The Ministry of Environment (MoEFCC) released the India State of Forests Report (ISFR) 2021 on 13th January 2022 . It states that the north-eastern states have a total forest cover of 1,69,521 square km. , out of the state’s total geographical area of 2,62,179 sq. km. , that makes up 7.98% of the country’s geographical area. The eight north eastern states have a forest cover that adds about 23.75 % to the total forest cover of the country.
Arunachal Pradesh lost most of its forest cover of 257 sq. km. , Meghalaya lost 249 sq. km. , Nagaland 235 sq. km. , Mizoram 186 sq. km. , Meghalaya 73 sq. km. , Assam15 sq. km. , Tripura 4 sq km and Sikkim lost nearly 1 sq. km. of its forest cover. That makes up almost 1,020 sq. km. of tree cover loss.
As per ISFR the loss of tree covers are attributed to shifting cultivation, where forest land is converted into temporary agricultural land and the fields are cultivated for a short time and are abandoned after cultivation. The numbers are worrying because India’s northeastern region is one of the 17 biodiversity hotspots declared in the world.
Even with that, the North East along with Andaman and Nicobar Islands is considered by the current government for the National Mission on Edible Oils, Oil Palm production. This move was made to reduce the costs of heavy palm oil imports.
Many believe that the numbers by ISFR aren’t representing the actual situation on ground. The techniques used for the forest survey have loopholes and plantations, man made gardens or even invasive species might also be considered as forest.

Saurabh Sawant - Wikimedia Commons
North East India lost 1,020 sq. km. of Forest In 2020-2021
Latest from Nature

California Petition Seeks State Protection for Pacific Pocket Mouse
A major conservation group has filed a petition to protect one of North America’s smallest rodents under California law, as federal protections fall short of saving the critically endangered species. The Center

Norway’s 2025 Minke Whale Quota Increased to 1,406 Despite Global Criticism
Norway has announced it will kill more whales in 2025, raising its self-allocated quota to 1,406 minke whales – an increase of 249 from last year. This decision comes despite falling domestic

Over 1,000 Fungi Species Now Threatened, IUCN Reports
The number of fungi species facing extinction has crossed a critical threshold, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) confirming that more than 1,000 fungi species are now threatened with

1,000+ Loggerhead Turtle Eggs Rescued from Cyclone Alfred’s Path
A rapid response team has successfully completed New South Wales’ largest-ever sea turtle rescue operation, saving more than 1,000 endangered loggerhead turtle eggs from the destructive path of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The

Tiger Trade Through Fishing Boats: Poaching Critically Endangered Malayan Tigers Between Malaysia and Vietnam
Tigers and trawlers make for an unlikely combination, but recent research exposes how commercial fishing vessels have become pivotal enablers in the disappearing crisis of Malayan. A study released by Panthera, the

DC Cherry Blossoms 2025: Complete Guide to Peak Bloom March 28-31 and $202 Million Economic Impact
The delicate pink and white petals that transform DC’s landscape each spring are ready for their annual spotlight. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned bloom chaser, here’s everything you need

Queensland Allocates $24M to Combat Fire Ant Surge After 23 Hospitalizations Post-Cyclone
Queensland has announced a $24 million boost to combat the spread of fire ants as the invasive species continues to pose a serious risk to public health, agriculture, and wildlife across Australia.

Montgomery Zoo Welcomes Anuket: Eighth Pygmy Hippo Born in Nine Years
A female pygmy hippopotamus named Anuket was born at Montgomery Zoo on February 9, to mother Lola and father Nile. After spending her first month bonding with her mother, Anuket made her

Grow Your Own Ozempic: Students Develop Plant-Based Weight Loss Drugs
University of Ottawa undergraduates have created a sustainable way to produce weight loss drugs using plants, potentially addressing global shortages and high costs. A team of undergraduate researchers at the University of

Rare Oregon Flower Faces Extinction as Habitat Loss Wipes Out Largest Population
A rare flower found only in central Oregon is fighting for survival as habitat threats mount. The Center for Biological Diversity has asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the

Mexico’s Saguaro LNG Project Threatens Gulf of California’s Marine Biodiversity
A major natural gas export facility planned for Mexico’s coast threatens one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, according to environmental groups who are calling for immediate international intervention. Over 30 conservation

Court Battle Over NOAA Speed Limits as Right Whale Numbers Drop Below 375
Conservation groups have stepped into a legal battle to defend speed limits that protect North Atlantic right whales from deadly vessel strikes. The Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Whale and

Trump Sued for Removing Protections as Only 51 Rice’s Whales Face Extinction Risk
Several conservation groups have initiated legal action against the Trump administration for removing protections designed to shield the critically endangered Rice’s whale from deadly ship collisions. The Center for Biological Diversity, Friends

International Day of Forests 2025: How “Forests and Food” Theme Links 1.6 Billion Livelihoods to Ecosystem Protection
In India the forests are a part of our daily life. The revered sages used to live in forests. They used to run residential schools. Krishna, whose advice to Arjuna has become

Endangered Salamanders Threatened by Habitat Destruction, Staff Firings
A new legal battle has begun over the survival of one of Florida’s most vulnerable amphibians. The Center for Biological Diversity has initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration, citing violations of