The diversity of wild animal and wild plant species in the Vitebsk region, included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus

Vitebsk Oblast is renowned for its forests, lakes, wetlands, and river valleys, which create ideal habitats for rare species. As of June 1, 2026, there are 1026 registered habitats and growing sites for wild animals and wild-growing plants listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus within the territory of Vitebsk Oblast. The most frequently encountered animal species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus are: badger (58 habitats); Siberian flying squirrel (54 habitats); osprey (41 habitats); white-backed woodpecker (36 habitats); lesser spotted eagle (16 habitats). The predominantly found plant species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus are: Neckera pennata (61 growing sites); cranberry (38 growing sites); cloudberry (37 growing sites); Fomitopsis rosea (35 growing sites); campanula latifolia (29 growing sites). You can learn more about each rare plant or animal species in our country in the fifth edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus.