Fauna in the Jammu and Kashmir region include animals like the Snow Leopard, Hangul, Chiru, and the Yak. Over 100 species of birds make their home in this rugged terrain. Commonly spotted animals in the Kashmir region include the Marmot, the Himalayan Ibex, the serow, nilgai, the black bear and the musk deer. The Hangul has been declared as an endangered species. This animal is found all over the Kashmir valley. Some of the commonly sighted birds in Kashmir are the Nightingale, Hud Hud, Ranga, Bul Bul and the King Fisher. Forests in Jammu and Kashmir vary according to both altitude and climatic conditions. They range from tropical deciduous forests in the foothills to temperate forests in the middle altitudes of the Kashmir Valley. Coniferous, sub-alpine, and alpine forests spring up higher up in the higher areas of the Valley and these eventually give way to alpine grasslands and high altitude meadows. Forests in the Jammu and Kashmir region include a wide variety of species including maple that is popularly known as the chinar tree, evergreens, rose chestnut, alder, pine, laurel, sal, oak, magnolia, cedar, birch, hazel, spruce, juniper and rhododendron.

Called Booune in the Kashmiri language, the Chinar tree is an integral part of Kashmiri culture. Almost every village in the valley has a Chinar tree. You can experience a cool breeze under the shadow of this majestic tree which is very conducive to health. It is unfortunate that in recent years the number of Chinar trees is decreasing. It is no wonder that if the present trend continues, the day is not far-off when the tree will see its extinction from the land of Kashmir. However, it is heartening to note the government is making its honest best to stop the illegal felling of this great tree of Kashmir. Chinar is a gigantic sized tree, found growing throughout valley. Its scientific name is platanus orientalis. Its family is plataneae. A deciduous tree, Chinar traces its origin to Greece. Its incredible beauty has to be seen to be believed. The tree is at its most elegance and exuberance during autumn. Though its majesty can be seen all through the year. Iqbal, the poet of the East, traces the warmth of the Kashmir soil to the "blaze of Chinars it nurses in its bosom". Chinar grows up to a height of 25 meters and a girth exceeding 50 feet in certain cases. This tree with the largest circumference of 60 feet is located at a village named Chattergam in central Kashmir.

he walnut belongs to the small order of trees and shrubs known as Juglandeae. Walnut trees are very large, ranging from 50 to 75 feet in height and width. Kashmir revels in reputation in that it is the only region in India where the walnut tree grows. The natural sheen, color and grains are indeed exceptional and unique. The carving and fret- work done on this wood is of a delight. Generally two types of walnut trees are found in Jammu and Kashmir- one that bears fruit and is noted for its wood, and another which is not fruit-bearing. The latter is known as 'zangul' in local parlance and is less strong and possesses no grains. The walnut wood is almost black, and the grain here is much more pronounced than the wood of the trunk which is lighter in color. Black in color, the walnut wood is used for making furniture and carvings. The branches have the lightest color, being almost blonde, and have no noticeable grain. The inherent worth of the wood from each part of the tree differs. The root part is the most expensive and the branches having the lowest price

Almond tree has been referred to by Spenser in the Fairy Queen: 'Like to an Almond tree mounted hye, On top of greene Selinis all alone, With blossoms brave bedecked daintly; Whose tender locks do tremble every one At every little breath that under Heaven is blown.' Although the almond tree is native to the Mediterranean region, this beautiful tree has adapted to the climate of Kashmir. Big and shady, these trees grow up to a height of 15m and have large oval leaves tinged with red and fleshy fruits. These fruits to turn bright red from green during the mature phase. The fruits of the almond tree are very aromatic and sweet. Almonds are considered the healthiest nuts to eat because they have the highest protein content of any nut. Almonds are also a rich source of calcium and many minerals, such as potassium and phosphorous. Almonds help in lowering cholesterol levels and contain oleic acid, which helps maintain a healthy heart. There are two types of almond tree: bitter and sweet. Almonds grown in Kashmir tend to be slightly bitter but the sweet ones are imported into India from Afghanistan in great quantities. The almond in Kashmir is synonymous with romance in Kashmir. Ancient Indian literature depicts heroines as someone having dark almond shaped eyes which symbolize beauty and appeal. The heart suit in a pack of playing cards is often called badam or almond in many Indian languages. The Mughals were great patrons of art and lovers of cuisines. As a matter of fact the almond was introduced into Indian cookery by the Mughals. They also contributed a lot to the increase in the use of the almond motif in textiles, weaving and sculpture.