The Ribeauvillé forest begins at the foot of Riquewihr. It is 77% coniferous and 23% hardwood. It mainly extends within a mountain domain covered with 2,614 acres (1,058 ha) of state forest and 2,354 acres (953 ha) of municipal woods. The area is under the supervision of the ONF (National Forests Office). The siliceous rocks covering the ground favor hot and cold steppe flora, dating from the Ice Age or Neolithic periods. These plants are, however, a refuge for southern-type animal species such as the green lizard.