In southern Guatemala forests tend to be restricted to higher elevations of the volcanic uplands. Oak and pine forests are found at higher elevations. Tropical rainforests are largely in the lowlands of the north. Except for mangrove swamps along the shoreline, natural vegetation is nearly nonexistent on the Pacific coastal plain. Although there is a program of reforestation, slopes continue to be cleared as migrant farmers search out crop land.
Forests are sources of charcoal, firewood, and lumber.
Spanish cedar and mahogany provide fine woods for cabinetmaking. The sacred ceiba, which yields the fiber kapok, is the national tree. Wildlife habitats are destroyed as forests are cleared. For this reason it is primarily in the northern regions that jaguars, monkeys, parrots, and other wildlife are still found. The brightly feathered quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala.