At the point where the rivers flow into Iraq,25 miles of open plain separate them from each other. The Tigris flows south, and the Euphrates takes a southeastern direction. In the Zagros mountains , over cutting and overgrazing have reduced some of Iraq's oak forests to scrubland. At higher elevations are alpine plants that can survive harsh weather. Reeds, boxthorns, buttercups, rushes, and saltbush grow in the nation's plains and marshlands.
Date palms thrive in many parts of the country, and occasionally poplars and willows appear.
Centuries of human settlement have depleted Iraq's wildlife. Surviving mammals include bats, rats, jackals, hyenas and wildcats, with wild pigs and gazelles living in remote areas. Reptiles are numerous and lizards and snakes make their homes in the country's deserts. Among Iraq's domesticated animals are camels, oxen, water buffalo and horses. Northern Iraqis raise large flocks of sheep and goats for their wool and skins.