When we set off for Poland, it is easy to be enthralled by the landscape, the richness of the forests and this apparent wildness. But we often have no idea that right next door, behind the façade of this beauty, a silent drama is taking place. Many animal species, including those most iconic to us, are balancing on the edge of survival. It is about them that this story is about. About animals in danger of extinction, whose fate, whether we want it or not, rests in our hands. I want to take you on a journey that will shed light on the most endangered species in Poland and show you the scale of the problem. We will consider what “endangered species” actually means and which animals, plants and even fungi, many of whose species are also endangered in Poland, we need to help here and now, as there may be no tomorrow for them.

Why are so many animals in Poland on the brink of extinction?

Species extinction is not some distant, abstract threat from disaster movies. It is happening right before our eyes, in our own backyard. The scale of the crisis is striking and affects ecosystems all over the globe, including our precious Polish forests, meadows and rivers. In order to understand why we need to act, and act fast, we first need to know the causes and extent of the threat facing our fauna.

The global biodiversity crisis in the light of WWF reports

The data that environmental organisations such as the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) regularly publish is simply alarming. According to their reports, over the last 50 years the world’s wildlife population has shrunk by an average of 68-73%. This is an unimaginable loss that shows how rapidly we are losing biodiversity. And climate change, which is giving us more frequent and more extreme weather events, is only adding to this crisis. Scientists are no longer asking but screaming about an impending climate catastrophe and the sixth mass extinction event, which, if we do nothing, could also affect us humans in the future.

Poland facing a challenge: more than a hundred species under special care

Poland, a country with a truly exceptionally rich wildlife (there are said to be 33,000 to 47,000 species!), is no green island on the map of these global problems. In our territory, more than 100 animal species are considered endangered and in need of special protection. And it is not just the large mammals, but also the smaller ones, such as the endangered species of bat, as well as birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and a whole host of invertebrates. Each disappearing species is an irreversible loss to our natural and cultural heritage and a massive disruption to the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Human activity: the main driver of extinction

Let’s face it: we humans are the biggest threat to countless species and the main cause of their mass extinction. Our activities, such as intensive forest management, uncontrolled logging increasing urbanisation, littering of oceans and rivers as well as hunting and poaching, are directly destroying and fragmenting their habitats. In fact, if you think about it more deeply, humans, while being the biggest pest for animals at risk of extinction, are also driving climate change, which further exacerbates their already difficult situation.

Official endangered lists – who is sounding the alarm and why?

To effectively protect endangered species, we first need to know which ones need help and how urgent the need is. This is what special publications are for, such peculiar barometers of the state of our nature, which classify animals according to their degree of threat. This is the result of the work of dozens of scientists and the foundation for any conservation measures. The most important document in this field is the “Polish Red Book of Animals”, compiled by the Institute of Nature Conservation of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Krakow. It was created with the invaluable cooperation of many researchers from all over the country, following the model of the global IUCN Red List. The editors of this fundamental work were, among others, Professor Zbigniew Głowaciński and Janusz Nowacki. The book, published in two volumes (for vertebrates and invertebrates), is a mine of knowledge: it contains detailed descriptions of individual endangered species, maps of their occurrence and, most importantly, indicates specific ways to protect them.

It is complemented by the “Red List of Polish Birds”, published by the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (OTOP). As the name suggests, it focuses on birds that are extremely vulnerable to environmental change. Both these documents, together with the Red List of Threatened and Endangered Animals in Poland, are an invaluable source of knowledge for anyone who is not indifferent to the fate of our winged or four-legged neighbours.

How to read the endangered categories and what do they actually mean?

Both the Red Book and the Red Lists use special categories that allow a precise assessment of the situation of a given species (it is worth knowing these abbreviations, as they say more than a thousand words). Understanding them is key to grasping how serious the problem is. Here are the most important ones:

• EX (extinct) – species for which we are certain that the last individual has died. In Poland, these are the historical tur and tarpan.
• EW (extinct in the wild) / EX? (extinct or probably extinct) – species that survived only in breeding or those that have not been seen in Poland for a very long time. These include the dipper, griffon vulture, strep thrasher, western sturgeon or harrier gopher.
• CR (critically endangered) – species on a straight path to extinction in the wild. These include the harbour porpoise, capercaillie, crake, peregrine falcon, gadwall or Aesculapian snake.
• EN (endangered) – species with a very high risk of extinction. Here we can find, among others, the European bison (although its situation has fortunately improved), black grouse, European pond turtle, European wildcat, golden eagle or Tatra marmot.
• VU (vulnerable) – species that are at risk of extinction. Examples include the spotted snook, aquatic warbler, as well as the Eurasian lynx, grey wolf and brown bear. Their populations, although showing increasing trends, are still balancing on the thin edge of safety.

Icons of Polish fauna under pressure: portraits of endangered mammals

When we think of Polish wildlife, majestic mammals – symbols of our primeval forests and mountains – most often come to mind. Unfortunately, many of these iconic animals are fighting a daily battle for survival.

The European bison: the return of the king of the forest from the brink of extinction

The story of the bison is one of the world’s most spectacular conservation success stories. A species that was completely extinct in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century was saved thanks to international cooperation and reintroduction programmes. Today, Poland is home to the world’s largest population of bison, roaming freely in the Białowieża Forest, among other places. Although until recently the ‘Red Book’ classified it as an endangered species (EN), its status has improved significantly since 2021. This proves that coordinated action makes sense. As Stefan Yakimiuk from a leading environmental organisation says, this success would not have been possible without the involvement of a multitude of institutions and local communities. Still, let’s not forget that maintaining such a large population requires continuous, costly measures and is not free of problems, such as agriculture-bison conflicts.

Eurasian lynx: the silent hunter in a maze of roads and deforestation

The Eurasian lynx, our largest wild cat and one of Europe’s most beautiful predators, is the true spirit of the forest. Unfortunately, its future in Poland is highly uncertain. Although its population is slowly increasing, the lynx is still running into huge problems. A dense road network cuts across its age-old routes, hindering migrations crucial to the genetic health of the population. Massive clearing of old-growth forests is taking away areas where this solitary hunter can hunt and raise young. An additional nail in the coffin has been the construction of a wall on the Polish-Belarusian border, which is an insurmountable barrier for many animals, including lynx. Lynx Day, 11 June, is a good opportunity to draw attention to the plight of this magnificent predator.

Brown bear in the Carpathians: between conservation and conflict with man

The brown bear population in Poland, thanks to its strict protection, has increased significantly. In the 1970s there were barely 20 bears; today there are many more, mainly in the Tatra Mountains and the Bieszczady Mountains. However, increasing human pressure, tourism and infrastructure development are leading to more frequent conflicts. Bears, attracted by easy food, come close to homes. In the words of a guide friend of mine from the Bieszczady Mountains: “The bear is not stupid, if it has to choose between looking for berries for half a day or eating a compost heap in five minutes, it will choose the compost heap”. As Dr Antoni Kostka of the Natural Heritage Foundation points out, insomnia is also becoming a problem with bears staying active instead of sleeping due to warmer winters and the availability of food. Finding a way to coexist harmoniously is the biggest challenge today.

Grey seal and porpoise: a dramatic struggle for life in the Baltic Sea

The Baltic, although it may seem remote from land-based problems, is the arena of a silent tragedy for two extraordinary marine mammals. The population of the Baltic grey seal is in a dire state. It is threatened by intensive by-catch (i.e. accidental catch in fishing nets) and by marine pollution, which makes it difficult for females to get pregnant. In spring, the sea often throws orphaned pups ashore. The University of Gdansk’s research facility on Hel rushes to their rescue, where young seals are rehabilitated and then returned to the wild. The situation is even worse for the harbour porpoise, our only cetacean. This cousin of the dolphin in the Baltic Sea has a critically endangered status, and its small population, sometimes seen in the Bay of Puck, is being decimated by fishing nets, an absolutely tragic situation considering that these are intelligent and sensitive animals. To save them, Polish scientists are installing special acoustic devices, pingers, on the nets to scare them away. Activists are also calling on the European Union to restrict fishing in key locations for porpoises.

The grey wolf: from pest to key player in the ecosystem

The grey wolf – which for centuries was exterminated as a pest, bringing it to the brink of extinction – today, protected, is slowly returning to Polish forests. Its population is gradually improving. Scientists emphasise its key role as an apex predator that regulates herbivore populations, ensuring the health and balance of the forest. Yet it still faces habitat loss, poaching and a negative image that leads to conflict. The wolf, like the lynx, is proof that the protection of large carnivores is simply essential to preserve the biodiversity of entire ecosystems.

Not just mammals: the silent dramas of birds, reptiles and amphibians

Although our attention is most often drawn to large mammals, the struggle for survival also involves many other, often lesser-known species. Endangered birds, rare reptiles and amphibians also need our help. Their fate is inextricably linked to the condition of specific places – old forests, wetlands, meadows and clear waters.

Forest giants: eagle owl and capercaillie

The eagle owl is Europe’s largest owl, and its powerful hooting echoes through the wildest forests. This majestic bird is extremely sensitive to disturbance, and its population is suffering from intensive forestry work and tourism development. The capercaillie, another forest giant, is already critically endangered. Its survival depends on the presence of extensive old-growth forests with a specific structure, and changes in forest management and habitat fragmentation are drastically reducing its numbers. Both eagle owl and capercaillie are indicator species. What does this mean? Their presence indicates that the forest is in good shape.

Rare inhabitants of Bieszczady backwoods and waters: Aesculapian snake and pond turtle

The Aesculap snake is the largest and rarest snake in Poland, non-venomous and under strict protection. Its main refuge is in the Western Bieszczady Mountains. Unfortunately, the conversion of fields and forests is causing its habitat to disappear. Fortunately, thanks to a project funded by, among others, the Coordination Centre for Environmental Projects, measures are being taken to actively protect it. Equally difficult is the situation of the pond turtle, the only species of turtle naturally occurring in Poland. Listed as an endangered species in the Polish Red Book in 2001, it suffers from wetland drainage and water pollution.

Crass and osprey: will the colourful symbols of the Polish countryside disappear forever?

The carnivore, with its fabulously colourful plumage, was once a common sight in the Polish countryside. Today, it is a critically endangered species. Its population has declined dramatically due to the intensification of agriculture and the loss of old, hollow trees. It is now only regularly found on the Kurpiowska Plain, with single pairs attempting to nest in the Podkarpacie region (which is a sad picture of how quickly we can lose something). The osprey, a magnificent fish-hunting predator, suffers a similar fate. According to OTOP, there has been a steady decline in the numbers of this species in Poland, making it one of the most endangered birds of prey in our country.

Aquatic Warblers and Black Grouse: birds whose fate depends on wetland conservation

Aquatic Warblers is a small, inconspicuous songbird that is globally threatened with extinction, and Poland is a key country for its survival, as it hosts the largest part of its global population. Its fate is inextricably linked to the protection of wet meadows and peatlands, which are disappearing at an alarming rate. The black grouse, on the other hand, a bird with spectacular turnings, is also highly endangered. It needs a mosaic of open meadows, moors and forest edges. The overgrowth and drainage of these areas is causing its population to shrink year by year.

What is really threatening the Polish animal?

To understand why so many species are struggling to survive, it is necessary to look at specific threats. They are interconnected and often result from one overriding factor – the pressure of civilisation.

Habitat destruction and fragmentation: when home gets smaller and smaller

This is an absolutely key threat. Every species needs adequate space to live. Deforestation, the draining of wetlands, the regulation of rivers or the conversion of natural grasslands into farmland or building plots directly destroys animals’ homes. Equally dangerous is fragmentation, i.e. dividing large natural complexes by smaller barriers such as roads or fences. This makes it difficult for animals to migrate, find food and find mates, leading to isolation and weakening their gene pool. This is a drama that affects both lynx and small amphibians.

Pressure of urbanisation and infrastructure development

Sprawling cities and housing estates are encroaching on areas that until recently were a haven for wildlife. I remember once, while preparing a piece on the impact of developers on the environment, being in a place that just 10 years ago was a wild meadow and today is a concrete estate. Urbanisation not only takes space away from animals, it also generates noise and light pollution. Road and motorway construction cuts through ecological corridors, becoming a death trap. Even power lines pose a threat, especially to large birds like the golden eagle.

Alien invasive species as silent and threatening competitors

Introduced by humans, intentionally or accidentally, alien plant and animal species can become a huge threat. Invasive species, such as American mink, compete with our native species for food and habitat, often displacing them. Plants, such as Sosnowski hogweed, can dominate entire ecosystems, destroying the food base for many animals. This silent invasion is one of the most serious challenges to biodiversity conservation.

Poaching, pollution and climate change

Despite severe penalties, poaching remains a problem that threatens populations of the wolf, lynx, and many other species. Added to this is environmental pollution – water, soil and air. Pesticides, heavy metals, sewage – all these weaken animal organisms and cause reproductive problems. And all this is compounded by global climate change. Milder winters, violent droughts and rainstorms are disrupting the life cycles of animals, forcing them to adapt or doom them to extinction.

To nature’s rescue: How do we protect endangered species in Poland?

In the face of so many threats, protecting nature is a real challenge, but fortunately we are not standing back. Numerous actions are being taken to save the most valuable species and their habitats. It is a complex process, requiring the cooperation of scientists, institutions, NGOs and society as a whole.

National parks and active conservation programmes

National parks and reserves are our strongholds of biodiversity. Or rather – the last line of defence for many species. It is there that active conservation programmes, i.e. concrete measures to improve the living conditions of animals, are implemented. This could be building artificial nests for ospreys, restoring bogs for black grouse or mowing meadows in a corncrake-friendly manner. Such measures are essential to give nature a chance to regenerate.

NGO activities and key projects

NGOs play a huge role here. Thanks to the passion of their members and the support of donors, they run effective education and conservation campaigns. Projects such as the protection of the Białowieża Forest, monitoring programmes for large carnivores or river revitalisation combine the forces of ecologists, scientists and local communities. And this often brings tangible results.

Monitoring and reintroduction as an opportunity for restoration

Effective conservation requires knowledge. That is why continuous scientific monitoring is so important. Regular surveys make it possible to track changes in species numbers and assess whether conservation measures are working at all. In extreme cases, reintroduction, i.e. the reintroduction of animals into areas they once inhabited, is used. The most famous example is, of course, the success of the bison, but similar programmes have also been implemented for the peregrine falcon or the lynx.

Environmental education: the key to change

No action will work without broad public support. The key is education, which builds awareness. Raising awareness of which species are in danger – from the golden eagle to the wildcat – and why we need to protect them is fundamental. Education aimed at children, but also at adults, farmers or tourists, shapes environmental attitudes.

And what can you do about it? small steps, big change

Nature conservation is not just a task for scientists. Each of us, through our everyday choices, can really help. The future of Polish nature really is in our hands. Can we make a difference? Of course we can.

Support pro-environmental organisations

Non-governmental organisations base their activities on public support. We can help them by making a donation that will go towards specific activities on the ground. Volunteering is equally valuable. Many organisations are looking for volunteers to help with animal monitoring, invasive species removal or to take part in actions like ‘Clean Up the World’.

Travel responsibly

While discovering the beauty of Polish nature, let us remember that we are only guests in the home of animals. Let’s stick to the trails, let’s not make noise, and let’s always take our rubbish with us. If you encounter a wild animal, observe it from a distance and do not try to feed it. Responsible tourism is the art of interacting with nature in such a way as to leave as little trace as possible.

Create friendly spaces in your surroundings

You don’t have to go to the wilderness to help. You can do it in your own garden or balcony. Planting native plant species that provide food for insects and birds is a great way to support local biodiversity. A bird drinker, a nest box, an insect hotel or a pile of leaves for hedgehogs for the winter – these are simple gestures that create valuable shelters. Each such garden becomes a small oasis of life.

The future of Polish nature is in our hands

We are facing a huge challenge. Protecting endangered species requires coordinated strategies that combine nature conservation, education and cooperation. Action is needed from institutions, organisations, scientists, foresters, but also the involvement of each of us. Every decision – from our choice of products in the shop to the way we spend our leisure time – has an impact on the state of our environment. By supporting local initiatives, getting involved and spreading knowledge, we become part of positive change. Thanks to our joint efforts, we have a chance to preserve this forest wealth and its extraordinary inhabitants for future generations, so that they too can enjoy the beauty of Poland’s wilderness.