The Central Mountain Range is the spinal cord of Grande Terre. It separates the island into two unequal parts. The west is wider and more populated and the east sees the mountains fall into the sea. Its climate is harsher and more humid than the west where dry forests and meadows spread out. The highest mountain in the north is Mont Panié (1,628m). The mountains are deeply gullied, steep and covered with dark humid forests that have a primeval appearance. Many plant species have not changed since their inception.