The Drava River hosts a rich variety of wildlife, thanks to its natural, dynamic flow and diverse habitats. It supports many rare and protected species, including birds, fish, amphibians, and mammals. Key species include the kingfisher, Danube salmon, European pond turtle, and Eurasian beaver—each contributing to the river’s ecological importance and biodiversity.
The Drava River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in Central Europe. Flowing through a mosaic of wetlands, gravel banks, oxbow lakes, and riparian forests, the river provides ideal habitats for a wide range of animal species. The relatively undisturbed nature of parts of the Drava allows many rare and protected species to thrive, making it a crucial ecological corridor and a part of the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve.
Here are four notable species that inhabit the Drava River ecosystem:
1. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
This small, brightly colored bird is one of the river’s most iconic residents. With its iridescent blue and orange feathers, the kingfisher is often seen perched on branches overhanging the water, diving swiftly to catch small fish. It nests in sandy riverbanks, where it digs tunnels for laying eggs. The presence of kingfishers is a good indicator of clean, unpolluted water.
2. Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho)
Also known as huchen, this large predatory fish is native to the Danube River basin and requires clean, fast-flowing rivers with gravel beds for spawning. It is a highly endangered species due to habitat loss, pollution, and river regulation. Some stretches of the Drava still support small populations, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and restore its habitat.
3. European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis)
This semi-aquatic reptile thrives in the oxbow lakes and floodplains along the Drava. Recognizable by its dark, domed shell with yellow speckles, the pond turtle is a protected species in many countries. It feeds on insects, small fish, and aquatic vegetation. Its presence signals a healthy wetland environment, though habitat fragmentation remains a threat.
4. Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
Once nearly extinct in Europe, the beaver has made a strong comeback along rivers like the Drava. Known for building dams and lodges, beavers play a vital role in shaping wetland ecosystems. Their activities create habitats for many other species, improve water retention, and contribute to biodiversity. Along the Drava, they are mostly found in quieter side channels and floodplain forests.
Ducks
Ducks are among the most common and easily observed birds on the Drava River. Species like the mallard thrive in its wetlands, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving channels. These birds play an important role in the river's ecosystem and are a key part of its birdlife diversity, especially during migration and breeding seasons.
Swans
Swans are graceful and iconic birds commonly found along the Drava River. Mostly represented by the mute swan, they inhabit calm waters, oxbow lakes, and wetlands. Known for their elegance and strong pair bonds, swans contribute to the natural beauty and biodiversity of the river ecosystem year-round.