Fauna

Fauna

Animal life is virtually identical in all parts of Gorski kotar, so we will present only the most significant species.
Of the invertebrates, some butterflies are shielded species: swallow tail, striped swallow tail, Parnassian and several others. Amphibian creatures include black salamander, mountain or alpine cricket and various frogs (green and common toad). Also characteristic of these parts is a special kind of lizard that bears live young. In deciduous (light) forests one can happen upon a white snake or Aesculapius's snake, although they are extremely rare. In warmer, sun exposed areas the most poisonous snake of Europe resides - the horned viper, and in the mountain areas there are common adders.
A variety of birds lives in fir and beech forests: jays, nutcrackers, bullfinches, finches and tipmouses. Thrushes nest in the higher areas. There are also our smallest birds - gold crests and fire crests. Near roads, trails and trains common wrens can often be seen. There are various woodpeckers. The three-fingered turkey-cock is particularly interesting as it is a relict from the stone-age. Eagle-owl is also characteristic.
Goshawks appear often, while cruiser eagles usually stay hidden in the most secluded and impervious mountain areas. Grouses (which are almost extinct) nest in the quiet, heterogeneous forests at altitudes of 700 -1200 meters above sea-level.
Ancient representatives of mammal life are brown bears and wolves. There are also minks, and weasels are wide-spread. Wild cat is a true rarity, so it is state-protected. Primary game are deer, but they have been over hunted. There is wild boar, especially in the meadows at the foot of Bjelolasica. Recurrent residents of fields and forests are also rabbits, doormouses, common hamsters, forest-mouses, forest voles, hedge hocks and squirrels, which are state-protected because they've become quite a rarity.