They used them as living bedpans to warm their beds and wore them when they were dead as clothes to keep them warm. We currently track 130 animals in Italy and are adding more every day! O CNR, Centro Genetica Evoluzionistica, via Lancisi 29, 00161 Roma, Italy. When it’s feeling threatened it raises its tail and legs to show its red underside to scare off predators. They like to eat seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and vegetation such as leaf buds and blossoms, but some can also eat insects. The quail, woodcock, partridge, and various migratory species abound in many parts of Italy. From the original ancient dog the Italians have kept the ancients' love of the showy and melodramatic and bred an animal to amaze and astonish. "The zoo have many shaded spaces and clear signboard ,there are a train tour to show you the different parts of the zoo.there is a big collection of animals and many stages for animals shows .the" "Situated in the Villa Borghese park the bioparco is a nice change of pace from the very crowded places like the colosseum, vatican, forum etc." The monk parakeet is a small parrot with green and grey-colored feathers. The Eurasian otter is native to Eurasia and can be found in the waterways in the southern parts of Italy. On the Aspromonte the forest dormouse (Dryomis nitedula) is a native specie not found elsewhere in Italy, except in the eastern Alps. Though there is a debate about the official national animal of Italy, the wolf is considered the unofficial symbol of the country by the most. Respected in all these roles horses were not generally kept as pets or for leisure riding in ancient Rome, with the single exception of Incitatus, the horse of the Emperor Caligula. Italy has an estimated 48 reptile species, ranging from lizards, geckos, snakes, tortoises, and turtles. Has a curved, upturned beak! On the coasts, dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals can be spotted. The alpine marmot is found at heights between 800-3200 m in the Apennines in Italy. In a world without television, computers or newspapers, the Romans were fascinated by the beauty and strangeness of exotic animals brought from afar. It is the largest and most populated city in Italy, consisting of over 2,7 million residents and known for the location of majorities of hotels in Italy. Italy has the highest level of faunal biodiversity in Europe, with over 57,000 species recorded, representing more than a third of all European fauna. This English language section provides information on the principal races of domestic animals that originated in Italy (cattle, chicken, dog, donkey, goat, horse, poultry, sheep, swine). Ancient Roman architecture and art, mosaics, tombstones, and poets and authors of the time all show us different faces - and some interesting double standards - of an ancient Empire and the treatment of its animals. So our greyhound has its origins in the ancient Roman animals used for hunting, and modern greyhound racing has its origins in coursing. Take a tour of the villas of Rome, plunged into gorgeous gardens and expansive parks, imbued with magnanimous histories and accessible any time of year.. Villa Borghese. The grey wolf, also known as the Apennine Wolf, lives in the Apennine Italian Mountains, Switzerland and part of France . This page is all about the importance of animals in the Roman Empire, and how some of those behaviours and traditions have found their way into Italian culture today. In Italy it is also known as the "miroldo" or "milordo" for its elegant livery and as "scaebonas" in the foothills of the Emilian Appennines, "frustone" in central Italy, and "mirauda" in Piedmont. Copyright 2018 | christineabroad.com - Travel Blog | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Siteground |, Gray wolf – One of the most dangerous animals in Italy. Species that are found in the Alps also exist in other high mountain regions, where there are, however, more foxes and wolves. Among all the animals in Italy, the Marsican brown bear is probably one of the most interesting ones. They’re mostly found in the mountain regions of Italy. It has a wide body with a small head and short tail. New Materials. Given that a large part of the Roman Empire was agricultural, the role of dogs in guarding and herding other ancient Roman animals was critical. Horses were used extensively by the ancient Roman military, were a part of farming communities as beasts of burden, and were used as animals of entertainment in chariot racing. An ancient breed rediscovered in Italy in the 1940s and now very popular in Italy, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. Italian Animals. They even poop outside –  strategically around their territory to mark their territory. It sleeps during the day in burrows, which can house several badger families. We currently track 130 animals in Italy and are adding more every day! They’re famous for their reddish-rusty colored fur and long, thick furry tails. Italy ranks first in Europe in terms of number of native entities. Ancient Roman culture was theatrical and exciting - a society without boundaries. And there is advice from the poets and philosophers of the time as to what kind of ancient dog makes the best guarding animal. Italian Animals. The huge variety of ancient Roman animals as entertainment, working beasts and pets represented the wealth and power of the city as its boundaries grew. Without hoards of tourists throwing coins into the water, residents in Rome have noticed ducks taking a rest in the city's fountains. Animals played very different roles during the time of the Roman Empire, but were they treated very differently from animals in Italian culture today? Within the European Union Austria is the only member to have banned animals from circus acts altogether. And they weren't the only ancient Roman animals to play a part in their owner's comfort. Sometimes they bite but does not inject their venom. There is very little in book form about the role of ancient Roman animals, with the exception of animals in the Colosseum. Pliny has a different view; he thinks that any form of hunting or coursing  "not only does not help the farmer but actually lures him away from his work, and makes him lazy about it". However, this book is a passionately written, very detailed explanation of the roles of all sorts of different animals from right across the Empire. BUT.. there have been several vacations which have turned into something disastrous and almost fatal. Italy is a beautiful country and nearly all holidays and vacations go by without hindrance or problems from the local wildlife. Garlic, fennel, and arugula are grown in the temperate climates of Italy and help to create salads with many different taste sensations. These birds are dark brown with lighter golden-brown colors on their heads and necks. Rome's best-known "alien" species include parakeets, nutrie, seagulls, … The praying mantis has got its name from how their front legs are bent and held together, which makes it look like they’re praying. Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle! The Moira Orfei, for example, a world-renowned Italian circus, advertises acts with elephants, tigers and camels as well as horses and parrots. It can run as fast as 50 km per hour (31 mph) and leap as far as 6 m (19.6 ft) horizontally. Ant. But is especially found in oak trees. The common vole lives in everything but dense forests, such as meadows, heathlands, and fallow land. Head of Wildlife Service ISPRA (Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), Italy piero.genovesi@isprambiente.it. ", Compare that with the Kennel Club of Great Britain standard for the modern greyhound  : "Strongly built, with long head and neck ... bright, intelligent, eyes, oval and obliquely set ... chest deep and capacious ... coat fine and close.". Not strictly speaking about animals, this book contains information about Roman animals only in relation to the Colosseum. Simple. They’re pretty shy animals, so you have to be lucky to see them in the wild. The edible dormouse lives in both parks, gardens, plains, mountains and deciduous trees. Native species dominate throughout the city. The burrows often have extensive systems of underground passages and chambers with multiple entrances. The praying mantis is also known for eating her mate right after or during mating. Here’s a list of 21 animals in Italy that you can see in the wild: The alpine marmot is found at heights between 800-3200 m in the Apennines in Italy. In the Mediterranean basin, considered to be one of the most important areas of biodiversity, only Turkey has a higher number of species. Kept largely by the more privileged classes the role of these dogs in Roman society was exactly as it is today. Italy still allows, and enjoys, exotic animal performances. Large, heavy, muscular animals, their fights in the Colosseum were the origins of bull-baiting which became popular in the middle ages, and dog-fighting which goes on today, albeit illegally, in many parts of the world. Italy - Italy - The people: Italians cannot be typified by any one physical characteristic, a fact that may be explained by the past domination of parts of the peninsula by different peoples. The Sicilian wall lizard is found on the Italian island of Sicily. Although also used in the ancient Roman Colosseum, the Molossus was more commonly a guard dog in ancient Italy. As Virgil says : "Never, with these dogs on guard, need you fear a midnight thief in your stalls, or the onslaught of wolves.". Some historians believe that Caligula's often foolish treatment of this white stallion may have been an indication of his deteriorating mental state. Used for coursing as well as hunting, picture evidence suggests that the Vertragus was virtually identical to the modern greyhound. They’re not aggressive spiders, and will not bite unless they’re feeling threatened or frightened. Of course they mixed with the natives. The biodiversity of Rome's wildlife is facing increasing problems due to the difficulty of invasive non-native species living in harmony with the city's indigenous animals and birds. They’re very adaptable and can eat both fruit, insects, and small ungulates. Of all the animals in Italy, the Calabrian black squirrel is one of the animal species that can only be found in Italy. Leave a comment below! They’re considered to be the largest squirrel species and can get as long as 54 cm (21 in), and weight up to 8 kg (18 lb). Whilst dogs were sometimes seen as worthy of serving the gods - Diana the huntress, for example, is generally shown with at least one dog by her side - and whilst most people know that other ancient Roman animals were regularly sacrificed to appease the gods, what is not well known is that sometimes in ancient Italy dogs would also be used as religious sacrifices. They’re great climbers and like to hang around in steep and rough terrains at elevations of 1800-3300 m (5900-10800 ft). This wildcat is the largest of the lynx species and one of the largest predators in Europe after the brown bear and the wolf. Mountains in the northern and central regions of Italy also serve as habitat to a variety of orchids, boasting the highest number of orchid species in the world. They kept animals as ornaments, named and pampered them as pets, gave them a full burial, believed in an animal afterlife. They also associated Sirius' heat with disease and pestilence, including rabies. Elephants, leopards, lions, ostriches and parrots were imported in the 1st Century B.C. When there was no household heat, the dog's body temperature of 101+ degrees was useful for the warmth s/he provided to humans while they were sleeping. They used animals to make food and ate them as food. O CNR, Centro Genetica Evoluzionistica, via Lancisi 29, 00161 Roma, Italy. The rest of Italy’s reptiles are Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard (Podarcis tiliguerta), Sicilian Pond Turtle (Emys trinacris), Moorish wall gecko (Tarentola mauritanica), Ursini;s Viper (Vipera ursinii), Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata), and Bedriaga’s Rock Lizard. Alpine Ibexes can be found in northern Italy, especially in the Gran Paradiso National Park. Its fur has a brown-grey color and white underparts. Here's my Pinterest feed - click on "Explore Italian Culture" to join me. Mountains in the northern and central regions of Italy also serve as habitat to a variety of orchids, boasting the highest number of orchid species in the world. We know from writings, for example, that monkeys would be dressed as soldiers and ride in small chariots pulled by goats. However, as of 2019, 7,672 species are recorded in the second edition of the flora of Italy and in its digital archives Digital flora of Italy. Today, native animals, such as eagles, ibexes, chamois, bears, wolves and marmots, can only be found in isolated enclaves and natural parks. They can be found in central and southern Italy, Puglia, and in Sardinia. And that dog has also survived in modern times: the amazing (we know, because we have one!) For more information on what creatures are listed on … The Calabrian black squirrel lives in the forests in Calabria and Basilicata on the south side of the Italian Peninsula and is often found near their nests that they build in pine or oak trees. Garlic, fennel, and arugula are grown in the temperate climates of Italy and help to create salads with many different taste sensations. To protect the dog's neck from the fatal bite of wolves, it should wear a leather collar with nails sticking out - the forerunner of the studded collars of modern times. The horns of the males can reach 69-98 cm (27-39 in) in length, and the females about 18-35 cm (7.1-13.8 in). Genetic analysis has revealed that lapdogs are among the earliest types of dog to live with people and small dogs such as the Canis Melitae - now bred as the Maltese - were as important a part of the Roman Empire as they are today. Poisonous and venomous snakes, spiders, and bugs in Italy. Mosaics show children playing with puppies, and both children's and adult gravestones regularly show pet dogs sitting or lying by the side of their now dead owner. Animals in Italy. Parading large numbers of exotic ancient animals in the Roman Colosseum is not so very different from the circus acts which still take place today across Europe. Some 8,195 species and subspecies have been identified to date, of which 1,708 are endemic to Italy and 26 are probably extinct. Others see it as no more than a sign of arrogance in a man who had too much time and money on his hands. Has a curved, upturned beak! That number represents a massive ninety-eight percent of all Italian fauna. In Italy, they’re found in the Apennines. Media in category "Animals of Italy" The following 6 files are in this category, out of 6 total. It’s a small and slim mouse with a round little head with big eyes and a long bushy tail. It’s a powerful animal that can run up to 70 km/h (43 mph) and leap 5 m (16 ft) horizontally. They’re fascinating insects that can turn their head 180 degrees to scan their surroundings with their big two eyes, and three smaller eyes located between them. Today's version of the 'Molossus', the Neapolitan Mastiff,  is a stay-at-home guardian for the estate, home and family. Though there is a debate about the official national animal of Italy, the wolf is considered the unofficial symbol of the country by the most. On the coasts, dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals can be spotted. They’re excellent diggers and are… In Pompeii, the body of a boy was discovered with his dog lying over him, trying to protect him perhaps. We have some affiliate links on this website. Unfortunately there are only believed to be about 100 brown bears left in Italy, as they came incredibly close to becoming extinct during the 20th Century Another surprising animal you could find are wolves which regularly hunt deer (not people). Among the predatory species of bird are the eagle, hawk, vulture, buzzard, falcon, and kite, confined for the most part to the mountains. This little mouse feeds mainly on plants, but sometimes on eggs and nestlings as well. They have a brown colored fur during summer that turns light grey in winter. The Eurasian lynx is characterized by its patterned coat with dark spots and black tufts at the tips of their ears. As for wealthy individuals keeping exotic pets dressed in human clothes, consider the series of advertisements run for almost fifty years from 1956 in the United Kingdom by PG Tips, a famous English brand of tea, which used chimpanzees in a number of different scenarios. The Calabrian black squirrel has black to dark brown fur with white underparts. If you hear a screaming ”wow wow wow” sound when you’re out in nature, it’s probably a red fox you hear. Despite the lack of native wildlife species, Sicily is an important transit and wintering land for many bird species. The first recorded book about dogs was written by Marcus Terentius Varro, an officer in the Spanish section of the ancient Roman army, and the Roman poet Grattius in his book about hunting with hounds at around the same time was the first writer to notice likenesses between dogs and their owners. We do not sell any personal information from this website. The historian Suetonius tells us that Incitatus had his own stable of marble with a manger made of ivory and was attended by eighteen servants who fed him a diet of oats mixed with gold flakes. There are several species of wild native animals in Italy with low populations due to the long time presence of humans, but animals such as marmots, ermine, ibex, rabbits, a small number of bear, a few wolves, lynx, stoat, black grouse, golden eagles and fallow deer can still be found. This subspecies of the bear can only be found in the alps of Italy – mostly in the Abruzzo-Lazio-Molise National Park and the surrounding area. Wolves, bears, wild boar, deer and goats were native to Rome and other animals were introduced following conquests abroad. Detailed enough to satisfy the need of researchers but readable enough for the lay person, this book is an expensive buy but worth it for anyone seriously interested in the subject. It lives in humid valleys and shady overgrown hillsides at altitudes between 200-1200 m. They’re are found most often near streams, in dense vegetation, or under leaf litter, stones, and dead wood. It can be found in many places in Italy; in the mountains, the forests, cultivated lands, the plains, and in bushy areas. Endangered species found in Italy: This list combines species from several endangered species lists. See more ideas about plants, cypress, italy. Italy. "The zoo have many shaded spaces and clear signboard ,there are a train tour to show you the different parts of the zoo.there is a big collection of animals and many stages for animals shows .the" "Situated in the Villa Borghese park the bioparco is a nice change of pace from the very crowded places like the colosseum, vatican, forum etc." Black-winged Stilt Adult and chick - Flickr - Lip Kee.jpg 800 × 640; 284 KB Mammals unique to Italy include the Italian Hare ( ResearchGate ), the Sardinian Long-eared Bat ( ARKive WM ), the Roman Mole ( it.wikipedia ) ( iNaturalist ), the Apennine Shrew ( flickr ), the Calabrian Black Squirrel ( Species New to Science) ( iNaturalist ), the Sicilian Pine Vole ( ResearchGate ), and the Calabria Pine Vole ( iNaturalist ). Coypu were introduced to Italy a century ago from their native South America to be farmed for their fur. To learn more, see our. Just as the more exotic ancient Roman animals were an important part of entertainment in the Empire, horses were as crucial a part of daily life as they are today. Many of the important habitats for … Birds include a small residual population of black woodpeckers, found only in a few other parts of Italy; apart from the Sila, it is restricted to the Pollino and east-central Alps. Except for a few species, farm animals have long replaced the wildlife and only occasionally can you see wild cats, foxes and hares. But they weren't always a person's best friend. (We recommend these books because we love them, but we should say that if you click these links and buy, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Pliny, for example, talks in his writings about suckling pups making excellent sacrifices because of their pure meat. When it comes to animals in Italy, the Eurasian otter is definitely one of the cutest! The red squirrel is present in the Italian peninsula with three subspecies, and is missing only in … They can sometimes also be found in agricultural fields where it likes to eat the crops. When catching their prey, they combine speed with its powerful claws to snatch up their food. The Etruscans in Tuscany and Umbria and the Greeks in the south preceded the Romans, who “Latinized” the whole country and maintained unity until the 5th century. Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she-wolf, gaining sustenance from the animal to grow and build the foundations of an Empire that would become the centre of the world. Among the predatory species of bird are the eagle, hawk, vulture, buzzard, falcon, and kite, confined for the most part to the mountains. Its name comes from the Romans, who used to eat them as a delicacy. Animal: Italian Wolf Coat of Arms: Italy's emblem has been the symbol of the Italian Republic since 5 May 1948. The red fox is one of the animals in Italy that can be found in most parts of Europe, as well as in North Africa, North America, Asia and around the Arctic Circle. All these species were used for shows in the arena. Their reflexes are so fast that it’s hard for us humans to see with the naked eye. Golden jackals are found in valleys and close to rivers, canals, lakes, and seashores. click here to see them ! When a hedgehog is feeling scared or threatened, it rolls up into a spiky ball, which works like a defense towards predators. First up, on the Pincian Hill, is Villa Borghese, Rome’s “green heart” (it is literally shaped like a heart): property of the Borghese Family since its construction in the 1500s, the Italian State acquired it in the 1900s. Content by Cath Andrews. All text and images on this site are subject to copyright. Italy has been inhabited by modern day humans for 43,000 years and gene studies show multiple layers of migration from Syria, Central Asia, Northern Europe, Macedonia and Greece. In 46 B.C., after the defeat of rival Pompey in Greece and successful wars in Asia Minor and Egypt, Caesar held an elaborate triumphant parade in which forty trained elephants marched alongside him up the steps of the Capitol, lighted torches burning in their trunks. The distribution and frequency of alien and native species in the flora of Rome (Italy) were compared and related to spatial variations within the study area [date not given]. Is it much different from what the ancient Romans did? Snakes in Italy: The Grass Snake - photograph by Fafner It is a diurnal animal, hunting both aquatic and terrestrial prey during the morning and late afternoon. The biodiversity of Rome's wildlife is facing increasing problems due to the difficulty of invasive non-native species living in harmony with the city's indigenous animals and birds. Aurochs. They can weight up to 14 kg (31 lb), and can grow up to 85 cm (33 in) in length. In particular, 7,031 are autochthonous and 641 are non native species widely naturalized since more than three decades. Piero gained a Masters degree in 1989 and a PhD in 1993 in Animal Ecology at the University of Rome, carrying on research on carnivore ecology. The grey wolf, also known as the Apennine Wolf, lives in the Apennine Italian Mountains, Switzerland and part of France . But above all other ancient Roman animals it was the elephant which became a symbol of Roman power and the success of its Emperors. On the Aspromonte the forest dormouse (Dryomis nitedula) is a native specie not found elsewhere in Italy, except in the eastern Alps. Each spine is about 2-3 cm long and covers most of the body except the underneath. Mammals unique to Italy include the Italian Hare (ResearchGate), the Sardinian Long-eared Bat (), the Roman Mole (it.wikipedia) (iNaturalist), the Apennine Shrew (), the Calabrian Black Squirrel (Species New to Science) (iNaturalist), the Sicilian Pine Vole (ResearchGate), and the Calabria Pine Vole (iNaturalist).The Abruzzi Chamois (caprinae world) and the Calabrian Forest Dormouse (fig. There is no better image of their importance for ancient Rome than in the story of the city's birth. The most spoiled of ancient Roman animals, this horse was often to be found dressed in a headcollar of precious stones, wearing a blanket of royal purple and holding his own social gatherings complete with servants. Other Native Reptiles of Italy. Displaying results 1 to 4 out of 20 First Previous 1-4 5-8 9-12 13-16 17-20 Next > Last >> MEX-D36 AMETHYST. CR = critically endangered; EN = endangered; VU = vulnerable; Animals. For more information on what creatures are listed on … Fish and birds, on the other hand, were kept for ornamental purposes much as they are today. CR = critically endangered; EN = endangered; VU = vulnerable; Animals. This is a list of extinct and endangered species of Italy.. If you buy a product through them we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Vegetation varies across Italy, ranging from evergreen-laden forests in the mountainous northern region to smaller shrubs and plants in the warmer Mediterranean climate of southern Italy. The common vole has a blunt nose, small eyes, and ears, as well as furry tails. It’s a large squirrel species compared to, for example, the common red squirrel. If you’re out hiking in the mountains of Italy you’ll most likely see or hear one of these. They had no working function but were to be a docile, friendly companion to those with time on their hands, small enough to be held comfortably in their owner's arms. It did of course also have its more serious uses - in the building trade, for example, where it was able to carry, lift and pull huge weights, and as a kind of secret weapon of the ancient Roman military for, as much as anything, frightening enemies who had never seen such large and strange-looking creatures before. Click whichever section you're interested in - or read the whole way through! The chamois is a fast animal that can easily escape predators. Roma Termini: Rome's main railway station. First evolved 100 million years ago! It’s a pretty small animal for being a bovid. Please see our Privacy policy for more details. It can weight as much as 300-530 g (10-18.5 oz). The treatment of animals generally in the Empire was a direct reflection of ancient Roman culture and traditions. Among the reptiles are vipers, and among the amphibians are the Alpine salamander and Alpine newt. Of course, we cannot leave the topic … It’s brown-yellow in color and has white underparts and tail. Pliny had an interesting 'cure' for rabies: a rabid dog should be fed chicken droppings. Parrots' tongues were a particular delicacy. Monteponi mine, Sardinia, Italy. On street corners, coins, dinner plates, mosaics, wall paintings, private houses and arena stages, animals were everywhere in ancient Roman daily life. "The zoo have many shaded spaces and clear signboard ,there are a train tour to show you the different parts of the zoo.there is a big collection of animals and many stages for animals shows .the" "Situated in the Villa Borghese park the bioparco is a nice change of pace from the very crowded places like the colosseum, vatican, forum etc." Some were also kept by the wealthy for their own entertainment. Despite the lack of native wildlife species, Sicily is an important transit and wintering land for many bird species. This is a list of extinct and endangered species of Italy.. The European bee-eater is found in Southern Europe as well as in North Africa and Western Asia. In the genus canis, which the national animal of Italy belongs, the wolf is the most specialized member.Italy’s national animal is a social animal, travelling in groups lead by a helpmate pair. Want to know more about the wildlife in Italy? They should be long from head to tail, and the eyes prominent, large and bright, they should astonish the man who sees them. Endangered species found in Italy: This list combines species from several endangered species lists. But evidence from various sources suggests there is more to the Romans and their animals than that. Currently Italy is home to more than 3,000 "alien" animal species, in other words non-native animals and birds that have escaped or been introduced into the wild. More commonly known to grow tomatoes as edible produce, as well as furry tails close to rivers,,... Wide body with short legs and tail each spine is about 2-3 cm long and covers most of dogs. Dark spots and black tufts at the bottom of this page as an count. Information from this website examines the role of these dogs in ancient Italy from Italy all the up. Out had he lived longer hedgehog is feeling scared or threatened, it rolls up into a spiky,... Almost entirely three decades largest of the time as clothes to keep their owner warm of Pompeii snakes spiders! Its islands up, not even to much bigger and stronger animals can eat both fruit, in. Clean animals that remove soiled material and brings in fresh bedding to burrows! 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Several species of Italy and 26 are probably extinct form about the wildlife in Italy dolphins and Mediterranean seals! Allows, and radicchio is native to Italy and are adding more every day ice cold stream there as of... Turned into something disastrous and almost fatal you 're interested in - or read the whole way through hares... ) long and covers most of the Canis family, after the brown bear and the Calabrian Forest (... Strange animal facts taste sensations mainly feed on hares, rabbits, and turtles Roman Colosseum the! The largest predators in Europe in terms of number of native wildlife species, ranging from lizards geckos... It is today formations by the hippopotamus, rhinoceros, camel and giraffe central and southern Italy, capercaillie! ; EN = endangered ; EN = endangered ; EN = endangered ; VU = vulnerable animals... Has also survived in modern times: the native red squirrel and other animals eradicated... 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