If you're planning a trip around wildlife in Montenegro or Albania and wondering what you might encounter, prepare to be surprised. The Balkans is one of Europe's last great wildlife frontiers, a region where bears still roam mountain forests, wolves howl across river valleys, and pelicans the size of small children patrol vast spring-fed lakes. With over 40% of Montenegro and 2/3 of Albania covered in forest and mountain wilderness, this corner of the western Balkans shelters species that vanished from most of Western Europe long ago. For birdwatchers, nature lovers and wildlife photographers, Montenegro and Albania offer some of the best wildlife watching in Europe. The Balkans is one of the most species-rich regions in Europe for birdlife, with over 270 bird species recorded in Montenegro alone. Rare and migratory birds flock to key sites including Lake Skadar, a candidate UNESCO biosphere reserve that stretches into Albania, and the salt flats near Ulcinj, where flamingos, cormorants, Dalmatian pelicans, eagles, and all manner of waders can all be spotted (with patience and some good binoculars!) On our cross-border hiking journey from Albania to Montenegro for example, we follow the Via Dinarica trail through some of the most untouched wilderness in Europe: the Albanian Alps, Valbona Valley, Accursed mountains down to the shores of Lake Skadar. Scroll down to find 15 of our favourite wild animals of the Balkans, and where to find them. What wildlife can you see in Montenegro and Albania? Montenegro and Albania are home to a wide range of wildlife across mountains, forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats. Species commonly found in the region include brown bears, wolves, lynx, golden eagles, flamingos, pelicans, and dolphins, alongside many smaller mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Mammals: Brown bear, Golden Jackal, wildcat, grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, chamois, red deer, wild boar, otter
If you’re planning a trip around wildlife in Montenegro or Albania and wondering what you might encounter, prepare to be surprised. The Balkans is one of Europe’s last great wildlife frontiers, a region where bears still roam mountain forests, wolves howl across river valleys, and pelicans the size of small children patrol vast spring-fed lakes.
