There are so many types of animals that are native to the Netherlands. The list includes animals such as bats, hares, rodents, birds, weasels and even toed ungulates like
wild boar, elk and roe deer.
A major contributing factor to the animal population in any given country is the habitat. The Netherlands has what is called a maritime climate. There are cool summers with temperatures averaging nineteen degrees Celsius and mild winters with temperatures averaging two degrees Celsius. Overall the climate is damp and mild which makes it ideal for dairy farming and raising livestock.
One animal that is commonly found in the Netherlands is the
European Mink. The mink is a small mammal with short legs, a bushy tail and a long and slender body. Unfortunately the European Mink is considered an endangered species in Europe. As the third largest producer of mink fur, the Netherlands is helping in the fight to preserve the species by implementing a long range plan for the closure of mink farms.
Another interesting animal species that is native to the Netherlands is the
beech marten, also known as the stoned marten. They are small animals at a mere 40 centimetres in length who often live on the fringe of human settlements. Similar to the ferret in many ways, people have recently begun breeding beech martens for use as pets.
One of the many fascinating porpoises of the area is the long-finned pilot whale. Much like the orca whale, the long-finned pilot whale is in fact not a whale but a porpoise. Sometimes it is referred to as the pothead whale because its head is similar in shape and colour to a black cooking pot. What is unique about this species is that they have strong family bonds. Their bond is so strong that when one long-finned pilot whale strands itself on the beach, the rest of the group usually follows suit.
A species of hare that is said to have originated in the Netherlands is the Netherland dwarf rabbit. These tiny rabbits only weigh as much as 1.6 kilograms and grow up to only 7.6 centimetres. The Netherland dwarf rabbit is generally docile and the main purpose for breeding the species is for use as a pet.
Some of the more intriguing species that are native to the Netherlands have been mentioned in this article, but there are many more interesting animals that are indigenous to the region.