Natural Heritage of Romania

Biological Diversity: in total about 3,700 species of higher plants exist in Romania. Among them, 23 species are declared as natural monuments, 39 species are endangered, 171 species are vulnerable and 1,256 are rare species (according to the Red List of Higher Plants of Romania, elaborated by the Romanian Academy 1994). Grassland species include 37% of the total species represented. About 600 species of algae and a total of over 700 species of marine and coastal plants exist. A very high percent of the species of plants (4%) are endemic . In total there are 57 endemic taxa (species and subspecies) and 171 sub-endemic taxa (with their territory mostly in Romania). 75% of the endemic and sub-endemic species are found in the Carpathian Mountains. The main endemic centers for plants are the Mountains of Rodna, Bistrita-Ceahlau, Bucegi-Piatra Craiului, Retezat-Godeanu, parts of these mountain massifs being declared as national parks.

Although Romania has a high level of plant diversity it is particularly important as a center of population density for a variety of threatened and endangered animals. Of greatest significance is the high density of bears, wolves and lynx. The Romanian populations of these species are highest of any country in Europe.

In addition to large carnivores, Romania has over 33,802 other animal species , out of which 33,085 invertebrates and 717 vertebrates . The vertebrates comprise a number of 191 species of fish, 20 amphibian species, 30 species of reptiles, 364 species of nesting and migratory birds and 102 species of mammals.

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