Due to it's climatic  and terrain variance Uttaranchal is blessed with an extremely wide variety of flora and fauna and with about 7500 species of plants it is one of the richest region of bio diversity in the world.  Based on climate and terrain it can be divided into two zones starting with subtropical zone that includes the forests of the foot hills up to 4000 Ft. Sal, Seesam, Neem, Mango, Dhak, Amaltas, Khair Poplar and Bamboo are commonly found in this region. Above this sub-tropical zone is he temperate zone extending up to the tree line. Pine, Deodar, Oak,  Horse Chestnut, Rhododendrons and Silver Oak dominates this zone besides variety of fruits bearing trees like Peaches, Plums, Apples, Pears, Apricots etc. Above 7000 Ft  Spruce, Fir, Cypress, Birch (Bhojparta) and Blue Pine and lot of hers and Serbs of medicinal importance are found. These hills are also home to various species of wild animals such as Deer, Chital, Elephants, Boar, Bear, Foxes, Tiger, Langur and Monkeys  etc. At higher altitudes Goral, Ibex, Bharal, Snow Leopard and Musk Deer are also found. Uttaranchal is also a bird watcher's paradise with over 230 species of Babblers, Thrushes, Tits, Magpies, Bulbuls, Flycatchers, Warblers, Finches, Shrikes, Woodpeckers, Orioles, Owls, Pheasants, Pigeons and rear Himalayan Golden Eagles and Monal etc.  To protect the environment, the government has  adopted certain Areas and developed wild life sanctuaries and National Parks. Hunting is strictly prohibited in these parks.