Europe is closer than you think. Amidst forests, rivers, mountains, wetlands, and coastal areas lives a surprisingly rich world of wildlife. During this Wildlife Explorer expedition, we discover ten remarkable animals, each of which, in its own way, demonstrates the importance of healthy and connected habitats.
From large predators to animals that might simply live in your own surroundings: discover their story and then choose a species to investigate further.
1. Eurasian Lynx
The Eurasian lynx is a shy wild cat that is primarily active in quiet, expansive habitats. With its sharp senses and hidden lifestyle, it is a master at remaining unnoticed. Connected forests and sufficient space are important for this species.
2. Wolf
The wolf is one of Europe's most discussed predators. As part of natural food webs, it plays an important ecological role. Its return in parts of Europe shows that large predators can find space when natural areas are better connected.
3. European Otter
The European otter is strongly connected to water. Clean rivers, streams, banks, and marshlands together form the habitat in which these animals can hunt, rest, and reproduce.
4. White-tailed Eagle
With its impressive wingspan, the white-tailed eagle is one of Europe's most striking birds of prey. Large bodies of water with sufficient food and quiet breeding spots are important for this species.
5. Kingfisher
You can almost immediately recognize the kingfisher by its bright blue and orange colors. It hunts along clear water and needs suitable banks for breeding. Small changes in water quality and bank structure can therefore make a big difference.
6. European Beaver
The beaver is not only an inhabitant of wet areas but also a true landscape architect. With dams and other waterworks, it transforms its environment and creates new wet areas that other species can also benefit from.
7. Hedgehog
The hedgehog proves that you don't always have to go to a nature reserve for wildlife. Gardens, parks, and green corridors can be important places to find food and shelter. A less tidily maintained garden can therefore be surprisingly valuable.
Discover how to make your garden hedgehog-friendly →
8. European Wildcat
The European wildcat resembles a domestic cat but is a true wild species with its own lifestyle. It lives hidden in quiet, structurally rich landscapes and needs sufficient cover and space.
9. Eurasian Eagle-Owl
The Eurasian eagle-owl is one of the largest owls in Europe. Rocky areas, forests, and quiet landscapes can form suitable habitats. Its powerful appearance makes it a striking species during a European wildlife expedition.
10. European Bison
The European bison is an impressive example of nature restoration. After the species had almost disappeared in the wild, conservation programs contributed to the bison's return in parts of Europe.
What do these animals have in common?
No animal exists in isolation from its environment. Forests, rivers, open landscapes, wetlands, and connections between nature reserves collectively determine how much space wildlife gets.
That makes habitats at least as important as the animals themselves.
Your Wildlife Explorer Mission
Choose one animal from this expedition and discover three things:
- Where does this species live?
- What does it need to survive?
- What threats does it face?
Do you want to travel further afterward? Check out the Wildlife Explorer expeditions or discover the animals in our animal world.
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