Of the 586 islands, approximately 75% of Palau is covered in native forest and mangrove. The forests of Palau are the most species-diverse in Micronesia with 1400 species of plants, with an estimated 194 endemic plant species. 23 endemic orchids to Palau are now known.
At least 46 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found, at least 12 of which are endemic. Species include 4 sea turtle species, 1 crocodile, and 2 sea snakes. Palau has 2 endemic species of bats, the large Fruit Bat which can be seen during the day, and the small, nocturnal insectivorous Sheath-tailed Bat found around limestone caves.
Palau has 162 recorded species of birds, and 12 of these are endemic, only found in Palau. Some of the rarest birds to see are the Palau Ground Dove (Omekrengukl) and the Giant White-eye, which can only be found in certain locations in the Rock Islands. The Palau Megapode (bekai) is now an endangered species.