The Country of Croatia

Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in Central and Southeast Europe, located on the Adriatic Sea. It is a parliamentary republic with its capital and largest city being Zagreb. As of 2024, its population is approximately 3.9 million.

Croatia’s diverse geography includes a stunning coastline with over a thousand islands, rugged mountains, and fertile plains. This variety in landscape and its location at the crossroads of different European regions have shaped its culture, history, and economy. A member of the European Union, the Eurozone, and the Schengen Area, Croatia’s economy is well-developed, with tourism being a crucial sector.

Wildlife of Croatia

Croatia is a biodiversity hotspot in Europe, with an estimated 40,000 to 100,000 species of plants and animals. Approximately 40% of the country is forested, providing crucial habitats for a wide range of wildlife. Conservation efforts have been successful, with many protected areas including eight national parks and 11 nature parks.

• Mammals: Croatia has one of the largest brown bear populations in Europe, primarily in the mountainous and forested regions. The country is also home to gray wolves and Eurasian lynx, which have made a comeback after being reintroduced to the region. Other notable mammals include red deer, roe deer, wild boars, and the chamois, a goat-antelope species found in the mountains. The European pine marten is the national animal of Croatia, a small carnivore whose pelt was once used as currency, giving the country’s former currency, the kuna, its name.
• Birds: With over 400 species, Croatia is a prime destination for birdwatchers. The country’s location on migratory routes makes it a haven for various birds, including the majestic golden eagle and the griffon vulture, which has a significant nesting population on the island of Cres. Other species include the black grouse, various owls, and numerous species of waterfowl in wetland areas.
• Marine Life: The Adriatic Sea is home to a rich marine ecosystem. You can find bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles, which are both protected species.

Hunting in Croatia

Hunting in Croatia is a popular activity with a long tradition, attracting both local and international hunters. The practice is strictly regulated and managed by the Croatian Hunting Association.

• Regulations and Permits: To hunt in Croatia, a hunter must have a valid hunting card and a written permit from the hunting authority for the specific area. Foreign hunters can obtain a temporary license (30 days or one year) by providing proof of a valid hunting license from their home country. Firearm imports are also regulated, and hunters must have a document for temporary export of their weapons.
• Game Species: Croatia offers diverse hunting opportunities for both big and small game.
  • Big Game: The most commonly hunted big game species include wild boar and red deer. Other species include roe deer, fallow deer, chamois, and mouflon. Brown bear hunting is also possible with special permits, as the species is otherwise protected.
  • Small Game: Hunting for various game birds, such as pheasants, quail, and wild ducks, is also popular, especially in the country’s flatlands.
• Trophy Hunting: Croatia is known for its high-quality trophies, particularly for wild boar and red deer. Trophies can be exported with the necessary documentation and a veterinary certificate. The country follows the CIC (Conseil International de la Chasse) system for scoring trophies.