Nainital is nestled amongst the Tarai and Bhabhar region in the middle ranges of the Himalayas which is rich with all types of flora and fauna. The Bhabhar region that resembles all aspects of the plains has Babul, Kikar, Sal, Khair, Shisham and many other types of trees along with a unique tall grass that grows only here while the Tarai region elevates from 1000 mts to 2500 mts with the sub-alpine and alpine zones perched on its lap.
Nainital is blessed with all zones except the Alpine zone that lies mainly between the snow line and is always above 2000 mts on the Himalayan belt. Important trees that grow up to 6000 ft tall and bushes that grow here are Oak, Pangar, Akhrot, Hill Pipal, Burus, Angu, Chinar, Hisalu, Kunj, Kilmora, Surai, Rhododendrons, Deodar, Weeping Willow and Pine trees. Between the forest regions, there are small tracts of cultivated lands and fruit orchards like Apricot, Oranges, Peach, Pears, Big lemons, Kafal, Strawberry, Banana and Apple and Litchi orchards that grow mainly in the Ramgarh and Mukteshwar belt.
The Tarai and Bhabhar region of Nainital has numerous medicinal flora, herbs and small shrubs like Arjun, Ashok, Anatmool, Bhilwa, Bhringraj, Brahmi, Danti, Gambhari, Gokhru, Kaliyali, Kamal and Kamalni, Kutuj, Patha, Marodfali, species of Mentha, Priyangoo, Punarnava, Pipli, Sarivah, Sarivah, Shwet Satwahi, Talwarfali, Tejpatra, Varun, Vijayasar and many more that grow within the deep valleys. In the middle belt of the Himalayas and the sub alpine zone you can find Cholai, Banapsa, Daruharidra, Devdaru, Dhooplakkar, Fern, Kakoli, Ksheerkakoli, Lahsuniya, Manjishtha, Manduparna, Padam, Sugandhabala, Samayava, Timoor, Talish, Vidhangabhed and so many other plants. These herbs and plants are widely used as Ayurvedic medicines to cure skin problems, liver functioning problems, nervous system disability and blood purifiers as well and only the KMVN and Bheshaj Sanghs have the official authority to collect them and export to other regions.
Nine species of Animals and Birds are found in the district of Nainital like the Deer, Himalayan Langoor, Monkeys, Porcupines, Wild Pigs, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrels and Species of Birds like the Jungle and House crows, Grey winged black bird, Green backed tit, Streaked laughing Thrush, sparrows, short billed minivet and myna to name a few. Various species of fish are also seen in the lakes like 'Tor Tor', a red finned mahaseer, 'Tor Putitora', a yellow finned mahaseer, Hill Trout and common carp are a few to name that breed from May to September and are found in plenty in this district.
