List of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Native Animals

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s varied terrain—steep mountains, karst rivers and mixed woodlands—supports a wide range of wild species adapted to local climates and habitats. This list is meant to give naturalists and curious readers a clear snapshot of the animals you might encounter across the country.

There are 48 Bosnia and Herzegovina’s native animals, ranging from Aesculapian snake to Wild boar. For each entry you’ll see Scientific name,Conservation status,Typical length (cm); you’ll find below.

How current and reliable is the conservation information in this list?

The conservation status reflects commonly used references (national red lists and international sources like the IUCN) but can change; treat the list as a starting point and check the latest IUCN entries or local conservation authorities for up-to-date assessments before using the data for research or planning.

Where and how are you most likely to observe these species in the wild?

Look in the habitats they prefer—forests and river corridors for many mammals and birds, rocky slopes for reptiles and alpine species—and go during active times (dawn/dusk for mammals, warm daylight for reptiles); consider guided walks in protected areas and always observe from a distance to avoid disturbance.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Native Animals

Images and Descriptions

Brown bear

Large forest-dwelling omnivore found in the Dinaric Alps and mountainous forests across BiH; prefers remote woodlands and river valleys. Notable for seasonal hibernation and important cultural role in local folklore and ecosystem functioning.

Eurasian lynx

Solitary, secretive predator of mature forests in central and eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lives in mountainous, wooded terrain and preys on deer and small mammals. A conservation flagship species with recent recovery efforts in the Dinaric region.

Gray wolf

Top predator of forests, mountains and karst plateaus across BiH, often near human-used landscapes. Packs hunt deer and wild boar. Wolves are legally protected in many areas and play a key role controlling herbivore populations.

Balkan chamois

Agile mountain goat-antelope of the Dinaric Alps and high karst slopes, found on steep rocky terrain in Herzegovina and central Bosnia. Notable for climbing ability and distinct Balkan subspecies status.

Red deer

Large deer of mixed forests and mountain valleys across BiH, especially in protected areas and forested lowlands. Forms seasonal herds; males famous for impressive antlers displayed during autumn rutting season.

Roe deer

Small, adaptable deer common in woodlands, agricultural edges and river valleys throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Browses shrubs and grasses; frequently seen at dawn and dusk near rural settlements.

Wild boar

Widespread omnivore occupying forests, wetlands and agricultural margins across BiH. Forms social sounders and digs for roots and tubers. Notable for quick reproduction and being a key game species.

Eurasian otter

Semi-aquatic predator of rivers, lakes and wetlands in BiH, found especially along the Una, Una tributaries and Neretva basins. Sensitive to water quality; recognizable by playful behavior and fish-rich diet.

Eurasian beaver

Large semi-aquatic rodent living along rivers and streams in Bosnia and Herzegovina where reintroduction/restoration has helped populations. Builds lodges and dams, dramatically altering local waterways and creating wetland habitats.

European badger

Nocturnal omnivore living in woodlands and farmland edges across BiH, inhabiting setts dug into slopes and hedgerows. Diet includes earthworms and small vertebrates; social group-living in family clans.

Red fox

Adaptable small predator common in forests, fields and even urban edges across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Omnivorous and opportunistic, notable for clever foraging and varied vocalizations.

Greater horseshoe bat

Cave-roosting insectivore found in karst caves, old buildings and forested valleys of BiH. Uses echolocation through its noseleaf; important for controlling night-flying insect populations.

Eurasian eagle-owl

Large nocturnal raptor of rocky cliffs, forest edges and mountainous areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hunts mammals and large birds; famous for deep hooting calls and impressive ear tufts.

Golden eagle

Powerful mountain raptor occupying remote highlands and cliffs throughout BiH. Hunts hares and birds; a symbol of wild mountain landscapes and an indicator of healthy ecosystems.

White-tailed eagle

Large fish-eating raptor found along rivers, lakes and Adriatic-influenced wetlands in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Often seen soaring over reservoirs and river valleys; nests in large trees or cliff ledges.

Rock partridge

Ground-dwelling gamebird of rocky slopes and alpine meadows in Dinaric mountains and karst areas. Cryptic plumage and agile running make it well adapted to steep, sparsely vegetated terrain.

White stork

Long-legged wader that nests on roofs, chimneys and wetlands in lowland Bosnia and Herzegovina. Migratory but breeds locally; known for returning to traditional nests and close cultural ties with local communities.

Common buzzard

Widespread diurnal raptor in farmland, mixed woodlands and valleys of BiH. Soars on thermals while hunting small mammals and reptiles; highly adaptable and frequently seen perched along country roads.

Little owl

Small, daytime-active owl of open countryside, orchards and stone walls in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Often perches visibly; famous for its boldness and association with rural human settlements.

Common kingfisher

Vivid blue-and-orange fish-eating bird of clear rivers and streams across BiH. Nests in riverbanks and preys on small fish; an indicator of good freshwater quality where it occurs.

Grey heron

Tall wading bird of wetlands, floodplains and river corridors in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stands motionless to ambush fish; forms colonies (heronries) in suitable riparian trees and reedbeds.

Common raven

Intelligent, large corvid of mountains, forests and open country in BiH. Highly adaptable diet and complex social behavior; often seen in flocks near cliffs and human settlements.

Eurasian magpie

Bold, black-and-white corvid common in farmlands, villages and woodlands across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Omnivorous scavenger and nest-builder; notable for problem-solving skills and long tail.

Dice snake

Non-venomous, fish-eating snake of rivers, lakes and marshes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially the Una and Neretva systems. Frequently swims and dives to catch prey; favors rocky banks and reedbeds.

Aesculapian snake

Slender, non-venomous snake found in warm, wooded valleys and stone ruins in BiH. Hunts rodents and birds; historically linked to healing symbolism and sometimes found near human dwellings.

European pond turtle

Freshwater turtle inhabiting slow rivers, ponds and oxbow lakes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Requires sunny basking sites and undisturbed wetland vegetation; threatened by habitat loss and water pollution.

Fire salamander

Vivid black-and-yellow amphibian of moist deciduous forests and springs in BiH mountains. Breeds in clean streams; secretes toxins as defense and often found under logs and rocks.

European green toad

Dryland-adapted toad of steppes, rocky lowlands and urban outskirts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Breeds in temporary pools; notable for striking green patterning and tolerance of arid habitats.

Hermann’s tortoise

Terrestrial tortoise of sunny, scrubby lowlands and karst landscapes in southern BiH and Herzegovina. Herbivorous and long-lived; threatened by habitat fragmentation and collection for pet trade.

Dalmatian wall lizard

Small, agile lizard of rocky coastlines, stone walls and karst in Herzegovina and lowland Bosnia. Diurnal insectivore with good climbing ability; often basks on sunlit stones near human structures.

Nose-horned viper

Venomous viper of rocky, dry slopes and shrubland in parts of BiH. Recognizable by a small rostral “horn”; shy but potentially dangerous, it feeds on small mammals and birds.

Huchen (Danube salmon)

Iconic large salmonid of fast, cold rivers like the Drina and Vrbas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Long-lived and migratory within river systems; prized by anglers and sensitive to damming and pollution.

Brown trout

Native trout of clear mountain streams and rivers across BiH, especially in cold tributaries of the Neretva and Sana. Popular with anglers; shows great local genetic diversity in isolated streams.

European eel

Catadromous fish migrating from BiH rivers to the Sargasso Sea to breed. Present in lowland rivers and lakes; populations have declined sharply due to barriers, overfishing and pollution.

Softmouth trout

Endemic-adjacent trout of karst springs and clear rivers in the Adriatic basin, including parts of southern BiH. Notable for its specialized, soft mouth adapted to riverbed feeding; locally threatened by habitat changes.

Common roach

Widespread freshwater fish of lakes, slow rivers and reservoirs across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Omnivorous and schooling; common in inland waters and tolerates a range of conditions.

Apollo butterfly

High-mountain butterfly found on alpine meadows and rocky slopes in the Dinaric Alps of BiH. Striking white wings with eye spots; sensitive to habitat change and a conservation interest species.

Roman snail

Large terrestrial snail of woodlands, orchards and calcareous grasslands in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Slow-moving herbivore valued historically as food; indicates undisturbed, humid habitats with rich leaf litter.

White-clawed crayfish

Native freshwater crayfish in clean, well-oxygenated streams and springs of BiH. Important detritivore and prey item; populations suffer from invasive crayfish and water pollution.

Brown bear (subpopulation note)

(Regional note) Dinaric-Pindos brown bear subpopulation across BiH shows important connectivity with Croatia; conservation focuses on corridor protection and human–bear coexistence to maintain viable populations.

Eurasian beaver (reintroduced)

(Reintroduction note) Beavers have been returning to rivers in BiH through natural recolonization and reintroductions, creating wetlands that increase biodiversity and reduce erosion along stream corridors.

Common toad

Widespread nocturnal amphibian of forests, gardens and ponds in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Breeds in temporary and permanent waters each spring; known for its warty skin and strong site fidelity to breeding ponds.

Alpine newt

Colorful newt of forest ponds and mountain wetlands in BiH. Breeds in still waters, with terrestrial adults often found under logs; males develop striking breeding colors in spring.

European green lizard

Bright green lizard of warm, wooded edges, hedgerows and rocky areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Active sun-bather and insect predator; males show vivid colors in breeding season.

Corncrake

Secretive grassland bird that breeds in extensive meadows and wet hayfields in Bosnia and Herzegovina. More often heard than seen; summer breeding populations rely on traditional low-intensity farming for habitat.

Otter (river corridors)

(Note) Otters indicate healthy river corridors across BiH. Conservation efforts focus on improving water quality and protecting riparian vegetation to support recovering populations and fish prey.

Wallcreeper

Small, cliff-loving bird of high rocky faces and quarries in the Dinaric Alps of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Notable for bright crimson wing patches and acrobatic vertical foraging on rock surfaces.

Black stork

Shy forest-dwelling stork breeding in old-growth river valleys and remote wetlands of BiH. Less conspicuous than the white stork, it forages in undisturbed wetlands and wooded floodplains.

Native Animals in Other Countries