The complexities of Macedonia’s fauna make it a beautiful and welcoming home to over 10,000 different species of animals to just the northern region. More specifically, it is home to 16 unique species of snakes, but only three of these species are dangerous and venomous. Birds account for 300 different species that have been found in the country, though they do not all build nests for long-term stays.
The unique zoological structure has led Macedonia to host many endemic species that can’t be found anywhere else. The lynx, for example, is specific to the mountain region in North Macedonia. With the lion as the national animal of Macedonia, the locals have made it clear how important the many species of birds, snakes, mammals, and invertebrates are to their home.
The Official National Animal of Macedonia
In Macedonia, the official national animal is the Macedonian Lion. The country holds such a high honor for this national animal that it is featured on their coat of arms, holding a crown adopt its head. It is one of the oldest symbols in Europe, though the skin of the animal was once worn by Macedonian kings (including Alexander the Great on the silver tetradrachm of Macedonia).
A lion sculpture was erected centuries ago after the Greeks were defeated by the Macedonians in central Greece. The sculpture of the Macedonian lion matches the one that can be seen in Amphipolis.
Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Macedonia
Among the forests in Macedonia, wildlife like wild boars, foxes, chamois, bears, and deer run freely. The wildlife in this region is vast and abundant, but there are a few endemic species that only find their home in certain areas. For instance, the lynx is a unique and rare sighting, only typically arising in the mountains in the northwest region of Macedonia. Deer, on the other hand, have many endemic species that prefer to live in Demir Kapija.
Other wild animals include:
- Chamois, which lives in the European mountains.
- Common buzzard, which is found throughout Europe.
- European pine vole, which is a mouse that is widespread across Macedonia.
Ultimately, Macedonia’s habitat is such a welcoming area that it would be more difficult to find a place without wildlife than with it.
The Most Dangerous Animals in Macedonia Today
Even though there are many small animals in Macedonia that pose no threat, it is still home to dangerous wildlife like brown bears, which have attacked over 600 people in the last 15 years. However, the country authorized the legal killing of animals, despite banning wolf hunting. While there have been attacks by predators like the lynx and the wolf, no deaths have been recorded. The thousands of insect species are much more dangerous. Other dangerous animals include the Mediterranean black widow and the sea urchin.
North Macedonia is home to three venomous and highly dangerous snakes, which include the Montpellier snakes and the European cat snakes. Interestingly, the latter is an endemic species to the Mediterranean region and Caucasus region.
Endangered Animals in Macedonia
The biggest threat to wildlife in Macedonia is the impact that humans have had on the environment. Between the marsh draining and the agricultural use of land, an unfortunate number of endemic species are endangered, and a few have become extinct.
Some of the endangered species include:
- Common tortoise, which is also known as Hermann’s tortoise that is commonly exported out of the region.
- Egyptian vulture, which has largely been endangered as the result of poisoning by the chemicals used in agriculture.
- Bechstein’s bat, which tends to live in woodland areas and has been exceedingly difficult to locate for years.
As of 2018, the country has reported 8 extinct nesting species of birds. Though the golden jackal was once considered extinct, it has since been re-established in some areas. Without further protection, there is a major risk of extinction among other endemic species of Macedonia.