The Deccan thorn scrub forests is a xeric shrubland ecoregion of India and northernmost Sri Lanka. Historically this area was covered by tropical dry deciduous forest but this only remains in isolated fragments. The vegetation now consisting mainly of southern tropical thorn scrub type forests. These consist of open woodland characterised by thorny trees with short trunks and low, branching crowns, spiny and xerophytic shrubs, and dry grassland. This is the habitat for the great Indian bustard and blackbuck, though these and other animals are declining in numbers; this area was at one time home to large numbers of elephants and tigers. Almost 350 species of bird have been recorded here. The remaining natural habitat is threatened by overgrazing and invasive weeds, but there are a number of small protected areas which provide a haven for the wildlife.