Fauna or animal world refers to the entirety of all animals

Silent flight, eerie calls, and astonishing abilities owls have long been regarded as mysterious creatures. Especially during the mating season in autumn and late winter, the haunting song of the male tawny owl can be heard.

Once found almost everywhere in our rivers, these molluscs can reach significant ages; the painter’s mussel (Unio pictorum), for example, can live for well over 50 years, while the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) can live for up to 120 years provided that environmental and living conditions are favourable.

As previously mentioned, the Apple Festival in the gardens of the Kaartz estate featured several surprises, ranging from culinary delights to the showcase of nearly extinct trades.

"International Bat Night" draws attention to the plight of bats.

The Mediterranean monk seal is the rarest mammal in Europe and one of the most endangered animal species in the world.

The Anatolian leopard had long been considered extinct across large parts of Turkey; according to local residents, no leopard had been sighted in the southeastern region of Diyarbakir for at least a century.

A clearly defined area surrounding and lying to the west of Ankara is the home of the Angora goat, which was brought from the Caucasus by migrating nomads in the 13th century.

Hamburg, August 17, 2010. The Lesser Spotted Eagle stood no chance when it was targeted by a poacher in Turkey, east of Ankara, just a few days ago.

Fortunately, one rarely hears it these days the buzzing of mosquitoes in search of food (or should we say "victims"?), given how much these pests used to annoy us, especially at night.

Birding watching birds? Isn't that just for nerds, or for people with gray hair and beige outdoor gear? This stereotype was widespread for a long time and certainly not without reason.

Buffalo - Powerful and impressive are the Hungarian buffalo and gray maidens, with their sometimes magnificent horns, if you dare to get close to them.

Danube Island - We had already reported about the artificial Island, which had been erected several years ago to protect floods in the city of Vienna, in order to create the largest possible floodplains in the case of floods.

Silk Moth - After another long hike through the mountains of Galicica National Park on Lake Ohrid, Sven had invited us for an evening barbeque, which we gladly accepted.

Spotted Eagles are globetrotters – and live in extreme danger as a result. As thermal soarers, they can only migrate overland.

Forest - Let's begin the story like this: Our friend Patrick is one of those people who loves to go into the woods as soon as the leaves start to change colour in autumn, to search for mushrooms for one of his consistently delicious dishes, which we've enjoyed together on several occasions.

Badger himself was surely disappointed by his dig: While searching for earthworms and expanding his sett, he came across a sword, a bronze vessel, an ornate belt buckle, and a human hip bone.

New Year Wishes - At the turn of the year, most people wish for happiness, health, and optimism. As symbols of this longing, chimney sweeps, horseshoes, and marzipan pigs adorn flower arrangements and New Year's doughnuts.

Red Deer - Magnificent antlered animal, sociable herd animal, bellowing warrior: The Cervus elaphus is Germany's Animal of the Year 2026.

Dormice - Today, on September 22nd, autumn begins according to the calendar. While we humans look forward to colourful leaves and cooler days with a cup of tea, dormice in the wild have already put on a good meal.

Hedgehogs - A car ride at dusk, a spiny animal searching for food – a wild animal's life abruptly ended. Hedgehogs usually have no chance against road traffic.