Fauna of the Veľká Fatra
The Veľká Fatra is home to a rich fauna typical of the Western Carpathians, which is related to the diversity of natural conditions, habitat types, and the preservation of the territory. More than 200 species of vertebrates live in the territory of the national park, including all three large carnivores of Slovakia.
Large carnivores: The brown bear (Ursus arctos), the wolf (Canis lupus) and the lynx (Lynx lynx) make up the so-called “big three” Carpathian carnivores. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy and wild ecosystem.
Predators: The golden eagle (Aquilla chrysaetos), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and eagle owl (Bubo bubo) nest in the rock walls. The mountain buzzard (Buteo buteo) and hawk (Accipiter genitilis) hunt in forest clearings.
Other species: The Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) was introduced in the 1970s. Woodpeckers, including the three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), nest in the primeval forests.
