Spatio-temporal dynamics of forest degradation in Tripura, North East India

Abstract Tripura, a small yet biologically rich state in the northeastern region of India, harbours a mosaic of tropical evergreen, semi‑evergreen and moist deciduous forests that support a high level of endemism and cultural diversity. Over the past four decades, anthropogenic pressures—including shifting cultivation, commercial timber extraction, plantation forestry, infrastructure development and climate‑driven disturbances—have accelerated forest degradation and fragmented the remaining forest matrix. This paper synthesizes peer‑reviewed literature, government reports, remote‑sensing analyses and field surveys to assess the extent, drivers and ecological consequences of forest degradation in Tripura. Particular emphasis is placed on the consequent loss of biodiversity at the species, community and ecosystem levels, with case studies on key taxonomic groups (vascular plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). The review culminates in a critical appraisal of current policy frameworks (e.g., the Forest Conservation Act, 1980; State Forest Policy 2021) and community‑based management initiatives and proposes an integrated, evidence‑based roadmap for restoring forest integrity and safeguarding biodiversity in Tripura.