Montenegro is the smallest Balkan nation in population and second smallest in land mass. The land mass is 13,812 square kilometres with 360 square kilometres of water. Montenegro's geography ranges from mountainous forested regions in the north where larger mammals are most common. Mediterranean coastline makes up the south end of the country, forested area makes up 40.4% of the nation's landmass. The most densely populated area of the country is the south coast and the most sparsely populated is the north east section of the country. The fauna of Montenegro is predominantly shared with surrounding Balkan nations.
Specific data on fauna in the region is difficult to locate due to the large concentration in mountainous and unpopulated areas. The nature of Montenegro also has an influence on the lack of data with nation becoming independent as recently as 2006. after a decision to leave the federation with Serbia that retained the title of Yugoslavia. As a new nation there was a lack of governing infrastructure, and this, along with a GDP per capita of $7,320 makes it one of Europe's poorer nations. There are resource limitations to devote to conservation and an existing census of land animals.
Mammals
Within Montenegro, the largest concentration of large animals can be found within the north of the country. These higher numbers can be attributed to the areas being mountainous and containing a virgin forest. Brown bears can be found within this area of Montenegro, living within Biogradska Gora national park. There are estimated to be less than 130 individuals living in the wild. These bears are known to reach a weight of up to 200 kg and generally remain docile except for mating season.
Other carnivores such as wolves and Balkan lynxes live in the virgin forest as well, remaining distant from urban areas, this excludes occasional issues occurring from wolves hunting livestock. The Balkan Lynx along with other European species of lynx, remains critically endangered and there have been efforts from environmental organisations to increase protection and prevent extinction of the species. The Balkan lynx has an estimated population of between 40 and 70 individuals in the wild. It can be found in neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, North Macedonia and Albania. Its existence is under severe threat and only outside agencies such as the United Nations have been able to allocate some resources to saving the animal from likely extinction.
Among these larger carnivores is the golden jackal, wild dogs that retain a more slender build and lighter coat than wolves. The population of golden jackals have been reported as stable and increasing in Eastern Europe as there were previous fears about the species reaching extinction. Montenegro has two predominant species of deer, these are the red deer and the roe deer. Alongside these fauna in the mountains is the Balkan Chamois, a small mountain goat native to the Balkan mountain regions, which can be found in most mountainous areas of Montenegro. In more southern regions of the country smaller carnivores such as otters can be found. Otters are predominantly concentrated around Lake Skadar. 38.12% of Montenegro is made up of agricultural land. resulting in a range of domesticated mammals populating the country, these domesticated animals include large numbers of rabbits and livestock.
Reptiles/Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians make up an estimated 56 different species within Montenegro. Many of these are sub species of more common fauna such as the green frog and the crested newt. Some amphibians endemic to Montenegro have been known to undergo neoteny, such as the olm, a small amphibian existing within mountain cave systems of the Dinaric Alps. Caves and sinkholes are common within the region resulting in a variety of endemic fauna designed to live in these conditions. Around Lovćen exist common amphibians such as the Italian crested newt, blue lizard and several species of viper snakes. The Durmitor National Park is home to the Musor rock lizard and the sharp snouted lizard. Both species are native to Montenegro.
Another creature native to the region is the slow worm, this creature is commonly mistaken for a snake due to its physical attributes, but it is instead a harmless species of lizard. Montenegro is also home to a range of snakes such as the Balkan whip snake which remains harmless to humans, and the nose horned viper which is considered the most venomous snake in Europe. This snake has two distinctive horns above its head and exists predominantly in rocky areas through Southern Europe and the Middle East.