FLORA AND FAUNA

 

The exotic flaora-fauna of Mussoorie is one prime reason for the settlement of the township. The Mansuri ridge was rich in its striking wildlife and hence Captain Frederick Young, the first resident of Mussoorie, along with Sir F.J. Shore built the first hunting and shooting box near the Camel's Back area. Eventually, the Mussoorie ridge, which was a lush forest comprising oak, rhododendron and deodar with its pleasing climate like that of the Irish and Scottish highlands, was chosen as the best location for a healthy sojourn and subsequently, the Landour Sanitarium was established here. The Benog Sanctuary covers the forest of the western ridge of Mussoorie and happens to be the area where the extinct mountain quail was last seen during the 1970s. The thick jungles of Mussoorie inhabits a healthy population of birds along with leopards, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, jungle martens, rabbits, pheasants and wild rodents. The healthy population of avifauna in the forest of Mussoorie makes an ideal place for bird watching. The flora of Mussoorie is gifted with fruits trees that include Chestnut, Quinn and Pear. A haven for botanists, the treasure with medicinal value includes Himrai, Pudina-khar, Gingko Biloba, which is also a rare living fossil, and a number of high grade herbs.