Greece has a diverse range of fauna, including 116 species of mammals, with many found in mountainous forests such as bears, cats, squirrels, jackals, wolves, foxes, deer and lynx. A rare species of wild goat called kri-kri lives on Crete. Many animals are endangered, including 57 species of mammals like brown bears, and organizations work to preserve wildlife. Endangered sea life includes turtles, monk seals and dolphins, while 422 bird species live in Greece, with 70% migratory. Domestic animals commonly seen in rural areas are goats, sheep and cows.

1. Fauna in Greece

2. Fauna in Greece is extremely
diverse with many species. The
mountainous regions of the
country, particularly the forests
host bears, wild cats, brown
squirrels, jackals, wolves,
foxes, deer and lynxes
(especially in northern Greece).
A rare species of wild goat,
known as kri-kri, inhabits the
mountainous regions of Crete
island.

3. Wild animals
► There are 116 species of
mammals in Greece and 57 of
them belong to endangered
species, such as the Brown
Bears of Epirus. For the
protection of the brown bears,
the wolves, snakes, and other
endangered species, many
environmental organizations
have been established, such
as Arcturos that works on the
preservation of wildlife and
natural environment.

4. Endangered sea mammals
include the loggerhead sea
turtle “Caretta-Caretta”, the
seal “Monachus-Monachus”
and the dolphin.

5. Birds
► A large number of 422 bird
species are recorded in Greece
and about 70% of them are
migratory birds. On the way
from northern to southern
countries, many birds stop
in lakes or river deltas for a
few weeks, creating a rare
ecosystem. These regions are
protected by nature
conservation legislation, such
as the Delta of Evros River, the
biotope of Lake Kerkini, the
ecosystem of Lakes Prespes
and many others.

6. Domestic animals
► However, the most
characteristic animals in
Greece are goat, sheep, and
cows. These domestic animals
can be seen very frequently in
the Greek countryside, mostly
in the mountains. It is a
common experience to drive in
the mountain roads and see
sheep flocks getting on your
way.

7. Sources:greeka.com, arcturos.gr, en.wikipedia.org