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Animals in Italy

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  5. Animals in Italy

Below you’ll find a complete list of Italian animals with pictures. We currently track 133 animals in Italy and add more daily!

  • National Animal of Italy: Italian Wolf
  • Approximate Number of Animal Species in Italy (Excluding Bacteria, Viruses): 57,000
  • Most Dangerous Animal in Italy: Marsican Brown Bear

Italy Wildlife and Geography

Italy is a biodiversity hot spot that’s home to more animal species than any other European country. Impressively, a third of the continent’s fauna is represented in Italy. Why? Because the boot-shaped peninsula is the joint connecting Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. As such, it’s a cornucopia of ecological features that includes the Alps and Apennine mountain ranges, central woodlands, and southern shrublands. The fauna-rich cherry on top is Italy’s 4,900 miles (8,000 kilometers) of coastline that falls smack in the middle of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity zone.

Italy’s wildlife is so impressive that UNESCO declared the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park a World Heritage Site in 2009.

Italy Animals

Excluding bacterias, viruses, and most microscopic invertebrates, Italy is home to about 57,000 known species, 4,777 of which are endemic to the region.

Italian Mammals

Between 102 and 126 mammal species live within Italy and its surrounding waters. According to the IUCN, of those mammals, four are  Near Threatened, nine are Vulnerable, two are Endangered, and one, the North Atlantic right whale, is Critically Endangered. 

Commonly spotted mammals in Italy include several types of shrews, Alpine marmots — which look like chubby squirrels — European snow voles, wild boars, and steinbocks.

Notably, Etruscan shrews — the smallest known mammal by mass — resides in Italy. The tiny and solitary animals weigh only .063 ounces, which is about half as heavy as a pencil. Another standout Italian mammal is the Alpine ibex. Found in northern Italian mountain ranges, males of the goat-antelope species are known for their gigantic, backward-hooking horns.

Italian Birds

How many bird species are in Italy? The latest count stands at 516, but only about 267 nest in the nation. Bluethroats, hoopoe, and the stunning European roller, with its turquoise and electric blue feather patterns, are common. Birds of prey in the region include Bonelli’s eagles, Eurasian eagle-owl, and the griffon vulture. 

Italian Reptiles and Amphibians

Scientists cannot agree on the number of reptiles and amphibians in Italy. Numbers range between 44 and 59 each. Common reptiles and lizards found in the country include spectacled salamanders, Italian newts, Italian stream frogs, Sicilian pond turtles, and the Italian Aesculapian snakes.

Italian Fish

Hundreds of fish and marine mammals swim through Italian waters. Common species include the Italian loach and Italian barbel. Jellyfish, porcelain crabs, and octopus are also plentiful.

Italian Insects

Researchers and naturalists have observed about 37,303 insects in Italy, and nearly 200 butterfly and moth species flit through the nation’s skies. Scarlet dragonflies, Cleopatra butterflies, and Praying mantis are all at home in the southern European country. 

Endangered Animals in Italy

Below is a table that details a sampling of Italian animals deemed threatened, to some degree, by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. This Italian endangered animals list is not exhaustive.

AnimalAlternative NamesIUCN ClassificationRegionThreatsInteresting Fact
Corsican HareApennine Hare, Italian HareVulnerableSouthern and Central ItalyHabitat Loss, Hunting, Food CompetitionOnce Regarded As a Subspecies of the European Hare
Sardinian Long-Eared BatNAVulnerableThree Caves in Central SardiniaTourism Disturbance, Habitat LossOnly Surviving Mammal Species Endemic to Sardinia
Corsican Red DeerCorsican Deer, Sardinian DeerNear ThreatenedCorsica Island, Sardinia IslandHabitat LossSmallest of the Red Deer Subspecies
Brown Cave SalamanderGene’s cave salamander, Sardinian cave salamander, Sardinian salamanderVulnerableSardiniaHabitat LossHabitat Loss
Italian Cave SalamanderNANear ThreatenedNorthern and Central Apennine MountainsHabitat LossPrefers to Live around Limestone Rock
Monte Albo Cave SalamanderStefani’s salamanderNear ThreatenedSardiniaHabitat LossReproduces Through Direct Development of Terrestrial Eggs
Sardinian Brook SalamanderSardinian mountain newtEndangeredSardiniaHabitat Loss, Pollution, Tourism DisturbanceStays Close to Water at All Times
Apennine Yellow-Bellied ToadNAEndangeredThroughout ItalyHabitat LossHibernates from November to April
Aeolian Wall LizardRaffone’s Wall LizardCritically EndangeredAeolian IslandsCompetition with Italian Wall LizardOnly Four Populations Remain
Salmo Carpio Carpione, Carpione del GardaCritically EndangeredOnly in Lake GardaOverfishing, Pollution, CompetitionDidn’t Survive in any Other Lakes to which it Was Introduced
Salmo FibreniFibreno TroutVulnerableLago di Posta FibrenoHabitat LossFreshwater Trout
Common Bent-Wing BatSchreibers’s Long-Fingered Bat, Schreibers’s BatVulnerableAfrica, Asia, Europe, Middle EastPesticides, Habitat LossNamed after Austrian Naturalist Carl Franz Anton Ritter von Schreibers
Italian WolfApennine WolfVulnerableApennine Mountains, Western AlpsHuman-Wolf Conflict, PoachingProtected Since 1970s
Marsican Brown BearApennine Brown BearCritically EndangeredApennine MountainsHuman-Bear Conflict, Habitat LossHas a Different Hibernation Routine than Other Brown Bears

Italian officials keep an eye on conservation and the country supports 20 national parks and 130 regional parks. Additionally, lawmakers have carved out 150 federally protected wildlife territories, 270 state ones, and 16 marine reserves. 

Most Dangerous Animals in Italy

Italy is bursting at the seams with fauna species, and some are dangerous! Although, compared to a country like Australia, which is awash in lethal animals, Italy’s creatures are comparatively tame. 

The six most dangerous animals in Italy are:

  1. Marsican Brown Bears
  2. Eurasian Lynx
  3. Asp Vipers
  4. Jellyfish
  5. Weever Fish
  6. Black Widow Spiders

National Animal of Italy

The Italian wolf — also known as the Apennine wolf — is the national animal of Italy. It’s symbolism dates back to the mythological story of Romulus and Remus. According to legend, a shewolf discovered the infant twins and kept them alive via interbreed suckling. Eventually, humans took the boys in, and they went on to found Rome.

Italian wolves are a subspecies of grey wolves and native to the Italian Peninsula. Today, between 600 and 700 individuals are alive and well. But in the not too distant past, only about 70 Italian wolves were left. Thanks to public and private conservation efforts, the species is making a comeback.

Italian Animals

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Badger

Can reach speeds of 30 km/h!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Bolognese Dog

From the northern Italian city of Bologna!

Brown Bear

A dominant predator in it's environment!

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 20,000 species!

Cat

First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chamois

Natively found in the European mountains!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common Frog

Found throughout the European continent!

Common Loon

Also known as the Great Northern Diver

Common Toad

Most active in wet weather!

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 million worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Edible Frog

Are known to guard the muddy banks!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

Ferret

Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs!

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

There are 12 different species in the world!

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glow Worm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 40 mph!

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Highland Cattle

Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a miniature dog with a big motor and personality!

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Lemming

Does not hibernate during the bitter Arctic winter!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Loach

Have sharp spines below their eyes

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Maltese

Originally bred in Europe!

Marmot

A marmot spends 80% of its life below ground

Marsh Frog

Has bright green skin!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Neapolitan Mastiff

Fearless and extremely protective of it's home!

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

Olm

Inhabits dark underwater caves

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pike Fish

Apex freshwater predators with fearsome teeth!

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Pool Frog

The rarest amphibian in the UK!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Inhabits deciduous forests!

Puss Moth

Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 50 different species!

Raccoon

Known to wash their food before eating it!

Raccoon Dog

The only hibernating canine!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Lizard

Males turn green in spring!

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 3,000 known species worldwide

Snowy Owl

One of the largest owl species in the world!

Spadefoot Toad

They spend most of their time underground!

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stag Beetle

More than 1,200 different species!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tawny Owl

The most widespread owl in Europe!

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Vole

The largest Vole species in the UK!

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

Actually a crustacean, not an insect!

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Italian Animals List

  • Ant
  • Aurochs
  • Avocet
  • Badger
  • Barn Owl
  • Bat
  • Beetle
  • Bird
  • Black Widow Spider
  • Bolognese Dog
  • Brown Bear
  • Bumblebee
  • Butterfly
  • Cat
  • Caterpillar
  • Catfish
  • Centipede
  • Chamois
  • Chicken
  • Cockroach
  • Common Buzzard
  • Common Frog
  • Common Loon
  • Common Toad
  • Cow
  • Crab
  • Crane
  • Deer
  • Dog
  • Donkey
  • Dormouse
  • Dragonfly
  • Duck
  • Eagle
  • Earwig
  • Edible Frog
  • Eel
  • Falcon
  • Ferret
  • Fire-Bellied Toad
  • Fly
  • Flying Squirrel
  • Fox
  • Frog
  • Glass Lizard
  • Glow Worm
  • Goat
  • Golden Oriole
  • Goose
  • Grasshopper
  • Hamster
  • Hare
  • Hedgehog
  • Heron
  • Highland Cattle
  • Honey Bee
  • Hoopoe
  • Horse
  • Human
  • Insects
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Kingfisher
  • Ladybug
  • Lemming
  • Lizard
  • Loach
  • Long-Eared Owl
  • Magpie
  • Maltese
  • Marmot
  • Marsh Frog
  • Mayfly
  • Millipede
  • Mole
  • Mongrel
  • Moorhen
  • Moth
  • Mouse
  • Mule
  • Neanderthal
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Newt
  • Nightingale
  • Olm
  • Otter
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Pheasant
  • Pig
  • Pigeon
  • Pika
  • Pike Fish
  • Pond Skater
  • Pool Frog
  • Porcupine
  • Purple Emperor Butterfly
  • Puss Moth
  • Quail
  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Raccoon Dog
  • Rat
  • River Turtle
  • Robin
  • Salamander
  • Sand Lizard
  • Scorpion
  • Seahorse
  • Shrimp
  • Slow Worm
  • Snail
  • Snake
  • Snowy Owl
  • Spadefoot Toad
  • Sparrow
  • Squirrel
  • Stag Beetle
  • Stick Insect
  • Stoat
  • Swan
  • Tawny Owl
  • Termite
  • Tortoise
  • Tree Frog
  • Vulture
  • Wasp
  • Water Buffalo
  • Water Vole
  • Weasel
  • Wild Boar
  • Wolf
  • Wolf Spider
  • Woodlouse
  • Woodpecker

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