Exploring The Wildlife Of Belarus: Native Animals

Belarus is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including around 76 species of vertebrate animals, 300 species of birds, and 27,100 animal species overall. The country's landscape is characterised by thick forests, vast meadows, blue rivers and lakes, and unique wetland ecosystems. Belarus' forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including the European bison, the country's national animal and the largest land mammal on the European continent. Other native mammals include wild boars, beavers, wolves, deer, elk, and more. The country also boasts a rich variety of bird life, with over 300 bird species recorded, including woodpeckers, greater spotted eagles, and kestrels.

Reptiles and amphibians

Belarus is home to a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians, with seven classifications of reptiles and about a dozen amphibian life forms.

Reptiles

The Common European Adder is the only venomous snake in Belarus. It is easily recognised by its triangular, dark head. European adders are the only snakes that live above the Arctic Circle and can be found throughout the European continent.

Amphibians

The Braslavskiye Ozera National Park in the Vitebsk region of Belarus is home to ten amphibian species. This park was established in 1995 and covers more than 69,000 hectares. It is also home to 189 species of birds, which is 85% of all nesting birds in Belarus.

The Pripyatsky National Park in the Gomel region of southern Belarus is home to eleven amphibian species. This park was established in 1969 and covers more than 85,000 hectares. It is also home to the European bison, which was introduced to the park in 1987.

Birds

Belarus is home to a diverse range of birds, with around 300 species found within its borders. From majestic birds of prey to colourful songbirds, here is an overview of some of the avian highlights that can be spotted in this country.

One of the most iconic birds of Belarus is the greater spotted eagle (Clanga clanga). This large and impressive bird of prey is a resident of the country's vast forests and open landscapes. With a wingspan of up to 1.8 metres, the greater spotted eagle is an impressive sight as it soars above its territory in search of prey. These eagles are known for their striking colouration, with dark brown plumage covered in bold white spots, giving them their distinctive name. They are listed as a near-threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Belarus is an important stronghold for this species.

Another bird of prey that calls Belarus home is the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo). This majestic owl is the largest owl species in Europe, with a wingspan of up to 1.8 metres. They are found in a variety of habitats across the country, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. Eurasian eagle-owls are powerful predators, capable of taking small mammals, birds, and even other owls as prey. Their distinctive orange eyes and ear tufts make them a favourite among birdwatchers.

For those interested in songbirds, Belarus also boasts a variety of colourful and melodious species. One such bird is the Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula). These small, stocky finches are common residents of Belarus's forests and gardens, where they feed on buds, seeds, and small insects. Male bullfinches sport a striking rose-red breast, which contrasts beautifully with their grey backs and black caps. Their clear, flute-like calls can often be heard ringing through the trees, especially during the breeding season when they defend their territories vigorously.

Birdwatchers in Belarus should also keep an eye out for the lively and colourful European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis). These small finches are often seen in flocks, feeding on thistle seeds and other small plants. The males have bright red faces and yellow wings, making them stand out among the more subdued female and juvenile birds. Goldfinches are known for their cheerful, twittering calls, which add to the charm of spotting these lively little birds.

Lastly, no discussion of Belarusian birds would be complete without mentioning the white stork (Ciconia ciconia). This graceful bird is a symbol of Belarus and can be seen in many parts of the country. White storks are large, elegant waders, with long legs and a distinctive black-and-white plumage. They are often seen foraging in wetlands and fields for small animals, such as frogs and insects. The storks' large stick nests can be spotted in tall trees and on buildings, and they are a beloved part of the country's natural heritage.

Insects

The country's unique natural environment, with its mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, lakes, and marshlands, provides a habitat for a wide variety of insects. The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, for example, is home to more than half of the known species of Belarusian flora and fauna.

Some of the insects native to Belarus include:

• Ladybugs
• Minute brown scavenger beetles
• Common frog
• European toad
• Common wood pigeon
• Magpie
• White wagtail
• Black-headed gull
• Mute swan
• Common European adder/viper
• Smooth snake
• Viviparous lizard
• Sand lizard
• Common frog
• European toad

The Bereza State Wildlife Reserve, established in 1925, was the country's first wildlife reserve, protecting many endangered plants and animals, including insects. Today, there are about 99 national and 428 regional wildlife sanctuaries in Belarus, protecting more than 180 animal species.

Fish

Belarus is home to an estimated 63 species of fish. The country's 11,000 lakes and 20,800 rivers and streams are a source of fish resources. One fish species known only from Belarus is the sculpin Cottus dorofeevi. The aquatic warbler is a native fish species that is considered endangered.

The country's vast wetland ecosystems, known as the "lungs of Europe," play a crucial role in the global environmental system by helping to clean the air of carbon dioxide and preserve rare animal and plant species. These wetland ecosystems are an important habitat for many fish species.

Belarus is also known as "a blue-eyed country" due to its abundance of water bodies, including its picturesque rivers and lakes. The Belarusian Lake District in the north of the country is home to the majority of its lakes, which were formed during the Ice Age when huge glacier boulders left depressions that filled with water as the glaciers melted.

Mammals

Belarus is home to a diverse range of mammals, with around 70 species native to the country. The country's landscape, characterised by thick forests, vast meadows, and numerous lakes and rivers, provides a habitat for a variety of animal species.

One notable mammal in Belarus is the European bison, which is the largest land mammal on the European continent and is also the national animal of Belarus. Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park is home to the world's largest population of this rare species.

Other mammals found in Belarus include various species of rodents, such as beavers, squirrels, dormice, and voles. The country also hosts a range of carnivorans, including the European wildcat, Eurasian lynx, red fox, gray wolf, and Eurasian wolf.

The bat species, which account for about 20% of all mammals, can also be found in Belarus. The country is home to several species of bats, including Bechstein's bat, the pond bat, and the greater mouse-eared bat.

In addition, Belarus is home to several species of ungulates, including the roe deer, red deer, and wild boar. The European bison, an endangered species, is also an ungulate that has been reintroduced to certain areas of the country.

The country also has its fair share of hedgehogs, shrews, moles, and mustelids, such as the Eurasian otter, beech marten, and European badger.

Overall, Belarus boasts a rich diversity of mammalian species, with a mix of endangered and vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in the region.

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