IV.

Plants and Animals

The vegetation of Java is luxuriant, particularly along the lower slopes of the central mountain chain and on the coastal plain. In addition to a broad variety of plants, numerous species of trees, including palms, bamboo, acacia, rubber, and teak, abound in this zone, which is confined largely to the area below 518 m (1700 ft). The teak forests, one of the most valuable natural resources of Java, are extensive. Among the trees common to the higher slopes of the central uplift are the magnolia, rasamala, oak, elm, laurel, maple, and chestnut. Stands of timber occupy approximately 23 percent of the total surface of the island. Java also has a numerous and diversified fauna. Noteworthy animals are the one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, banteng (wild ox), wild pig, flying lemur, and several species of ape. The island is the habitat of more than 400 species of birds, including the red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), the green peacock, 2 species of parrot, the swift (Collocalia), 10 species of pigeon, 2 species of cuckoo, and 11 species of heron. Among the reptilian fauna are the great python (Python reticulatus), cobra, a species of adder, and the crocodile. Some crocodiles attain 9 m (30 ft) in length. The coastal and inland waters teem with fish, including many edible varieties. Crabs, crayfish, and lobsters are numerous.