Luxembourg is a small landlocked country in Western Europe. Its official name is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It borders Belgium to the west, Germany to the east, and France to the south. Luxembourg has been called the “green heart of Europe.” It is famous for its rich farmland and its wine-producing region. Outside its major cities, the country is sparsely populated and rural. It is a hilly country with craggy mountains marked by many rivers and streams.
Wildlife in Luxembourg
Luxembourg has several unique animals. These include the American beaver, Eurasian beaver, common vole, European pine vole, greater white-toothed shrew, Brandt’s bat, Natterer’s bat, European wild cat, and European otter. You can spot red foxes, bears, rodents, and a huge variety of insects in the woodland areas.
Luxembourg’s native birds include the barnacle goose, mute swan, red-legged partridge, European turtle dove, and the spotted crake. Its rivers and streams are home to curlews, sandpipers, gulls, loons, and other aquatic birds. Its unique native reptiles include the European toad and the smooth newt.
What Is the National Animal of Luxembourg?
Luxembourg’s national animal is the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus), a small bird that is a member of the kinglet family. This beautiful yellow bird sports a patch of bright gold on its head, which is where it gets its nickname, “king of the birds.”
This small, lovely bird lives in forests but can often be found in backyard gardens. Goldcrests live in many parts of Europe and Asia. Luxembourg’s national bird is listed as “least concern” for conservation status.
What Animals Are Endangered or Extinct in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg’s endangered species include the European eel, sociable plover bird, freshwater pearl mussel, and the thick-shelled river mussel. Spengler’s freshwater mussels are believed to be extinct in Luxembourg, but it has been spotted in France.
Where To See the Top Wild Animals in Luxembourg
There are many places to see animals in this scenic country. Hiking and canoeing are popular sports, and there are many protected nature areas.
- The Nature Park of the Upper Sure is home to the country’s largest drinking water reservoir. This scenic lake provides water and shelter to a large variety of animals.
- The Beetebuerger Bech Nature Reserve in Bettembourg is home to unspoiled forests and streams. Among the native birds, you may see are the ashen woodpecker, black woodpecker, sea woodpecker, Natterer’s bat, and Bechstein’s bat.
- Nature Reserve Pettenerbesch is another deeply forested area that’s right in the geographical center of the country. Here, you can spot a vast variety of wildlife, including foxes, owls, pheasants, voles, and beavers while you walk the trails.
- The Nature Reserve Haff Reimech is home to the Biodiversum, a unique indoor conservation area. This popular learning center was built on an artificial island at the foot of the region’s famous vineyards. The first floor of this multilevel center focuses on Luxembourg’s water conservation efforts. The second floor focuses on the country’s unique flora and fauna. In the surrounding nature reserve, you can spot great-crested grebes, frogs, geese, and mallards.
A Scenic Setting for Wildlife
Luxembourg has many scenic regions, and its government has made a commitment to preserve its native fauna. Waterfowl and reptiles live in its waters, and its forests contain foxes, bears, owls, rodents, and wild cats. Visiting a nature park is a wonderful way to see these unique animals.