Flora and fauna of the Serbian Carpathians

125 species of the Serbian Carpathians on karpaty.rocks — with photos, descriptions and a map. Most are in: Strážov Mountains (202), Tatras (193), Slovak Central Mountains (175), Slovak Ore Mountains (146). Use the filters to pick a range or other options; the map shows everything nearby.

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In season nowGrey wolfCanis lupusA large predator of the Carpathian forests that lives in family packs. It avoids humans; in Ukraine, it is not listed in the Red Book.

Red Data Book of UkraineBrown bearUrsus arctosThe largest predator of the Carpathians. In Ukraine, it permanently lives only in the Carpathians; listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine as a vulnerable species.

Red Data Book of UkraineFire salamanderSalamandra salamandraThe black salamander with yellow spots emerges in the beech forests of the Carpathians after rain. It is a vulnerable species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Red deerCervus elaphusThe largest deer of the Carpathians. In September, its loud roar fills the mountains — the rut of the Red deer.

Brown troutSalmo truttaThe main fish of cold Carpathian streams. Fishing is prohibited from October 10 to March 1, with a compensation of 7,225 UAH for each fish.

Red Data Book of UkraineGraylingThymallus thymallusA fish of clean mountain rivers with a high dorsal fin resembling a 'flag'. Red Data Book of Ukraine: fishing is prohibited, compensation 14,000 UAH.

Red Data Book of UkraineIn season nowEuropean wildcatFelis silvestrisThe wild ancestor of domestic cats, a secretive inhabitant of the beech and oak forests of the Carpathians. A vulnerable species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

EdibleRed-capped scaber stalkLeccinum aurantiacumA mushroom with an orange-red cap and scaly stem that darkens when cut. It grows under aspen trees and is edible after thorough cooking.

In season nowSt John's wortHypericum perforatumYellow inflorescences on dry meadows and forest edges; leaves appear to be pierced with a needle. Blooms from June to August; a traditional herb for tea.

Deadly poisonousRed Data Book of UkraineEuropean yewTaxus baccataA long-lived coniferous tree of beech forests with red 'berries'. Mortally poisonous; a vulnerable species in the Red Book of Ukraine.

In season nowBlack woodpeckerDryocopus martiusThe largest woodpecker in Europe, black with a red cap. Its large cavities are later inhabited by owls, pigeons, and bats.

Deadly poisonousRed Data Book of UkraineDeadly nightshadeAtropa belladonnaTall grass of beech forests with shiny black berries in a star-shaped calyx. Deadly poisonous; listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Wild boarSus scrofaWild boar is a common inhabitant of the Carpathian forests. A female with piglets can be dangerous: do not approach.

EdibleSummer cepBoletus reticulatusThe earliest 'white mushroom': light velvety cap and a net on the entire stem. It grows from May under beeches and oaks, edible.

Red Data Book of UkraineEuropean stag beetleLucanus cervusThe largest beetle in Europe with deer-like 'antlers'. It lives in old oak forests of the Carpathian foothills; a rare species in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of UkraineEurasian otterLutra lutraA nimble fish hunter that lives in clean Carpathian rivers. A vulnerable species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of UkraineBlack storkCiconia nigraA secretive forest relative of the white stork, feeding in the mountain streams of the Carpathians. A rare species in the Red Book of Ukraine.

White storkCiconia ciconiaA large white bird with black wings and a red beak. It nests on poles and roofs in the villages of the Carpathian valleys and foothills.

Red Data Book of UkraineAesculapian snakeZamenis longissimusThe longest snake of the Ukrainian Carpathians, non-venomous and rare. Listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine as a vulnerable species.

EdibleWild strawberryFragaria vescaSmall fragrant berries in clearings and forest edges. Wild strawberries bloom in May and ripen in June - July; in the mountains, a little later.

Old World swallowtailPapilio machaonA large yellow and black butterfly with 'tails' on its hindwings. The caterpillar lives on wild carrot, dill, and other umbellifers.

Common toadBufo bufoThe large warty toad with copper eyes. In the Carpathians, it rises to 2000 m and migrates en masse to ponds in spring.

In season nowEurasian jayGarrulus glandariusA colorful forest bird with a blue 'mirror' on its wing. Its creaky call is the first to warn the forest about a human.

Castor bean tickIxodes ricinusThe most common tick in the Carpathians, a carrier of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. How to protect yourself and what to do after a bite.

In season nowEurasian bullfinchPyrrhula pyrrhulaA sturdy bird with a red breast and a black cap. It nests in the Carpathian forests and decorates gardens in winter.

PoisonousFly agaricAmanita muscariaThe red cap with white flakes is the most famous poisonous mushroom. Common in spruce and birch forests of the Carpathians from July to October.

In season nowWhite-throated dipperCinclus cinclusA bird of mountain streams with a white 'bib' that dives and runs along the bottom against the current. It can be seen all year round.

PoisonousRed Data Book of UkraineSnowdropGalanthus nivalisThe first flower of the year in the beech and hornbeam forests of the foothills. It blooms from February to April; listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

PoisonousColtsfootTussilago farfaraThe first yellow 'sunny flowers' on clay slopes in early spring, still without leaves. Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

European beechFagus sylvaticaA tree with light gray smooth bark that forms the Carpathian primeval forests — a UNESCO World Heritage site. It grows up to a height of about 1400 m.

Deadly poisonousRed Data Book of UkraineAutumn crocusColchicum autumnalePink-lilac flowers on autumn meadows without a single leaf. Deadly poisonous; in spring, its leaves are confused with wild garlic.

In season nowWallcreeperTichodroma murariaA gray wallcreeper with bright red wings, like a butterfly on a rock. In the Ukrainian Carpathians, it is a great rarity.

Red Data Book of UkraineLesser spotted eagleClanga pomarinaA small eagle of the Carpathian foothills that hunts in meadows and pastures, migrating to Africa for the winter. A rare species in the Red Data Book.

Norway sprucePicea abiesNorway spruce is the main coniferous tree of the Carpathians: a dark sharp crown, prickly needles, and long cones that hang downwards. It grows up to the forest boundary.

Stinging nettleUrtica dioicaTall stinging herb near kolibas, pastures, and streams. Young leaves have long been used in borscht, and touching the stem causes a sting that lasts for several hours.

Red Data Book of UkraineRosalia longicornRosalia alpinaA blue-gray beetle with black spots and long antennae — a highlight of the old beech forests of the Carpathians. Vulnerable species.