Plant Life

• Japan is home to more than 17,000 plant species. Some plants are specific to Japan, while others grow in numerous other countries.
  
  

Trees

• Forest covers 64 percent of the Japanese landmass. Most forested areas span along the slopes of Japan's mountains. The types of trees growing in an area of Japan depend upon both the latitude and elevation of the area.
  
  

Mammals

• More than 140 mammal species are believed to exist in Japan. Deer, rabbit, squirrels, bear and wild boar are only a few examples of mammal life in Japan.
  
  

Birds

• Sparrows are the most common birds in Japan. Sparrows are just one of more than 450 bird species that include cranes, swans and ducks.
  
  

More Animal Life

• Conditions in Japan also support life for other animals. Various reptiles, fish and amphibians inhabit Japan and its surrounding waters. Certain turtles and fish are even specific to the island of Japan.