Forests of Pakistan

Forests are a thick growth of trees and underbrush covering an extensive area of land. In Pakistan only 4.8% of the whole area is forested whereas the desired level of forests should be 20-25%.The two main types of forests are: Productive forests Protection forests

Productive Forests
These types of forests are natural forests having high tree density and tree canopy closed. Commercial value o these types of forests are very high as they are good source of timber and they provide the raw materials for paper and pharmaceuticals.

Protection Forests
These forests are planted in linear order. These are planted along roads, in parks and along railway lines. They do not provide timber and other valuable species of wood so they have little commercial value. They are mainly planted for preventing the soil from erosion. They also add scenic beauty to a place and it also helps to lower the temperature. These trees also provide shade for people to rest under.

Importance of Forests
Forests are useful to people in a variety of ways. They are a natural habitat for wildlife, prevent the soil from erosion and regulate the flow of water to prevent from flooding. They provide timber for construction, fuel wood, and raw materials for paper and pharmaceuticals

so they have a great commercial value. They also have a recreational value and help to promote tourism.

Distribution of Forests
Forests are disturbed linked to their altitudes. These forests include: Alpine forests Coniferous forests Sub Tropical Dry forests

Alpine Forests
These forests are found at the height of 4ooom (12,000ft) that is just below the snowline. The most common species are Spruce, Birch, Larch and Fir. The growth of these trees is very slow because of the low temperature so as a result they have small heights. These forests are not much

o a use and they have little commercial value.

Coniferous Forests
These forests are found at the height of 1000-4000m (3000-12,000ft). Fir, Spruce, Jumper, Larch are mainly found. These trees have long, needle like leaves and branches sloping downwards. These trees have a thick bark for protection from the cold. These branches slope downwards to prevent snow accumulation. These are evergreen forests. These trees are found in Muree, Abotabad, Swat and Malakand region.

Sub Tropical Dry Forests

These forests are found in hills and foothills of Himalayas, Suleiman and Kirthar ranges. These are sub tropical

broad leafed trees and thorny species. These trees provide firewood for fires and watershed protection. These are also used or grazing purposes.

Deforestation
Deforestation means to clear a land. This is also known as cutting down trees on a large scale. Trees are being cut down day by day on a massive scale. There are many reasons for deforestation

Causes of Deforestation
Large areas of forests are cut down to grow crops or mining purposes. Increasing growth of cities and urbanization changed forests into residential areas. Due to increasing population large areas of land are cleared to build roads for

better transport. Wood is used in many industries which include chipboard, hardboard, veneer, plywood, sports industry and match industry. Overgrazing of cattle, goats, sheep turn sub tropical scrub forests into sub tropical thorn forests.

Effects of Deforestation
Reckless cutting of trees is extremely harmful and destroys the environment. Deforestation disturbs the wildlife and destroys the home of many. Due to cutting of trees the soil is let exposed and thus causes erosion. Forests are already meager in Pakistan and if deforestation continues Pakistan will have to face economical problems.

Solution to the Problems Caused By Deforestation

Reserving the land for feul wood plantation many species of forests can be saved. Improving the methods of raising nurseries and planting trees. Creating awareness among people about the harmful effects of deforestation. Usage of natural gas rather than firewood for cooking in the northern regions. Replacing trees as soon as possible after cutting trees to prevent the harmful effects.