The Nilgiri Biosphere and the Western Ghats are the major contributing factors for the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the area. The wetland harbors have around 116 species of birds – 66 resident, 17 migrants and 33 local migrants. Some of the migratory birds that visit the wetlands regularly are
Spot-billed Pelican
Black Winged Stilt
Teal
Painted Stork
Open billed Stork
Ibis
Wild elephants, bison, leopard, tigers, wild boar, sloth bear and the black-headed Oriole can also be found in the area. More than 20% of Coimbatore district is classified as forest. The forests are usually concentrated on the northern and western sides of the district. The trees that are found in abundance include teak, rosewood, sandalwood and bamboo. The Nilgiris slope of the Mettupalayam range is rich in sandalwood and bamboo trees. The forest varies from tropical evergreen forest of the Punachi range to shrub jungles in the southern ranges. The soil of the area is predominantly black, thus, favoring cotton cultivation. But there are patches where red loamy soil can be found.
