Though geographically a small state, Nagaland has several types of forests on account of its varying physiographic and geoclimatic conditions. Forests occupy an area of approximately 8,62,930 hectares of which government forests account for 11.7%. The state is located in one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots of the world. It supports 2,431 species belonging to 963 genera and 186 families under angiosperms. Gymnosperms also register their presence with 90 species under 6 genera from 5 families. A few areas of the state are pristine, covered with gigantic trees, where sunrays cannot penetrate, harbouring a wide variety of endemic plants, animals and microorganisms. However in recent times, the biodiversity of the state is facing serious threats due to increasing population, pressure on agriculture to bring more areas under cultivation and other developmental activities.

1. State Medicinal Plant Board, Directorate of Health Sciences, Kohima
2. Nagaland University School of Engineering and Technology, Dimapur
3. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Dimapur