 5,228 249.19 550.24 105.23 904.66 17.30 8.10
Patna 3,202 0.00 18.78 4.76 23.54 0.74 0.00
Purbi Champaran 3,968 0.00 65.04 98.82 163.86 4.13 0.00
Purnia 3,229 0.00 5.00 50.67 55.67 1.72 0.00
Rohtas 3,881 0.00 352.52 319.71 672.23 17.32 42.14
Saharsa 1,687 0.00 4.17 30.45 34.62 2.05 0.00
Samastipur 2,904 0.00 105.30 48.06 153.36 5.28 0.00
Saran 2,641 0.00 26.30 32.83 59.13 2.24 0.00
Sheikhpura 689 0.00 1.00 0.00 1.00 0.15 0.00
Sheohar 349 0.00 2.00 18.58 20.58 5.90 0.00
Sitamarhi 2,294 0.00 37.38 110.40 147.78 6.44 0.00
Siwan 2,219 0.00 1.99 5.17 7.16 0.32 0.00
Supaul 2,425 0.00 3.89 134.89 138.78 5.72 0.00
Vaishali 2,036 0.00 82.49 29.33 111.82 5.49 0.00
Grand Total 94,163 333.13 3,280.32 3,692.54 7,305.99 7.76 249.88

History of Bihar

Importance of Forests in Bihar

The forests in Bihar are not just important for ecological reasons but also provide livelihoods for many local communities. Non-timber forest products such as bamboo, medicinal plants, and honey are sources of income for many tribal and rural populations. Additionally, the forests play a crucial role in conserving water, protecting soil, and maintaining the regional climate. With increasing urbanization and agricultural expansion, it is important to focus on reforestation efforts to sustain the forested areas. The Bihar government has taken several initiatives to promote afforestation through programs like "Hariyali Mission" which aims to increase the green cover of the state.

forests in Bihar FAQs

Q.1 How many forests are there in Bihar?

Ans. There are several forests in Bihar, categorized as reserved, protected, and unclassified forests, covering around 7.76% of the state's total area.

Q.2 Which is the famous jungle in Bihar?

Ans. The most famous jungle in Bihar is Valmiki National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and being the state's only tiger reserve.

Q.3 Which is the most dense forest in Bihar?

Ans. The most dense forest in Bihar is the tropical dry deciduous forest in West Champaran, primarily found in Valmiki National Park.

Q.4 What is the forest area in Bihar in percentage?

Ans. The forest area in Bihar in percentage is approximately 7.76%, contributing significantly to the state's natural resources and biodiversity.

Q.5 What are the types of forest in Bihar?

Ans. The types of forest in Bihar include tropical dry deciduous, riverine forests, and mixed forests, each supporting unique ecosystems.
Popup Close ImagePopup Open Image
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Popup Image
CTA Image
07290070560
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Privacy Policy
Terms of use
Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.