Funday Times

SUB MONTANE FORESTS
Lower Montane rain forest characterizes the vegetation types of the wet zone at mid elevation between 1000 and 1500 mm without any regular dry season.

Sub-Montane forests consist of two tree layers as in the case of Montane forest, but the canopy reaches higher to around 15 to 20 m, occasionally with some emergent trees. It also contains shrubs herbs.

This represents a transitional (an eco-tone) between tropical lowland forests and Montane forests. Thus it has its own unique mix of flora and fauna as well as endemic species found in neither of the above mentioned two forest types.

The degree of endemism is very high and consist of species, which are not found in any other ecosystem. Peak wilderness sanctuary is a classic example of a sub-montane forests.

Sub-montane forests provide catchment protection of major rivers by minimizing soil erosion. Thus these forests are also considered essential in preventing landslides.

Today only around 69,000 ha. Of these forests remain intact. Cardamom cultivation, gemming, illicit felling of timber and heavy encroachments result in a severe pressure on these forests.

Sub-montane forests are probably the most threatened ecosystem in the island.

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