Archives of Current Research International

Terminalia tomentosa is an ecologically and economically important indigenous deciduous tree widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. This review synthesises available information on its taxonomy, distribution, habitat preferences, ecological functions, regeneration, threats, conservation practices, and sustainable management. Literature was compiled from peer-reviewed articles, books, institutional reports, and scientific databases and was organised thematically. The species is an important component of tropical dry and moist deciduous forests, where it supports forest structure, nutrient cycling, soil protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage. Its durable timber and value in forestry and livelihood-related systems further increase management interest. However, natural and planted populations are affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, unsustainable harvesting, forest fire, grazing, invasive species, irregular rainfall, moisture stress, and weak natural regeneration. Germination is frequently constrained by a hard fruit wall and seed dormancy, which limit the timely production of quality planting material. Available evidence indicates that habitat protection, regulated use, improved nursery practices, suitable pre-sowing treatments, assisted natural regeneration, genetic-resource conservation, mixed-species restoration, and community participation should be combined rather than applied separately. Remote sensing, geographic information systems, and genetic assessment may strengthen monitoring and planning when integrated with field-based evaluation. Long-term ecological studies, provenance testing, and evidence linking nursery treatments with field establishment remain necessary to support climate-resilient restoration and the sustainable management of T. tomentosa forests.