The vegetation of Kamchatka is unique and strongly differs from the vegetation in other areas of the Far East. Approximately one third of Kamchatka territory is covered with forests. These are mainly birch forests (Erman's birch) ,less spread are larch, poplar and alder forests Hillsides are covered with stlannik (i.e. low growing brushwood - elfin cedar and dwarf alder). The most common tree species in Kamchatka is stone birch tree. Kamchatka woods are rich ia great variety of wild berries such as: cowberry, raspberry, ashberry, cranberry, cloudberry, honey-suckle.
Fauna of Kamchatka is rather poor in the number of species, though some of species is numerous.The Kamchatka brown bear for instance, is one of the largest bear species ( the same species inhabits Kodiak Island in Alaska).The average size of mature Kamchatka bear is approximately 8.5 feet with a 25 inch scull.There are also bears measuring 9.8 feet and larger, but they are rather few. The biggest bird of the peninsula is Steller's sea eagle - a relict predator, which inhabits practically only Kamchatka peninsula.In coastal regions there are seals and sealions, on the territory of the Komandorskie Islands-fur seals and sea otters. 134 species of rare plants and animals nominated for the Red Book of rare species.
