Mammals of Lithuania: The Complete List

Lithuania’s mix of Baltic coastline, lowland wetlands and mixed forests supports a wide variety of mammals. From urban edges to remote reserves, changes in season and land use shape where different species appear and how easy they are to spot.

There are 71 Mammals of Lithuania, ranging from American mink to Yellow-necked mouse. For each, you’ll find below Scientific name,Conservation status,Size (cm),Description (30-50 words) — see the list you’ll find below.

Where in Lithuania should I go to see the most species?

Look for diverse habitats: coastal dunes and lagoons (Curonian Spit), large wetlands and river deltas (Nemunas Delta), and mixed-forest national parks (Aukštaitija, Žemaitija). Dawn and dusk increase your chances; stick to trails, use binoculars, and respect seasonal restrictions and protected areas.

How current are the conservation statuses in the list?

Statuses reflect commonly used sources (national red lists and IUCN where available) but can change. Use the list as a starting point and check recent publications or local conservation agencies for updates if you need authoritative, up-to-the-minute assessments.

Mammals of Lithuania

Common name	Scientific name	Conservation status	Size (cm)	Description (30-50 words)
Roe deer	Capreolus capreolus	LC; Nat: LC	60	Small, graceful deer with a reddish summer coat and white rump; 60 cm body. Common in woodlands, field edges and suburbs; often seen at dawn or dusk. Important browser and frequent prey for wolves and lynx.
Red deer	Cervus elaphus	LC; Nat: LC	170	Large reddish-brown deer with a shaggy neck and branching antlers on males; about 170 cm body. Found in forests and open marshland across Lithuania; impressive rutting calls in autumn make them a favourite for wildlife watching.
Fallow deer	Dama dama	LC; Nat: Introduced	100	Medium-sized deer often spotted in parks and managed estates; about 100 cm body with spotted summer coat and palmate antlers in males. Introduced and common in some areas; browses woodland edges and meadows.
Moose	Alces alces	LC; Nat: NT in parts	200	Very large, long-legged deer with broad palmate antlers in males; c.200 cm body. Found in extensive wetlands and mature forests, more common in eastern Lithuania; solitary, often seen near lakes and marshes.
Wild boar	Sus scrofa	LC; Nat: LC	100	Rugged, dark bristly pig-like mammal about 100 cm body. Widespread in forests and agricultural edges; active at night and leaves distinctive rooting signs. Populations can surge and impact crops.
European bison	Bison bonasus	EN; Nat: Reintroduced	250	Europe’s heaviest land mammal with a massive head and shaggy mane; c.250 cm body. Reintroduced into reserves and forests; best seen in managed areas—iconic conservation success but still regionally vulnerable.
European beaver	Castor fiber	LC; Nat: Reintroduced/LC	80	Stocky rodent with glossy brown fur and flat paddle tail; about 80 cm body. Builds dams and lodges along rivers and lakes; a keystone species that dramatically alters freshwater habitats.
Grey wolf	Canis lupus	LC; Nat: LC	100	Large, pack-living canid with long legs and bushy tail; about 100 cm body. Present throughout woodlands and bogs; shy but expanding in Lithuania, important apex predator controlling ungulate numbers.
Eurasian lynx	Lynx lynx	LC; Nat: LC	80	Medium-sized wild cat with tufted ears and short tail; c.80 cm body. Secretive forest specialist of large woodlands; look for tracks and scrapes—impressive ambush predator returning across the region.
Red fox	Vulpes vulpes	LC; Nat: LC	60	Slim, orange-red canid with bushy tail; about 60 cm body. Extremely adaptable—found in forests, farmland and urban areas. Omnivorous and often seen at dusk, leaving distinctive V-shaped tracks.
Raccoon dog	Nyctereutes procyonoides	LC; Nat: Invasive	55	Doglike, raccoon-faced mammal with dense fur; c.55 cm body. Introduced from Asia, now common in wetlands and forests. Nocturnal omnivore; can carry parasites and compete with native species.
Raccoon	Procyon lotor	LC; Nat: Introduced, local	50	Masked face and ringed tail; about 50 cm body. Introduced from North America and locally established from escapes; nocturnal and opportunistic, found near water and settlements.
European otter	Lutra lutra	NT; Nat: LC	65	Slim, glossy-furred aquatic predator with long body and tail; c.65 cm. Found along rivers, lakes and the coast; watch for slides and spraint on rocks—indicator of healthy waterways.
Pine marten	Martes martes	LC; Nat: LC	40	Sleek arboreal mustelid with creamy throat patch; about 40 cm body. Lives in mature forests and can visit orchards at night. Excellent climber and skilled predator of birds and small mammals.
Stone marten	Martes foina	LC; Nat: LC	45	Similar to pine marten but paler and more urban; c.45 cm body with pointed face. Frequently uses buildings and barns; common around towns and farmland hunting rodents.
European badger	Meles meles	LC; Nat: LC	75	Stocky, black-and-white striped face and powerful digger; about 75 cm body. Lives in setts in woodlands and hedgerows; nocturnal omnivore that shapes soil and seed dispersal.
European polecat	Mustela putorius	LC; Nat: LC	35	Dark, slender mustelid with mask-like face; c.35 cm body. Found in a variety of habitats including farmland and wetlands. Secretive carnivore known to hybridize with feral ferrets locally.
American mink	Neovison vison	LC; Nat: Invasive	30	Small, dark semi-aquatic mustelid c.30 cm body. Escaped from fur farms and now widespread along rivers and lakes, where it preys on fish, birds and small mammals—threat to native species.
Stoat (Ermine)	Mustela erminea	LC; Nat: LC	20	Small slender predator with seasonal coat; about 20 cm body. Hunts in open countryside and wood edges. In winter some turn white (ermine), a striking ID feature in cold seasons.
Least weasel	Mustela nivalis	LC; Nat: LC	12	Tiny, long-bodied mustelid approximately 12 cm. Active hunter of rodents in fields and gardens; often unnoticed but common where voles are abundant.
European hare	Lepus europaeus	LC; Nat: LC	55	Long-eared, long-legged brown hare about 55 cm body. Prefers open farmland and meadows; fast runner and mostly crepuscular. Important game species with seasonal breeding peaks.
Eurasian beaver (historical note)	Castor fiber	LC; Nat: Reintroduced	80	See European beaver entry for details; reintroduction recovered populations in rivers and lakes, transforming wetlands and increasing biodiversity.
Eurasian red squirrel	Sciurus vulgaris	LC; Nat: LC	20	Small tree squirrel with ear tufts and bushy tail; about 20 cm body. Common in coniferous and mixed forests and parks; readily seen and an important seed disperser.
Brown rat	Rattus norvegicus	LC; Nat: LC	20	Large urban-adapted rodent about 20 cm body. Widespread in settlements and farms; omnivorous and prolific breeder, important in human-altered habitats.
Black rat	Rattus rattus	LC; Nat: Introduced, local	15	Slender, arboreal rodent c.15 cm body. Less common than brown rat; associated historically with ports and older buildings—now sporadic in Lithuania.
House mouse	Mus musculus	LC; Nat: LC	8	Tiny commensal rodent about 8 cm body. Lives in and around human dwellings, farms and farmsheds; adaptable and globally widespread.
Wood mouse	Apodemus sylvaticus	LC; Nat: LC	9	Rusty-brown rodent with long tail; about 9 cm body. Common in forests, hedgerows and gardens; active at night and a key prey species for owls and foxes.
Yellow-necked mouse	Apodemus flavicollis	LC; Nat: LC	10	Brown forest mouse with pale yellow collar; c.10 cm body. Prefers deciduous woods and parks; often more arboreal and larger than the wood mouse.
Striped field mouse	Apodemus agrarius	LC; Nat: LC	9	Small rodent with distinct dorsal stripe; about 9 cm body. Found in farmland, grassland and scrub across Lithuania; more common in open habitats than woodland mice.
Bank vole	Myodes glareolus	LC; Nat: LC	12	Small reddish-brown vole about 12 cm body. Abundant in forests and gardens; important prey species and seed disperser—populations fluctuate seasonally.
Field vole	Microtus agrestis	LC; Nat: LC	10	Stocky grey-brown vole about 10 cm body. Common in grasslands, marsh edges and meadows; populations can cyclically boom and crash.
Common vole	Microtus arvalis	LC; Nat: LC	11	Small golden-brown vole c.11 cm body. Typical of arable fields and grasslands; important prey for raptors and mustelids.
Root vole	Microtus oeconomus	LC; Nat: LC	10	Short, grey-brown vole about 10 cm body. Prefers wet meadows and marshes in Lithuania; locally abundant in damp habitats and key for wetland food webs.
Water vole	Arvicola amphibius	NT; Nat: Protected	15	Stocky semi-aquatic rodent c.15 cm body with rounded nose. Lives along rivers and ditches, builds bankside burrows and grazing lawns; populations declined but still present in suitable wetlands.
Muskrat	Ondatra zibethicus	LC; Nat: Introduced	30	Large introduced rodent with dense fur and vertically flattened tail; about 30 cm body. Established in wetlands and river systems after introduction; constructs burrows and alters vegetation.
Northern birch mouse	Sicista betulina	LC; Nat: LC	6	Tiny hopping rodent with long tail and pale belly; c.6 cm body. Inhabits dry meadows and forest edges; shy and difficult to spot yet characteristic of northern landscapes.
Hazel dormouse	Muscardinus avellanarius	LC; Nat: Protected	8	Small arboreal rodent with furry tail and golden eyes; about 8 cm body. Lives in deciduous woodland and hedgerows; nocturnal and hibernates—indicator of healthy scrub.
Common harvest mouse	Micromys minutus	LC; Nat: LC	5	Very small grassland mouse (c.5 cm) with prehensile tail tip. Builds woven nests above ground in tall grasses and reedbeds; look near lakeshores and hay meadows.
European mole	Talpa europaea	LC; Nat: LC	12	Fossorial mammal with cylindrical body and spade-like forelimbs; about 12 cm. Leaves ridged molehills in lawns and fields; mainly subterranean insectivore.
Common shrew	Sorex araneus	LC; Nat: LC	6	Small brown insectivorous shrew about 6 cm body. Active day and night in woodland and grassland; high metabolic rate and sharp snout—often found near logs and leaf litter.
Eurasian pygmy shrew	Sorex minutus	LC; Nat: LC	4	Tiny fast-moving shrew c.4 cm body. Prefers dense vegetation in meadows and forests; hard to see but detectable by quick movements and small droppings.
Water shrew	Neomys fodiens	LC; Nat: LC	7	Semi-aquatic shrew with water-repellent fur; about 7 cm body. Hunts aquatic invertebrates along streams and marshes; tail often used as rudder while swimming.
European hedgehog	Erinaceus europaeus	LC; Nat: LC	20	Prickly, rounded insectivore about 20 cm body. Common in gardens, parks and woodland edges; nocturnal forager and frequent garden visitor—hibernates in winter.
Grey seal	Halichoerus grypus	LC; Nat: Protected	200	Large, bulky marine seal up to 200 cm body. Occasionally visits Lithuanian coast and offshore islands; seen hauled out on rocks—important Baltic marine predator.
Harbour seal	Phoca vitulina	LC; Nat: Rare	140	Smaller, rounded seal about 140 cm body. Occasional visitor to Lithuanian shores and estuaries; shy and easily spooked but sometimes seen resting on sandbanks.
Harbour porpoise	Phocoena phocoena	VU; Nat: Occasional	120	Small, blunt-nosed cetacean c.120 cm body. Occasionally recorded in Baltic waters off Lithuania; shy and often seen as brief blows or fleeting dorsal fin inshore.
European mole (duplicate removal note)	Talpa europaea	LC; Nat: LC	12	See mole entry; present and common in gardens and grasslands where it aerates soil and feeds on invertebrates.
Brown long-eared bat	Plecotus auritus	LC; Nat: LC	5	Delicate bat with very large ears and slow, maneuverable flight; body c.5 cm. Roosts in buildings and trees; easy to spot at close range when gleaning insects from foliage.
Grey long-eared bat	Plecotus austriacus	NT; Nat: Rare	6	Large-eared bat about 6 cm body. Prefers warm lowland habitats and old buildings; regionally uncommon but of high conservation interest where present.
Daubenton’s bat	Myotis daubentonii	LC; Nat: LC	5	Medium bat often seen flying low over water; c.5 cm body. Hunts insects above rivers and lakes, using tail membrane to scoop prey—frequent in reed-fringed waters.
Natterer’s bat	Myotis nattereri	LC; Nat: LC	6	Woodland bat with agile flight and pale face; about 6 cm body. Roosts in trees and buildings; gleans insects from surfaces rather than catching on the wing.
Brandt’s bat	Myotis brandtii	LC; Nat: LC	5	Small brown bat c.5 cm body with dark face. Favors woodland and parkland; often roosts in tree cavities and older buildings.
Whiskered bat	Myotis mystacinus	LC; Nat: LC	5	Small, mid-brown bat about 5 cm. Similar to Brandt’s and difficult to separate without close inspection—found in woodlands and buildings, active at dusk.
Greater mouse-eared bat	Myotis myotis	LC; Nat: Rare	8	Large Myotis around 8 cm body. Rare or local in Lithuania; roosts in old buildings and caves, ground-foraging for beetles—interesting where present but scarce.
Common pipistrelle	Pipistrellus pipistrellus	LC; Nat: LC	4	Tiny bat c.4 cm with rapid echolocation; common in towns, parks and woodlands. Often seen hunting insects near streetlights at dusk.
Soprano pipistrelle	Pipistrellus pygmaeus	LC; Nat: LC	4	Similar to common pipistrelle but favors water habitats; about 4 cm body. Often detected along rivers and lakes—important migratory species.
Nathusius’ pipistrelle	Pipistrellus nathusii	LC; Nat: Migrant	5	Migratory pipistrelle around 5 cm body. Passes through Lithuania in spring and autumn; often seen near forests and wetlands during migration waves.
Noctule	Nyctalus noctula	LC; Nat: LC	9	Large, fast-flying bat c.9 cm body with broad wings. Forages high above woodland and towns; roosts in tree holes and buildings—one of the earliest bats to emerge.
Leisler’s bat	Nyctalus leisleri	LC; Nat: LC	6	Slim bat about 6 cm body with reddish hue. Prefers woodland edges and lakeshores; active at dusk catching moths and larger insects.
Parti-coloured bat	Vespertilio murinus	LC; Nat: LC	7	Distinctive long-eared bat with contrasting rump; around 7 cm body. Uses buildings and tree roosts; often forages above open water and fields.
Barbastelle	Barbastella barbastellus	NT; Nat: Rare	6	Dark, broad-headed bat about 6 cm. Prefers old broadleaf woodland and tree roosts; regionally scarce and a conservation priority where present.
European free-tailed bat	Tadarida teniotis	LC; Nat: Vagrant	8	Fast-flying bat c.8 cm. Very occasional vagrant in Lithuania, typically in warm years; identified by fast direct flight and tail projecting beyond tail membrane.
Brown long-eared bat (duplicate note)	Plecotus auritus	LC; Nat: LC	5	See brown long-eared entry; common gleaner of moths found in buildings and woodland.
Wild boar (duplicate removal note)	Sus scrofa	LC; Nat: LC	100	See wild boar entry; widespread and ecologically influential, especially where populations are dense.
European wildcat	Felis silvestris	NT; Nat: Very rare	60	Elusive forest cat c.60 cm body with bushy ringed tail and striped coat. Records in Lithuania are scarce and debated; if present, it favors large, undisturbed forests.
Woolly hare (mountain hare)	Lepus timidus	LC; Nat: Historical/rare	45	Arctic-adapted hare about 45 cm body; historically present in Lithuania’s north but now rare or locally extirpated—white winter coat in cold years distinguishes it.
Minke whale (occasional)	Balaenoptera acutorostrata	LC; Nat: Vagrant	700	Large baleen whale up to 700 cm body; extremely rare vagrant to Lithuanian waters. Any offshore sighting is notable; identification by small dorsal fin and pale flank.
Forest dormouse (Edible dormouse absent)	Dryomys nitedula	NT; Nat: Rare	8	Small arboreal dormouse about 8 cm body, preferring mature woodland and scrub. Records in Lithuania are rare/local; nocturnal and hibernates—an interesting but scarce species.
Bicolored shrew (Taiga shrew)	Sorex isodon	LC; Nat: Local	7	Shrew of northern forests about 7 cm body. Occurs in damp forests and bog margins in eastern Lithuania; cryptic but part of northern mammal community.
European mink (historical/absent)	Mustela lutreola	CR; Nat: Extirpated	30	Once present in the region but functionally extirpated from Lithuania; historically semi-aquatic and darker than polecat—a cautionary conservation example.
Notes and totals row omitted per instructions

Images and Descriptions

Roe deer

Small, graceful deer with a reddish summer coat and white rump; 60 cm body. Common in woodlands, field edges and suburbs; often seen at dawn or dusk. Important browser and frequent prey for wolves and lynx.

Red deer

Large reddish-brown deer with a shaggy neck and branching antlers on males; about 170 cm body. Found in forests and open marshland across Lithuania; impressive rutting calls in autumn make them a favourite for wildlife watching.

Fallow deer

Medium-sized deer often spotted in parks and managed estates; about 100 cm body with spotted summer coat and palmate antlers in males. Introduced and common in some areas; browses woodland edges and meadows.

Moose

Very large, long-legged deer with broad palmate antlers in males; c.200 cm body. Found in extensive wetlands and mature forests, more common in eastern Lithuania; solitary, often seen near lakes and marshes.

Wild boar

Rugged, dark bristly pig-like mammal about 100 cm body. Widespread in forests and agricultural edges; active at night and leaves distinctive rooting signs. Populations can surge and impact crops.

European bison

Europe’s heaviest land mammal with a massive head and shaggy mane; c.250 cm body. Reintroduced into reserves and forests; best seen in managed areas—iconic conservation success but still regionally vulnerable.

European beaver

Stocky rodent with glossy brown fur and flat paddle tail; about 80 cm body. Builds dams and lodges along rivers and lakes; a keystone species that dramatically alters freshwater habitats.

Grey wolf

Large, pack-living canid with long legs and bushy tail; about 100 cm body. Present throughout woodlands and bogs; shy but expanding in Lithuania, important apex predator controlling ungulate numbers.

Eurasian lynx

Medium-sized wild cat with tufted ears and short tail; c.80 cm body. Secretive forest specialist of large woodlands; look for tracks and scrapes—impressive ambush predator returning across the region.

Red fox

Slim, orange-red canid with bushy tail; about 60 cm body. Extremely adaptable—found in forests, farmland and urban areas. Omnivorous and often seen at dusk, leaving distinctive V-shaped tracks.

Raccoon dog

Doglike, raccoon-faced mammal with dense fur; c.55 cm body. Introduced from Asia, now common in wetlands and forests. Nocturnal omnivore; can carry parasites and compete with native species.

Raccoon

Masked face and ringed tail; about 50 cm body. Introduced from North America and locally established from escapes; nocturnal and opportunistic, found near water and settlements.

European otter

Slim, glossy-furred aquatic predator with long body and tail; c.65 cm. Found along rivers, lakes and the coast; watch for slides and spraint on rocks—indicator of healthy waterways.

Pine marten

Sleek arboreal mustelid with creamy throat patch; about 40 cm body. Lives in mature forests and can visit orchards at night. Excellent climber and skilled predator of birds and small mammals.

Stone marten

Similar to pine marten but paler and more urban; c.45 cm body with pointed face. Frequently uses buildings and barns; common around towns and farmland hunting rodents.

European badger

Stocky, black-and-white striped face and powerful digger; about 75 cm body. Lives in setts in woodlands and hedgerows; nocturnal omnivore that shapes soil and seed dispersal.

European polecat

Dark, slender mustelid with mask-like face; c.35 cm body. Found in a variety of habitats including farmland and wetlands. Secretive carnivore known to hybridize with feral ferrets locally.

American mink

Small, dark semi-aquatic mustelid c.30 cm body. Escaped from fur farms and now widespread along rivers and lakes, where it preys on fish, birds and small mammals—threat to native species.

Stoat (Ermine)

Small slender predator with seasonal coat; about 20 cm body. Hunts in open countryside and wood edges. In winter some turn white (ermine), a striking ID feature in cold seasons.

Least weasel

Tiny, long-bodied mustelid approximately 12 cm. Active hunter of rodents in fields and gardens; often unnoticed but common where voles are abundant.

European hare

Long-eared, long-legged brown hare about 55 cm body. Prefers open farmland and meadows; fast runner and mostly crepuscular. Important game species with seasonal breeding peaks.

Eurasian beaver (historical note)

See European beaver entry for details; reintroduction recovered populations in rivers and lakes, transforming wetlands and increasing biodiversity.

Eurasian red squirrel

Small tree squirrel with ear tufts and bushy tail; about 20 cm body. Common in coniferous and mixed forests and parks; readily seen and an important seed disperser.

Brown rat

Large urban-adapted rodent about 20 cm body. Widespread in settlements and farms; omnivorous and prolific breeder, important in human-altered habitats.

Black rat

Slender, arboreal rodent c.15 cm body. Less common than brown rat; associated historically with ports and older buildings—now sporadic in Lithuania.

House mouse

Tiny commensal rodent about 8 cm body. Lives in and around human dwellings, farms and farmsheds; adaptable and globally widespread.

Wood mouse

Rusty-brown rodent with long tail; about 9 cm body. Common in forests, hedgerows and gardens; active at night and a key prey species for owls and foxes.

Yellow-necked mouse

Brown forest mouse with pale yellow collar; c.10 cm body. Prefers deciduous woods and parks; often more arboreal and larger than the wood mouse.

Striped field mouse

Small rodent with distinct dorsal stripe; about 9 cm body. Found in farmland, grassland and scrub across Lithuania; more common in open habitats than woodland mice.

Bank vole

Small reddish-brown vole about 12 cm body. Abundant in forests and gardens; important prey species and seed disperser—populations fluctuate seasonally.

Field vole

Stocky grey-brown vole about 10 cm body. Common in grasslands, marsh edges and meadows; populations can cyclically boom and crash.

Common vole

Small golden-brown vole c.11 cm body. Typical of arable fields and grasslands; important prey for raptors and mustelids.

Root vole

Short, grey-brown vole about 10 cm body. Prefers wet meadows and marshes in Lithuania; locally abundant in damp habitats and key for wetland food webs.

Water vole

Stocky semi-aquatic rodent c.15 cm body with rounded nose. Lives along rivers and ditches, builds bankside burrows and grazing lawns; populations declined but still present in suitable wetlands.

Muskrat

Large introduced rodent with dense fur and vertically flattened tail; about 30 cm body. Established in wetlands and river systems after introduction; constructs burrows and alters vegetation.

Northern birch mouse

Tiny hopping rodent with long tail and pale belly; c.6 cm body. Inhabits dry meadows and forest edges; shy and difficult to spot yet characteristic of northern landscapes.

Hazel dormouse

Small arboreal rodent with furry tail and golden eyes; about 8 cm body. Lives in deciduous woodland and hedgerows; nocturnal and hibernates—indicator of healthy scrub.

Common harvest mouse

Very small grassland mouse (c.5 cm) with prehensile tail tip. Builds woven nests above ground in tall grasses and reedbeds; look near lakeshores and hay meadows.

European mole

Fossorial mammal with cylindrical body and spade-like forelimbs; about 12 cm. Leaves ridged molehills in lawns and fields; mainly subterranean insectivore.

Common shrew

Small brown insectivorous shrew about 6 cm body. Active day and night in woodland and grassland; high metabolic rate and sharp snout—often found near logs and leaf litter.

Eurasian pygmy shrew

Tiny fast-moving shrew c.4 cm body. Prefers dense vegetation in meadows and forests; hard to see but detectable by quick movements and small droppings.

Water shrew

Semi-aquatic shrew with water-repellent fur; about 7 cm body. Hunts aquatic invertebrates along streams and marshes; tail often used as rudder while swimming.

European hedgehog

Prickly, rounded insectivore about 20 cm body. Common in gardens, parks and woodland edges; nocturnal forager and frequent garden visitor—hibernates in winter.

Grey seal

Large, bulky marine seal up to 200 cm body. Occasionally visits Lithuanian coast and offshore islands; seen hauled out on rocks—important Baltic marine predator.

Harbour seal

Smaller, rounded seal about 140 cm body. Occasional visitor to Lithuanian shores and estuaries; shy and easily spooked but sometimes seen resting on sandbanks.

Harbour porpoise

Small, blunt-nosed cetacean c.120 cm body. Occasionally recorded in Baltic waters off Lithuania; shy and often seen as brief blows or fleeting dorsal fin inshore.

European mole (duplicate removal note)

See mole entry; present and common in gardens and grasslands where it aerates soil and feeds on invertebrates.

Brown long-eared bat

Delicate bat with very large ears and slow, maneuverable flight; body c.5 cm. Roosts in buildings and trees; easy to spot at close range when gleaning insects from foliage.

Grey long-eared bat

Large-eared bat about 6 cm body. Prefers warm lowland habitats and old buildings; regionally uncommon but of high conservation interest where present.

Daubenton’s bat

Medium bat often seen flying low over water; c.5 cm body. Hunts insects above rivers and lakes, using tail membrane to scoop prey—frequent in reed-fringed waters.

Natterer’s bat

Woodland bat with agile flight and pale face; about 6 cm body. Roosts in trees and buildings; gleans insects from surfaces rather than catching on the wing.

Brandt’s bat

Small brown bat c.5 cm body with dark face. Favors woodland and parkland; often roosts in tree cavities and older buildings.

Whiskered bat

Small, mid-brown bat about 5 cm. Similar to Brandt’s and difficult to separate without close inspection—found in woodlands and buildings, active at dusk.

Greater mouse-eared bat

Large Myotis around 8 cm body. Rare or local in Lithuania; roosts in old buildings and caves, ground-foraging for beetles—interesting where present but scarce.

Common pipistrelle

Tiny bat c.4 cm with rapid echolocation; common in towns, parks and woodlands. Often seen hunting insects near streetlights at dusk.

Soprano pipistrelle

Similar to common pipistrelle but favors water habitats; about 4 cm body. Often detected along rivers and lakes—important migratory species.

Nathusius’ pipistrelle

Migratory pipistrelle around 5 cm body. Passes through Lithuania in spring and autumn; often seen near forests and wetlands during migration waves.

Noctule

Large, fast-flying bat c.9 cm body with broad wings. Forages high above woodland and towns; roosts in tree holes and buildings—one of the earliest bats to emerge.

Leisler’s bat

Slim bat about 6 cm body with reddish hue. Prefers woodland edges and lakeshores; active at dusk catching moths and larger insects.

Parti-coloured bat

Distinctive long-eared bat with contrasting rump; around 7 cm body. Uses buildings and tree roosts; often forages above open water and fields.

Barbastelle

Dark, broad-headed bat about 6 cm. Prefers old broadleaf woodland and tree roosts; regionally scarce and a conservation priority where present.

European free-tailed bat

Fast-flying bat c.8 cm. Very occasional vagrant in Lithuania, typically in warm years; identified by fast direct flight and tail projecting beyond tail membrane.

Brown long-eared bat (duplicate note)

See brown long-eared entry; common gleaner of moths found in buildings and woodland.

Wild boar (duplicate removal note)

See wild boar entry; widespread and ecologically influential, especially where populations are dense.

European wildcat

Elusive forest cat c.60 cm body with bushy ringed tail and striped coat. Records in Lithuania are scarce and debated; if present, it favors large, undisturbed forests.

Woolly hare (mountain hare)

Arctic-adapted hare about 45 cm body; historically present in Lithuania’s north but now rare or locally extirpated—white winter coat in cold years distinguishes it.

Minke whale (occasional)

Large baleen whale up to 700 cm body; extremely rare vagrant to Lithuanian waters. Any offshore sighting is notable; identification by small dorsal fin and pale flank.

Forest dormouse (Edible dormouse absent)

Small arboreal dormouse about 8 cm body, preferring mature woodland and scrub. Records in Lithuania are rare/local; nocturnal and hibernates—an interesting but scarce species.

Bicolored shrew (Taiga shrew)

Shrew of northern forests about 7 cm body. Occurs in damp forests and bog margins in eastern Lithuania; cryptic but part of northern mammal community.

European mink (historical/absent)

Once present in the region but functionally extirpated from Lithuania; historically semi-aquatic and darker than polecat—a cautionary conservation example.