Goa Plants and animals

While in India, only about 20 percent of the area is forested, this number is about 38 per cent in Goa. Dense forest cover is found mainly in the mountains and highlands.

At elevations of over 500 meters the stretch is mostly wetland with evergreen magnolia family, fig, teak and Salbaumen and a dense undergrowth of bamboo and ferns. Frequently encountered are also lianas and orchids. In the low-lying plains of acacia and other deciduous trees predominate.

In the lowlands, the original vegetation cover is due to the high population density, largely destroyed, but instead you can find a landscape dominated by agriculture. Only at river mouths, are mangrove forests threatened by deforestation as a source of firewood and building materials. Along the coasts grows many grasses and shrubs, especially palm plants, including coconut and are economically utilized.

Wildlife

Among the 40 mammal species occurring in Goa is the rare leopard Gaure which is the largest of living things. Far more common are smaller cat species, especially civets, Musang and pipe cats as well as monkeys and apes, including those of the Hindus are considered sacred and therefore considered ubiquitous in populated areas.

On the other hand there are species such as sambar deer, axis deer, hog deer and barking deer only found in closed forest areas, as well as sloth bears, deer and porcupines. Hyenas and jackals prefer more open terrain. 423 species of birds have been detected in Goa, including shrikes, kingfishers, Mainas, parrots and herons.

The most common reptiles are snakes, including poisonous cobras. Their natural predators are the mongoose, which are therefore tolerated in the vicinity of human settlements.