The discovery of the locust bean (Ceratonia oreothauma), lavenders and many other plant species has emphasized the many links the Cal Madow highlands have with the Mediterranean region.

The flora of Somalila, much of which constitutes unique genetic resources, contains more than 3000 species of vascular plants, and is thus much richer than that of the Sahel region in general.

Somalilland houses a greater number of endemic plant species, many of which grow in the northern and eastern regions, notably in Cal Madow.

Cal Madow and adjacent areas also have richer fauna than many other parts of Horn of Africa, and harbor some of the rarest and most localized of Somali endemic animal species.

Here, Warsangli linnet (Carduelis johannis), pigeons (acanthus olivae) and golden-winged grosbeaks can be observed, as can antelopes such as the beira (dorcatragus megalotis), and different subspecies of gazelles.

On the basis of the recent botanical survey in Cal Madow, the team recommended that the local forest should be conserved as a national monument, as it plays an important role in the mountain range's ecosystem and represents a valuable natural resource.