The Languedoc-Roussillon area experiences the Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry while winters are rainy with moderate temperatures. Spring often comes with rainy episodes too. Woodlands, forests, grasslands, savannas, and scrublands surround the areas that experience the Mediterranean climate. Certain factors determine the type of vegetation that grows in Languedoc-Roussillon. They include:

• Soil disparity
• Exposure to the sun and wind
• Fire occurrence
• Topography

Understanding Flora In Languedoc-Roussillon

There are numerous rare plant species in Languedoc-Roussillon. Sclerophyll is the most commonly available woody plant in this region. It is characterized by tiny, dark leaves that have a waxy layer on the outside. This coating helps them preserve moisture during summer.

Oak woodlands are significant within the Mediterranean region. Languedoc-Roussillon has a vast coverage of pine and walnut woodlands too. One is likely to spot scrublands which often appear along the sea coastal area. This vegetation has soft leaves which are low lying. These are their adaptation characteristics to help them cope with the strong winds and salty vapor from the sea. If you are on the look-out for wild varieties of plants such as mint, thyme and orchid, you will find plenty to see here.

Forests

Many of the forests found in Languedoc-Roussillon are evergreen with wide-leaved trees, and include the coniferous oak trees. This area has a combination of different forests such as Nothofagus, Eucalyptus and sclerophyll forests.

Shrublands

Shrublands are defined by geophytes, grass, or herbs. They are thick and evergreen in appearance. They can either develop to become tiny trees or sclerophyll shrubs, also known as maquis. While shrubland occurs naturally, it can also occur due to human indulgence. There are different shrub species, all of which have been seen to be highly adaptive to fire.

There are beautiful flowers which sprout during the onset of and all through spring. In addition, one can find edible fungi such as truffles in different parts of this region.

Fauna In Languedoc-Roussillon

Wild animals found here include mammals and birds: brown bears, bison, beavers and otters, wolves, wild boar, vultures, woodpeckers, Pyrenean fawns, deer, the distinctive long-horned sheep, grouse and owls. Other wildlife found in this region also include:

• Fish
• Reptiles
• Amphibians

Interesting cultural fact

There is one particularly interesting fact about the Languedoc-Roussillon region and its shopping centers. There is a lot of shop-lifting. You are reading it right. Young males caught stealing – as you can see, there is even a website dedicated to showcase the problem. Of course Perps Caught series is a fantasy one, but it illustrates pretty properly the problems stealing can bring!

Finally

Languedoc-Roussillon is a breathtaking region whose purpose is to preserve the region’s ecosystem. Both the flora and fauna in this area have mastered adaptation skills which facilitate their coexistence. The appearance of the vegetation changes with every season without altering the beauty of this region. The evergreen plants are characterized by wide leaves that come with a leathery feel. These adaptation characteristics play a huge role in preventing the loss of water during hot and dry seasons.