Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeastern Europe and borders the Adriatic Sea. Its mountainous terrain is home to the
brown bear,
gray wolf, lynx and
golden jackal. Hoofed animal species, include
wild boar, European red deer and roe deer. The five rivers of Bosnia and Herzegovina are a natural habitat for a wide variety of plant species and aquatic animals, with the
Phoxinellus pseudalepidotus, the minnow, being the only vertebrate that is unique to the country.
The aquatic habitats of the country are a natural attraction for several bird species. The larger bird species include the dalmation pelican, the
common crane and, of the 19 stork species around the world, the
white stork and the
black stork occur in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Terns, gulls, hawks, eagles and several varieties of ducks are also notable to this area. Bosnia and Herzegovina's proximity to the Adriatic Sea also makes it home to a variety of sharks, including the great white.
The dense forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina are a natural habitat for several small mammals such as weasels, wild rabbits, squirrels, badgers and polecats. The insect population includes mosquitos, centipedes, beetles and the giant peacock moth, which is the largest moth in Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also home to 41 species of endemic spiders.
With pastureland comprising nearly 25 percent of the land, farm animals are an important aspect of the animal population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The domestication and farming of sheep, cattle, pigs, horses and chickens is a relevant industry and contributes to the economics of the country.