FLORA
It is estimated that up to 1,000 plant species inhabit the forests of GHSNP. Vegetation and flora within the park varies according to the altitude which can be classified into three zones:
- Colline zone, of altitude between 500-1,000 m. It is dominated by Rasamala trees (Altingia excelsa), diameter of which can reach up to 1.5 m.
- Sub-montane zone, of altitude between 1,000-1,500 m. It is dominated by Puspa trees (Schima wallichii) and some Fagaceae species.
- Montane zone, of altitude between 1,500-2,211 m. It is dominated by Fagaceae species (Castanopsis spp., Lithocarpus spp., and Quercus spp.). Creater vegetation is found especially in Mt. Salak.
GHSNP is also home to unique and rare species such as pitcher plants (Nepenthes spp.) and Palahlar trees (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), as well as orchids (261 species), bamboos (12 species), rattans (13 species) and many kinds of other species.
FAUNA
Fauna is also very diverse in the park. Some species are rare and thus protected. Some of the major endangered mammals in the park are the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), the grizzled leaf monkey (Presbytis comata), the silver leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus), the wild dog (Cuon alpinus), and the stink badger (Mydaus javanensis). The Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch), which is endemic of Java is also endangered. Their characteristic calls can be heard coming from the deepest of the rainforest in the morning and afternoon. Suggested sites to visit in order to observe the Javan gibbons are Cikaniki, Mt. Botol, Mt. Andam or Mt. Panenjoan.
GHSNP is heaven to many unique and beautiful insects such as butterflies and beetles. The birdlife in the park is also interesting for birdwatchers as 244 species are recorded, 32 of which are endemic of Java Island. Some of them are endangered species such as the Javan hawk-eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi), the Javan cochoa (Cochoa azurea), the Javan scops-owl (Otus angelinae) and the blue-tailed trogon (Harpactes reinwardtii).
