The Principality of Monaco is a microstate, and it’s the second-smallest country in the world. As a result, Monaco has far fewer species of animals than most other countries. Less than 100 species of animals live in the country, and many of them are birds or fish. Also, almost 400 species of plants thrive in the region.
The National Animal of Monaco
Despite being a small country, it has three national animals. Rather than opt for lions or other dangerous animals, the national animals of Monaco include the wood mouse, the hedgehog, and the rabbit. Interestingly, rabbits are not typically found in this country. Also, only about 10 species of mammals live in the principality, so the national animals represent 20 percent of the mammals that live in the country.
Where to Find Wild Animals in This Country
Monaco is a very small country, but it has a few parks and gardens where people can see animals. The Fontvieille Park and the Princess Grace Rose Garden are two places where visitors can see natural plants and animals from the area. The parks are designed to focus on plants, especially roses, but they naturally attract animals as well. The two parks combine for a total of almost 10 acres.
The Top Zoos in The Principality
While small, Monaco has a zoo. The Zoological Garden of Monaco houses donated animals, recovered, and abandoned animals. The zoo contains about three hundred animals including hippos, turtles, and various exotic birds.
What Are the Most Dangerous Animals in Monaco?
Given its proximity to its neighboring countries, Monaco does have a few dangerous animals. However, they’re not necessarily plentiful. Some of the animals to watch out for in Monaco include:
- Asp vipers– venomous snakes that can deliver a painful, potentially fatal bite.
- Wild boars– large, omnivorous mammals that can pass diseases on to humans while potentially goring them.
- Brown recluse spider- a venomous spider that can deliver a potent, painful bite to humans and animals.
Few harmful animals live in this small area, but they do exist. Visitors should be aware of the potentially dangerous animals that survive in the region.
Endangered Animals in Monaco
A few endangered animals inhabit the area in and around Monaco. They include:
- Sperm whales
- Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
- Short-beaked Common Dolphin
The endangered animals in this principality need support to maintain their populations. Without human interventions, these populations could continue to dwindle or disappear entirely.