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The Second World War had diverse and serious consequences, and we can indicate that it left an ecological deterioration in Germany, and in more places, since many forests were cut down to leave the land cleared in battles or to be used as fuel, among other actions. harmful. To remedy such destruction, the German people repopulated the territory by planting a large amount of vegetation, and much of it is used for logging. Currently, the flora and fauna of Germany It is located mainly in the forests, which make up approximately more than 30% of the country's territory.
If you want to know more about the flora and fauna that exist in the ecosystems of Germany, be sure to read this interesting article by Green Ecologist in which we will talk about it in detail.
Characteristics of the flora and fauna of Germany
First of all, we will start by talking about the characteristics of the flora of Germany. It occupies approximately the 30% of the country's territory. After reforestation by humans in Germany, there are mainly pine forests, other conifers, beech, oak, walnut and birch trees. In addition, a large number of vine crops are also found on the slopes of the rivers.
On the other hand, the fauna of Germany is not very varied and scarce, in part it is due to the climatic conditions, and the devastation suffered by the country by World War II, in which many populations and species were eliminated. Among the most common animals in Germany are the elk, fox, wild boar, foxes, beavers, hares, among others.
Flora from Germany
Here are some examples of plant species from Germany:
Centaurea cyanus or cornflower
Among the typical flowers of Germany is the cornflower or also called buttercup, which is also considered the national flower of Germany. It is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, found in the German valleys.
Brunonia australis or blue brunonia
Blue brunonia or also known by the corn flower, does not have a very good reputation since it was the flower that represented the Nazi army. It is a perennial herb of the Goodeniaceae family with beautiful blue flowers. It grows in open forests, on shrubs and sandy soils.
Digitalis purpurea or foxglove
Foxglove is found in different areas of Germany, mainly in the Black Forest. It presents flowers that are positioned in the shape of a hanging cluster, with petals that can have a color that ranges from yellow to intense pink inside and purple on the outside.
Convallaria majalis or lily of the valley
The lily of the valley is a species of herbaceous and perennial type of the Asparagaceae family. Native to the Röhn valley in Bavaria. It is a plant that presents small flowers arranged in a cluster, sweetly scented and bell-shaped, that is why in Germany they are called the May bell.
Here you can discover the Care for lilies of the valley.
Matricaria recutita or german chamomile
German chamomile is a species of annual herbaceous belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to the Balkans since it was distributed to Europe. It grows throughout Germany in the wild, it is highly prized since the tender stem and the flowery tops are used either dry or fresh in infusion.
Osiria rose
The osiria rose is a hybrid flower, the origin of various grafts and genetic modifications. Today it is a variety of rose that is more than consolidated, as well as being one of the most spectacular. For its growth it needs sun and well-drained soils, it has velvety petals of dark red color on the inside and white and silver on the outside.
Fauna of Germany
Here are some examples of animal species from Germany:
Aquila chrysaetos or golden eagle
The golden eagle can be found in the mountainous area of Bavaria. It is one of the best known raptors in the northern hemisphere, as well as being widely distributed. The golden eagle has a wingspan that makes it the fifth largest of all existing eagles.
We recommend you read this other article about this species: Why is the golden eagle in danger of extinction.
Clupea spp. or herring
Herring is a type of fish with a greenish blue color and a silver belly, measuring between 25 to 40 cm. Its body is laterally compressed, it has a small mouth and it feeds on plankton. This fish is part of German gastronomy, being the national fish of the country.
Sus scrofa or European wild boar
The European wild boar adapts to any type of habitat as long as it has a minimum cover and food. This species has served as food for the German population, and is currently in a state of recovery in some of the country's forests.
Vulpes vulpes or european fox
The European fox or also known as the red fox is very common to find in the coniferous forests of Germany. It is a mammal with skills for night hunting, and during the day it hides in its burrow.
Endangered species of flora and fauna of Germany
Between endangered flora in Germany, we will indicate the approximate number of species that are in danger:
- Fern species and flowering plants (4305)
- Moss species (195,000)
- Freshwater red and brown algae species (34)
- Algae species (45)
- Ornamental algae species (968)
- Freshwater diatom species (2103)
Between the endangered animal species in Germany is it so:
- Grizzly
- Gray seal
- Iberian lynx
- European mink
- Capercaillie
- Imperial eagle
- Apollo butterfly
- Fire-bellied toad
- Horseshoe bat
If you want to read more articles similar to Flora and fauna of Germany, we recommend that you enter our Biodiversity category.
Bibliography- NOTIMEX. (December 5, 2022). Rotating Journal. One third of wild plants in danger of extinction in Germany. Available at: https://rotativo.com.mx/2018/12/05/noticias/internacionales/un-tercio-de-plantas-silvestres-en-peligro-de-extincion-en-alemania-741797/
