and climatic condition has favoured the growth of luxuriant forests, which are home to myriad plant and animal forms, adding beauty to the landscape. Living in this incredible cradle of nature are the colorful and vibrant tribes of Arunachal Pradesh for whom the forests and wildlife are of special significance. The total human population of 8,64,558 (1991 census) lives in 3649 villages and small towns. The cattle population of the State is 9 lakhs (1991 census). Livelihoods of local people have been closely linked and heavily dependent on forest resources since time immemorial. The recorded forest area is 17,418 km2, which is 78.01 % of the geographical area of the State. By legal status, Reserved Forests constitute 8.42 %, Protected Forests, 23.95% and Unclassed Forest, 67.63%. Most of the Arunachal is covered by the Himalayas, and falls in the outer Himalayas and Patkoi Ranges. It is strategically located and shares its international borders with Bhutan (160 km), China (1030 km)and Myanmar (440 km). Due to the topographical diversity, the climate in Arunachal Pradesh ranges from sub-tropical to temperate depending upon the altitude. The regions in the lower belts of the state experience hot and humid climates, with a maximum temperature in the foothills reaching up to 40 °C (during the summer). The average temperature in this region in winter ranges from 15° to 21 °C while that during the monsoon season remains between 22° and 30 °C. Owing to its location amid the foothills of the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh is one of the richest states in the region in terms of biodiversity. The state's climatic conditions facilitate the growth of a vast variety of plants and trees in the territory, thereby providing a rich store of fauna to the region. Orchids, fern , bamboo, cane, rhododendrons, oak, hedychiums, and various medicinal plants form a diverse range of the state's green cover. Apart from housing a myriad of plants and trees, Arunachal is also home to various different species of animals which add to its rich biodiversity. The higher regions of Arunachal Pradesh witness snowfall during winter, and the state experiences heavy rainfall during May to September. The average rainfall recorded in Arunachal Pradesh is 300 centimeters, varying between 80 centimeters and 450 centimeters. Being a hilly tract nestled in the foothills of Himalayas, the topography of Arunachal Pradesh is characterized by mountainous ranges and sub-mountainous terrains along the northern parts. Abrasion by the rivers that flow through the mountains has created a broad valley, which is a major feature of the geography of the state. Arunachal Pradesh has close to 61,000 square kilometres of forests, and forest products are the next most significant sector of the economy. Among the crops grown here are rice, maize, millet, wheat, pulses, sugarcane, ginger, and oilseeds. It is also ideal for horticulture and fruit orchards. Its major industries are rice mills, fruit preservation and processing units, and handloom handicrafts