General Information » Environment » Flora & Fauna

With huge topographical and geographical contrasts, New York has a real mish-mash of natural wonders. What you see today owes much to the rapid changes as a consequence of urbanisation. Before that, the state was predominantly woodland, forestry and meadowlands, some of which still prevail, though the order and dominance has obviously changed.

Surrounded by water (the Atlantic and Lakes Erie and Ontario for the state and the Hudson River for the city) New York also boasts some 8,000 lakes and 10 major rivers, all adding to the bustling ecosystem, but trembling under the weight of the concrete garden of New York City. The most dominant characteristics of the plant life found in the city include the ability to survive against acid rain, thick polluted air and a lack of sunlight behind the heaven-bound skyscrapers that nestle a little too close for natural comfort.

The most prolific of the city’s wildlife would have to be the cockroaches and rats that share the land with the thousands upon thousands of humans, a rather more grim testimony to European immigration!

There is still natural growth and better wildlife, an assortment of fish, a variety of birds, raccoons, the odd wild coyote and Central Park’s very own kaleidoscope of squirrels. The boroughs of New York City, complete with sanctuaries, do well to maintain the menagerie of nature from the industrialisation of modern life, including the wildlife refuges in Alley Pond (Queens) and Staten Island’s Jamaica Bay and Clove Lake.



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Despite the urban sprawl that has befallen the state for some 500 years, there exists in the state almost 150 different kinds of trees. Close to the Atlantic, you’re likely to find willow oaks, sweet gums and laurel magnolias, with hickory and chestnuts nearer the Hudson and Mohawk valleys. Northern hardwoods dominate, namely beech, ash, cherry and birch. South-eastern New York is sheltered by a variety of oaks, while the eastern region takes care of the apple trees and other fruit bearers that make up much of the state’s agricultural offerings.

The state flower happens to be the rose – and for good reason given the abundance and variety. Add in the more common meadow flowers, such as dandelion, Queen Anne’s lace, and black-eyed Susan and you have yourself a real lush picking of natural beauty.

As of 2003, there are six endangered plant species and a list of protected plants that includes all species of fern, orchids and rhododendron.



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Cockroaches and rats aside for a minute – the state shows off other original inhabitants, from the very tiny deer mouse to the fluffy east...