Eurasian wildlife
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Understand
The Palearctic region has several climate zones from north to south. Most of them stretch all across the Afro-Eurasian landmass, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Many of the Eurasian animals, especially the Arctic and sub-Arctic species, are also prevalent to the North American wildlife in the Nearctic realm.
While western Europe and eastern Asia are very highly exploited by humans, most countries have at least some areas of nature, where wild animals can be seen.
- The Arctic tundra. Winters are long and freezing, and even summers are cold, with average temperatures below all year
- The boreal forest or taiga; a belt of conifer forest covering much of the Nordic countries and Russia, as well as northeast China. Climate is boreal with freezing winters, and short warm summers
- A temperate zone naturally covered by broadleaf forests and temperate grasslands. As most of this zone is used for farming, natural habitats are rare. Climate is temperate with occasional snow at winter, and warm summers
- Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers, and cool, rainy winters
- Subtropical desert climate, hot and dry year round, especially during summer
Many of the Eurasian animals, especially the Arctic and sub-Arctic species, are also prevalent to the North American wildlife in the Nearctic realm.
While western Europe and eastern Asia are very highly exploited by humans, most countries have at least some areas of nature, where wild animals can be seen.
Animals
Omnivores
The wild boar (wild swine) can be found across central Europe. A charging wild boar can kill humans and given their propensity to enter human settlements are among the more dangerous animals.
Carnivores
The wolf (Canis lupus) still has small populations throughout Eurasia, with Russia home to most (over 25,000) and Spain home to a growing population of over 2,000. Wolf populations are establishing themselves in areas that had previously exterminated them, such as Saxony, Brandenburg or even Franconia. Wolves rarely attack humans but folklore gives them an exaggerated dangerous reputation. Hunters and farmers fear the economic damage their attacks on deer and livestock can cause.The lynx (Lynx lynx) is the largest feline in Europe. They are widespread across boreal Eurasia, but nocturnal and a rather rare sight.
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest fox, spread across Eurasia as well as North America. As a scavenger and a predator of small animals, it can be seen in human settlements.
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is among the largest of bears, endemic only to the Arctic. It is one of few species to prey on humans, and people in polar bear country need to carry a gun for their own safety. Svalbard and Novaya Zemlya are among the most likely places to see a wild polar bear.
The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is a bear-like predator and scavenger in tundras and boreal forests. There are several smaller Mustelinae species, such as the European pine marten (Martes martes) and the curious stoat (Mustela erminea).
The snow leopard or ounce (Panthera uncia) is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.
The Siberian tiger (Amur tiger, Manchurian tiger) is a threatened tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) population, living particularly in the Sikhote-Alin mountain range in the Russian Far East. The Siberian tiger once ranged throughout Korea, north China, Russian Far East, and eastern Mongolia.
Maritime mammals
The grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) is widespread around Britain and Ireland, the Benelux, and the Nordic countries, all across the Baltic Sea.The harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) is widespread along Europe's Atlantic coast, as well as the North Pacific Ocean.
Ungulates
A few individuals have very little pigment and are known as white moose. Most often, the condition is not albinism, but leucism. White moose are surrounded by legend, and are usually informally protected from hunting. While a white moose is a rare sight, locals avoid to give them too much real-time attention, to avoid pursuit.
The reindeer, Rangifer tarandus, is the only deer whose females carry antlers. There are both wild and domesticated populations; Europe uses "reindeer" for both, while North Americans use "reindeer" for domesticated populations and "caribou" for wild populations. Several indigenous peoples, such as the Sami and the Nenets traditionally herd reindeer. Most of these reindeer are semi-wild, but some are used as beasts of burden and draught animals, and at least traditionally in some areas also for milk. The reindeer has been a very important game, and the first ones domesticated were probably used in hunting to attract wild reindeer. As the local wild populations got extinct, husbandry became more important.
The red deer, Cervus elaphus, is larger than the reindeer but noticeably smaller than the Eurasian elk. It is closely related to, and slightly smaller than, the animal known in North America as the elk (Cervus canadensis). It is widespread throughout the continent except in boreal forests and tundra regions, and its range also extends into Turkey, Iran, central Asia, and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa.
The European bison, also known as the wisent, Bison bonasus, is a bovine which used to be near extinction, but has in the 2000s been reintroduced to forests in Central Europe, Spain, Russia, and the Caucasus. With only a few thousand head worldwide, it is still a rare sight.
Rodents
The European beaver, Castor fiber, leaves clearly visible traces in the form of nests, dams, and felled trees. The animal itself is nocturnal and difficult to spot; sitting still and silent in a boat gives the best chance to see a live beaver.Destinations
Especially Russia and Central Asia contain vast tracts of wilderness with plants and animals in their natural habitat. Most countries have zoos which display local fauna. This list is limited to natural reserves and national parks of local or global significance.
Białowieża National ParkOne of Europe's last primeval forests.
Plitvice Lakes National ParkTurquoise lakes. UNESCO heritage site and also the place in which many 1960s "Kraut-Western", particularly the Winnetou movies were shot.
Norfolk BroadsOne of few remaining wetlands in East Anglia.
Danube DeltaGreat for birdwatching.
CamargueThe Rhône delta.
Outer HebridesFull of migratory birds.
AzoresGreat for whale watching.
CreteVultures, wild goats, tortoises and other Mediterranean animals.
SvalbardOne of few settled areas where polar bears are roaming.
Faroe IslandsCrowded with maritime birds, especially puffins. Whale watching is possible.
HeligolandCrowded with birds, important breeding grounds for several species
Dovrefjell and RondaneIconic mountains of Norway, with the oldest national park of the country and wild fell reindeer and musk oxen.
Prioksko-Terrasny Nature ReserveSmall nature reserve (4,945 ha, according to reverses in Russia), but consists about 900 plant species, 130 bird species, and 54 mammal species. This reserve is known for European bisons and a small herd of American bisons.
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Chengdu Panda Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
phone: +86 28 83510033Home to some 60 giant pandas, but also has some red pandas and a colony of black-necked cranes.
Wrangel IslandHome to over 400 rare plant species, as well as Pacific walrus, polar bears, and grey whales. 4,000 years ago this island is said to have been the last refuge of the mammoth.