The plant life of Tunisia, particularly that found in the coastal region, is similar to that of southern Europe. The fertile, well-watered regions of the north are characterized by flourishing vineyards and by dense forests of cork oak, pine, and juniper trees. Farther south, the semiarid conditions support a steppe vegetation controlled by wild grasses, notably esparto grass, and a wide mixture of shrubs. In the arid regions of the extreme south, date palms flourish in oases. Among the wildlife found in the nation are hyena, wild boar, jackal, gazelle, and hare. Several varieties of poisonous snakes, including cobras and horned vipers, are also present.