The high rainfall accounts for this because
the elevation of the mountain range here is
lower.
The coastal areas on the other hand, provide
the tropical backdrop. There are several plants
and trees unique to Goa and some introduced
by the Portuguese, most famous of which is
the green Chilies, which today has become an
essential ingredient in the Indian Curry.
The tropical location of Goa is responsible for
its warm humid climate and late rite and lateri tic
Clayey-loamy soil. The mean temperature even
in the coldest month is over 20 degrees centigrade.
Average rainfall is over 500mm along the western ghats and a little less elsewhere.
The length of the dry season averages from 5 to 6 months. For all these reasons,
the dominant
vegetation is of the moist deciduous type.
Goa is endowed with over 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 genera of
birds, over 48 genera of
animals and over 60 genera of reptiles.
About 10% of Goa is set aside as wildlife reserve and this area includes four
large wildlife
sanctuaries.
