Forest Mammals and Birds

Species such as Fire salamander, Bechstein’s bat, barbastelle bat and the European wildcat depend on mature deciduous forests with abundant cavities and minimal disturbance. Bird species including the black woodpecker, middle spotted woodpecker, black stork and white-tailed eagle use these forests as breeding, feeding and nesting habitats.

Aquatic and Deadwood-Dependent Species

Healthy streams and riparian habitats support species such as the brook lamprey and the endangered European crayfish. Large quantities of deadwood provide essential habitat for stag beetles and other saproxylic insects, while moist forest ravines support amphibians such as the fire salamander and the agile frog.