Fertő-Hanság National Park

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Fertő-Hanság National Park, located in Hungary and Austria, is a biodiverse region known for its wetlands, grasslands, and forested habitats. This park is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish that thrive in its unique ecosystem.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
The European otter is a semi-aquatic mammal that thrives in the park’s wetlands and waterways. Known for its playful nature and excellent swimming skills, this carnivore feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
Reintroduced to the park after being extinct in the region, the Eurasian beaver plays a crucial role in shaping wetland habitats by building dams and lodges. These nocturnal rodents contribute to the park’s biodiversity by creating new aquatic environments.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
The wild boar is a highly adaptable and social species found in the forests and marshlands of the park. These omnivores forage for roots, fruits, and small animals, often using their strong snouts to dig up the soil.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
One of the largest herbivores in the park, the red deer is often seen grazing in open meadows and forest edges. During the rutting season, males can be heard bellowing to assert dominance and attract mates.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Smaller and more elusive than red deer, roe deer are commonly found in the woodlands and grasslands of Fertő-Hanság. They are solitary creatures and are known for their graceful movements and keen sense of hearing.

European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis)
This freshwater turtle is a rare and protected species in the park. It prefers slow-moving waters and marshes, where it feeds on insects, small fish, and aquatic plants.

Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina)
This small amphibian is known for its bright red or orange underbelly, which serves as a warning to predators. It thrives in the wetlands of the park, emitting a distinctive “whoop” call during the breeding season.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)
A non-venomous snake commonly found near water, the grass snake preys on amphibians, fish, and small mammals. It is an excellent swimmer and often basks in the sun on riverbanks.

European Tree Frog (Hyla arborea)
This tiny, bright green frog is known for its climbing abilities and loud vocalizations during the mating season. It prefers wetland areas with abundant vegetation.

Pike (Esox lucius)
One of the top freshwater predators in the park’s lakes and marshes, the pike is a fast and powerful fish with a voracious appetite for smaller fish and amphibians.

Birds

Fertő-Hanság National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, hosting a diverse range of waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds. The park’s wetlands and reed beds provide essential breeding and resting grounds for many avian species.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is a majestic raptor with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters. It preys on fish and waterbirds and is often seen soaring over the lakes and wetlands.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Easily recognizable by its long, spoon-shaped bill, this elegant wading bird feeds on small aquatic animals in the shallow waters of the park.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A striking white heron with a long, slender neck and sharp beak, the great egret is commonly seen standing motionless in the water as it waits to ambush fish and amphibians.

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
More secretive than the great egret, the purple heron prefers dense reed beds. It has a distinctive rusty-red plumage and is an expert at catching fish, frogs, and small mammals.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Unlike its more famous relative, the white stork, the black stork is shy and prefers secluded wetland habitats. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and insects in shallow waters.

Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)
This rare diving duck has a rich chestnut-brown plumage and prefers calm, freshwater lakes and marshes. It feeds primarily on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Recognizable by its large, spatula-shaped bill, the northern shoveler uses its specialized beak to filter small organisms from the water. It is often seen dabbling in shallow wetlands.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A symbol of European wetlands, the common crane is famous for its elaborate courtship dances and distinctive bugling calls. Large flocks can be seen migrating through the park in spring and autumn.

Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus)
This small, striking bird with a distinctive black mustache (in males) is a year-round resident of the park’s reed beds. It feeds on insects in summer and seeds in winter.

Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
A skilled hunter of wetlands, the marsh harrier glides low over reed beds in search of small mammals and birds. It is easily identified by its long wings and distinctive flight pattern.

Fertő-Hanság National Park provides a crucial sanctuary for these species, offering a rich and dynamic ecosystem that supports a diverse array of wildlife. Whether exploring its reed beds, meadows, or forests, visitors have the opportunity to witness these incredible animals in their natural habitat.