Odisha semi-evergreen forests, Forest ecoregion in Odisha, India

The Odisha semi-evergreen forests are a tropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion in eastern India, covering part of the coastal plain of Odisha. The landscape is a mix of dense tree cover and open water, with muddy brown floodwater often spreading beneath a continuous band of green crowns.

The ecoregion has been shaped by centuries of human activity, with large areas cleared for farming and settlements over time. By the late 20th century, only small fragments of the original forest remained, and conservation efforts have since focused on protecting what is left.

The forest is part of the daily life of nearby villages, where people rely on it for fuelwood and grazing. Visitors may notice small boats moving through flooded areas, a common sight that reflects how people adapt to the seasonal water.

Access to the forest is easiest during the dry months, when water levels are lower and paths are more passable. A local guide is helpful for navigating the area, as trails can be indistinct and conditions change with the rains.

Despite the heavy loss of forest cover, the area still supports large mammals such as elephants and tigers. The forest also provides a home for the lesser florican, a bird that is threatened worldwide.