A diverse fauna
With its 36,000 species of fauna, Poland is undoubtedly home to many animals. Some of the most common on the European continent, such as wild boar, lynx, bison and chamois, can be found in Poland. Bison remain the country's most emblematic mammals, having been saved from extinction by conservation policies. Evolving with the seasons, Poland's fauna changes throughout the year. In autumn, the bellowing of deer can be heard in the forests, while in winter the howling of wolves pierces the silence of nature. In summer, multicolored butterflies invade the meadows, especially in the Peninsular mountains! The country's fauna is characterized above all by its large number of birds. With over 400 different species, the country is a birdwatcher's paradise. Cranes, eagles, owls, white storks and herons are just some of the species to be seen during a stay in Poland. And you don't always have to hide away in the countryside: in Warsaw alone, no fewer than 180 species can be observed! However, the Masurian lakes region is a particularly good place for birdwatching. Finally, aquatic environments such as rivers, streams and lakes (both natural and man-made) are home to a wide variety of freshwater fish, including trout, roach, pike-perch, pike-perch and even catfish. Poland is the ideal playground for anglers! From seaside resorts, it's possible to set sail for the open sea of the Baltic, to fish for cod. In some national parks, it's also possible to indulge in this pastime. Incidentally, the richness of Poland's fauna is such that, of the 23 national parks in existence, 19 have chosen to feature the animal most characteristic of their territory in their logos.
Exceptional flora
More than a third of Poland's territory is covered by forests. Spruces, oaks, pines and beeches are just some of the species that populate these vast spaces. Poland's forests are among the most extensive in Europe, and boast an immense number of listed plant species. The Białowieża National Park, for example, is home to the largest deciduous forest in Europe. It consists mainly of beech and oak. In the Carpathian and Sudeten mountains, on the other hand, conifers dominate the landscape. The pines and spruces that populate these mountainous regions offer a superb Alpine panorama. These forests are a veritable breeding ground for biodiversity, as are the meadows and wetlands of Poland. The latter are ideal habitats for numerous plant species, including grasses and wildflowers (such as orchids), rushes and water lilies.
The challenges of conservation
Poland is strongly committed to the conservation of its flora and fauna. The country is littered with national parks, nature reserves and protected areas. These areas are essential for the protection of endangered plant and animal species, as they enable the application of a strict legal framework. The country is involved in various conservation programs, such as Natura 2000, whose main aim is to protect natural habitats and species of Community interest throughout the European Union. The fight against poaching, the illegal trade in wild animals, and massive logging (which has been threatening the Białowieża primary forest for some years now), are all battles to be fought to protect Poland's natural riches. Various measures are in force to counter these illegal actions, such as heavy criminal penalties, surveillance patrols in sensitive areas or major awareness-raising campaigns. The latter is an essential component of the road to preservation. Indeed, informing people about the risks to flora and fauna is crucial to raising awareness. Solid cooperation between government, conservation associations, local communities, scientists and conservation organizations is effective in many countries. This enables the implementation of concrete actions aimed at tourists, as well as schools, to raise awareness of the need to preserve sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable species. The conservation of flora and fauna is an ongoing process, so Poland is staying the course to ensure the continuity of its efforts.
