Forests sprawl over around millions of hectares of land in Belarus. About one third of the country is covered by the forests. These forests are the natural habitat of thousands of species of
Belarus wild life. About six classes and forty eight species of mammals comprise the
Belarus wild life. The wild life in Belarus is also characterized by 464 different species of vertebrates and thirty thousand different species of invertebrates. The most common wild animals, that are frequently found in the forests are:
- Elks
- Wild boars
- Deer
- Roe deer
- Hares
- Beavers
- Wolves
About 305 bird species are available here. The habitats of the wild life of Belarus are being disturbed by human intervention. Hunting was practiced at regular intervals here by the local people. Deforestation and natural disasters also adversely affected the situation. Thus many species of the wild life at Belarus are becoming endangered. To protect the wildlife in Belarus a number of conservation parks and nature reserves have been established.
The country has about 99 national and 428 regional wildlife sanctuaries in Belarus.
Bereza State Wildlife Reserve, the first wildlife reserve in Belarus was set up in 1925 to protect a number of endangered species of plants and animals. The national park Belovezhskaya Pushcha was registered as world heritage site by UNESCO. Thousands of tourists visit these places to enjoy the sight of wild animals in their natural habitat.
