Indian Flora and Fauna of the Western Zone constitutes tremendous variety. Owing to the varying climatic conditions of the country numerous kinds of plants, trees, reptiles, mammals and amphibians are found in this region. The forest covers of western India, be it evergreen forest, deciduous forest or tropical forests, shelter a vast variety of vegetation. The variation in terms of vegetation of India exceeds the variety of any other part of the world. The rich fauna of the state can also be well explored in numerous wildlife and birds sanctuaries situated in the states of western India.
Flora and Fauna of Gujarat
Gujarat is a rich store house of flora and fauna and possesses a great diversity. Mammals of the state comprise of about 500 varieties and the species of birds numbers around 2000. Tremendous variety is also found in terms of amphibians, insects, reptiles, fishes etc. Prominent fauna of the state includes black bucks, wild boar, nilgai, rusty spotted cats, hyenas, four horned antelope and chitals. Gujarat also shelters some dangerous breeds of animals like locusts and mosquitoes which are considered fatal to both animals and mankind. A variety of lizards, scorpions, silkworm, crocodiles, snakes, bees and Lac insect of the state also deserve a special mention. Apart from these, peacock, cranes, geese ducks, pheasants, parrots are also significant members of the rich fauna of Gujarat. Owing to the favourable climatic condition, a wide variety of flora as well as fauna are prevalent in the state. More than 400 species of flora are found in the state. Deciduous forest of Gujarat includes trees like Teak, Diospyros, Boswellia serrata, Anogeissus latifolia. Xerophytic vegetation of this region has trees like Acacia arabica, Acacia leucophloea, Capparis ophylla, Zizyphus mauratiana and many more. Gujarat also grows food crops like wheat, bajra, jowar, maize, gram, tur. Gujarat houses a number of wildlife and bird sanctuaries.
Flora and Fauna of Maharashtra
Tremendous variety of fauna is found in the state of Maharashtra. The most common species include tigers, bison, panthers, flying squirrels, different species of antelope, blue bull and barking deer. Migratory waterfowl and ducks are also found in the state. A number of wildlife sanctuaries are located in the state like Nagzira Wild Life Sanctuary, Nawagaon National Park, Tadoba National Park etc which form the shelter of the wide variety of fauna. Karnala Bird Sanctuary, near Mumbai is an ideal place to watch the numerous varieties of birds found in this state. 17% the geographical area of Maharashtra is under forest cover with an abundant species of flora.
Flora and Fauna of Goa
The state of Goa is also rich in flora and fauna. The warm and humid climate of Goa has rendered a great biodiversity to the state. Fauna of Goa includes 48 varieties of mammals, 276 species of birds and 60 varieties of reptiles. Gaur is the state animal of Goa and the state bird is Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul. Other prominent animals of the state are foxes, migratory birds, wild boars etc. Crabs, shrimps, lobsters, jellyfish, catfish and oysters form the aquatic life of the state. Snake population in the state is very high which results in controlled rodent population. Goa also exhibits a rich cover of flora that include Bamboo canes, Maratha barks, Coconut trees, Chillar barks, Bhirand, blackberries, pineapples, mango etc.
Some of the endangered species of flora and fauna are exclusively found in the western region of the country. Indian Flora and Fauna of the Western Zone has greatly enhanced the tourism of the country. The huge variety allures a number of tourists from different parts of the world.