The German forest is a fascinating ecosystem and is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. From majestic deer to tiny insects, our forests are home to over 6,000 different animal species. Each individual animal plays an important role in the complex interplay of forest life. In this article, we take you on an exciting journey of discovery through the local animal world and show you which fascinating creatures live in our German forests.
Table of contents
The most important forest dwellers at a glance
Returned wild animals in German forests
Life on the forest floor
Challenges for forest animals
What can we do to protect forest animals?
An overview of the most important forest dwellers
Before we look at the individual animal groups in detail, it is important to understand that the forest offers a variety of habitats. From the treetops to the forest floor, from clear areas to dense undergrowth - each of these areas is perfectly adapted to the needs of certain animal species. Let's explore together which animals live where and how they have adapted their habitat.
Mammals in the German forest
Mammals are undoubtedly the most conspicuous inhabitants of our forests. First and foremost is the red deer, which is not called the "king of the forest" for nothing. With its imposing size and magnificent antlers, it is an impressive sight. What many people don't know: Originally, the red deer was not a typical forest dweller at all, but lived in open meadow landscapes. It was only the increasing influence of humans that forced them to retreat into the protective forests.
In addition to the red deer, there are many other fascinating mammals in our forests. The roe deer, for example, is much more common and has adapted perfectly to life in the forest. With its reddish-brown fur, it is perfectly camouflaged and can move skillfully through the undergrowth.
Wild boars are true survival artists in the forest. These intelligent animals are omnivores and can adapt excellently to different habitats. In recent years, they have even been observed more and more frequently in urban areas, where they search for food at night.
The fox plays a special role in the forest ecosystem. As a skillful hunter, it not only controls the population of small rodents, but also acts as the "health police" of the forest by preying on sick and weak animals. In its den, which it often takes over from other animals and expands, it lives surprisingly socially - it often shares its shelter with badgers or rabbits.
Other important mammals in German forests include:
- Various species of marten, which are skillful climbers and also inhabit tree cavities
- The badger, which builds complex underground burrows
- Bats of various species that hibernate in tree hollows or under bark
- The lively squirrel, which is known as a tree acrobat
The feathered inhabitants of the forest
The birdlife in our forests is particularly diverse - in fact, nowhere else in Europe will you find a greater variety of feathered forest dwellers. The treetops are full of life at any time of day, and the morning bird concert just before sunrise is particularly impressive.
The great spotted woodpecker is one of the most characteristic forest birds. Its hammering can often be heard from afar as it works on the tree bark or builds a new cavity in search of insects. These caves later serve not only as breeding grounds for the owls themselves, but are also used by many other forest animals such as bats and smaller birds.
The owls represent the nocturnal bird world. With their silent flight and excellent hearing, they are perfectly adapted to hunting in the dark. The tawny owl is the most common owl species in German forests, but the larger eagle owl has also been reintroduced in some places.
The jay is also a particularly interesting forest bird. It is also known as the "forester of the forest", as it hides acorns and other tree seeds as a winter supply, thereby helping to spread the trees. Many of its hidden seeds are never found and can grow into new trees.
A real specialty is the capercaillie, which is mainly found in the Bavarian Alps. These impressive birds prefer sparse coniferous forests and like to feed on blueberries. Unfortunately, they are very shy and their populations are declining, which is why a sighting is considered a real stroke of luck.
The best-known bird species in German forests at a glance:
- The great spotted woodpecker as the "carpenter of the forest"
- Owls as nocturnal hunters
- The jay as the "forester of the forest"
- Wood pigeons
- The rare capercaillie in the Bavarian Alps
Returned wild animals in German forests
The return of once extinct animal species is a particularly exciting chapter in German forest history. This comeback story impressively shows that nature can recover if we give it the space and protection it needs. At the same time, the return of these wild animals presents us humans with new challenges in living together.
The wolf is probably the best-known example of this. After being considered extinct for almost a century, the first wolf packs were detected in Germany again in 2000. Today, wolves are once again living in almost all federal states. These intelligent predators are important for the ecological balance, as they prey on sick and weak animals and thus contribute to the health of prey populations. Contrary to many fears, wolves are hardly dangerous to humans - they usually avoid us and attacks are extremely rare.
The lynx is also slowly returning to German forests. It has been successfully reintroduced in the Harz Mountains and continues to spread from there. This largest European wild cat is a true master of camouflage. With its spotted fur, it is barely recognizable in the forest and its large paws allow it to move almost silently. There is also a growing population of these fascinating cats in the Bavarian Forest.
The wildcat is a particular success story. The Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park is now home to the largest wildcat population in Europe. Although these shy animals look similar to our domestic cats, they are real wild animals with their own unique behaviors and needs.
Life on the forest floor
Reptiles and amphibians in the German forest
The forest floor is a microcosm of its own and provides a habitat for a variety of fascinating animals. Reptiles and amphibians in particular are perfectly at home here. These often overlooked forest dwellers play an important role in the ecosystem.
The fire salamander is probably one of the most conspicuous animals on the forest floor. With its black and yellow patterned body, it is unmistakable. This coloration is a warning to predators, as the salamander produces a poisonous skin secretion. It feels most at home in damp deciduous forests, where it hunts for insects and worms at night.
The forest lizard is the only native lizard species to have retained a special feature: it is viviparous. Unlike other reptiles, it does not lay eggs, but gives birth to fully developed young . This is a clever adaptation to the cool forest climate, as the young are better protected. On sunny forest edges and in clearings, you can observe these agile animals sunbathing.
Various species of frogs and toads can be found in more humid forest areas. The tree frog, for example, is adept at climbing through the undergrowth, while the common toad tends to stay on the ground. In spring, many amphibians migrate to their spawning waters, where they give birth to their offspring.
The grass snake is also a forest dweller. This completely harmless snake can be recognized by its characteristic yellow markings on the back of its head. It is an excellent swimmer and likes to hunt for frogs and small fish near bodies of water.
Animals that are native to the forest floor at a glance:
- The striking fire salamander
- The agile forest lizard, the only viviparous lizard species in Germany
- Various species of frogs and toads
- The harmless grass snake
The little helpers of the forest
If you pick up a handful of forest soil, you are holding more living creatures in your hand than there are people on earth. The small and smallest forest dwellers are true masters of transformation - they decompose dead material and turn it into new nutrients for the plants.
The red wood ant is one of the most conspicuous small forest dwellers. Their large piles can grow several meters high and often house millions of individuals. These industrious insects are indispensable for the forest ecosystem: they exterminate pests, loosen the soil and spread plant seeds. A single ant colony can kill up to 100,000 prey in one day.
The stag beetle, our largest native beetle, is particularly impressive. The males have antler-like upper jaws, which give them their name. These beetles are dependent on old oak trees, in whose rotten wood their larvae develop. Unfortunately, they are highly endangered due to the loss of old trees.
The often underestimated earthworms are true soil improvers. They plow through the forest soil, making it airy and fertile. Their activity produces important humus substances that are essential for plant growth.
Countless little helpers live in and on the forest floor:
- Wood ants as important "cleaners"
- Various beetle species such as the imposing stag beetle
- Earthworms that keep the soil fertile
- Spiders as natural pest controllers
Challenges for forest animals
The wildlife in our forests is facing greater challenges today than ever before. Increasing pressure from human use and climate change are putting forest animals under severe pressure. Each species is affected in its own way.
Intensive forestry often leads to monotonous forests that lack important structures such as old trees, deadwood or different forest phases. Many specialized species can no longer find a suitable habitat here. The stag beetle, for example, needs old oak trees, which are often in short supply in commercial forests.
The fragmentation of the landscape by roads and settlements is another major problem. Many animals can no longer make their natural migrations or are killed when trying to cross roads. Amphibians are particularly affected when they migrate to their spawning grounds in spring.
Climate change is fundamentally altering forests. Longer periods of drought weaken the trees and change the food supply for many species. Heat-loving species are spreading, while animals adapted to cooler conditions are experiencing problems.
All the challenges at a glance:
- Loss of natural habitats due to forestry
- Disruption of the natural balance through human intervention
- Climate change and its effects on the forest habitat
- Fragmentation of forest areas due to roads and settlements
What can we do to protect forest animals?
The protection of our forest animals is a joint task to which everyone can make a contribution. Both large-scale conservation projects and the behavior of each individual are important.
When visiting the forest, you can make a big difference through considerate behavior. Stay on the designated paths, keep dogs on a lead and avoid making noise. Many animals are particularly active at dusk and need their peace and quiet. Take your garbage home with you - what looks like harmless waste to us can become a deadly trap for animals.
Supporting nature conservation projects is another important contribution. Many organizations are committed to preserving near-natural forests and creating new habitats for endangered species. Even small measures such as hanging up bat boxes or planting deadwood hedges can help.
Near-natural forestry is becoming increasingly important. Here, different tree species and age classes are mixed, deadwood is left lying around and old trees are preserved. Such forests provide a habitat for many species and are also more resistant to climate change.
Everything we can do at a glance:
- Stay on the paths when visiting the forest
- Respect the resting times of animals
- Take litter back with you
- Support nature conservation projects
- Promote near-natural forest management
Conclusion
German forests are home to an impressive variety of animal species. From majestic deer to tiny ground creatures, every animal plays its part in the functioning of the ecosystem. The return of once extinct species such as the wolf and lynx shows that nature can recover if we give it the chance.
At the same time, our forest animals are facing major challenges. Only if we recognize the importance of near-natural forests and work to preserve them will future generations also be able to experience the fascination of forest animals. Each of us can contribute to preserving the forest as a habitat through our behavior.
Your next walk in the forest will certainly be more exciting if you know which animals live there. Keep your eyes open - maybe you'll spot some of the species presented here!
The wildlife in our forests is incredibly diverse! Discover exciting facts about wild animals in our other articles and find out how you can observe them in nature:
Helping animals in winter: Here's how!
Family hikes: Hiking with children becomes an adventure
Wild camping in Germany: What is allowed and where are there penalties?
