Moldova is a quaint country nestled between the countries of Romania and Ukraine. Owing to the fact that it is often an unexplored and underrated tourist destination, it is not unlikely that you might not have heard of it. If you are planning on visiting Moldova, the wildlife and the natural reserves around the country is something that you absolutely can’t miss out on. Irrespective of whatever you do, exploring these spots is amazing, without a shadow of a doubt. If Moldova wildlife is something you are excited to witness, you are actually in for a ride. Believe us!
About Wildlife In Moldova
Before sharing some of the amazing places that you can visit around in Moldova to explore or spot the wildlife, here are a few common animals that one can spot around in the country. Some of the most commonly spotted around animals in their natural habitats include:
- Wild Boar
- Wolves
- Badgers
- Wildcats
- Ermines
- Martins
- Polecats
- Roe Deer
- Hare
- Foxes
- Muskrat
Nature Reserves In Moldova
Much like the unexplored spots around in Moldova, even the aspects of wildlife is quite less explored and is a lot underrated, if talked about seriously. If you are here wondering what places you can visit to get an amazing experience altogether, we have some amazing places for you to look into.
1. Codru Natural Reservation
Located to the northwest of Chisinau, the Codru forest is one of the most popular forests around in Moldova which is located in the center of the country. It was founded back in the year of 1971 and is spread across an area of 5177 hectares. Apart from the lush and decadent greenery encompassing the place, you can also spot valleys and ravines, some of them reaching up to 380 meters as well.
When it comes to plants and animals, there are over 1000 species of protected plant species. It is also home to over 43 species of mammals and 7 species of reptiles all around. You can even spot fishes and insects across the place. The reserve also is a museum which further adds to the thrill of the place.
Location: Chisinau, Moldova
Entry Fee: 5-10 lei for local; 25 lei for international tourists
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2. Lagoric Reservation
As hard as the pronunciation of this specific natural reservation is, it is actually one of the most popular places to witness wildlife in Moldova. It is situated on the eastern side of the Nistru River, surrounding the villages of Iagorlic and Goian. The entire reserve is spread across an area of 1044 hectares, out of which 563 hectares of it is comprised of forests. The place is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It was established back in the year of 1988 with a goal to study the environmental changes characteristic to the lake of the Nistru River. There is a 1.5 km protection zone which surrounds the reserve.
Location: Goian village, Transnistria, Moldova
Entry Fee: 5-10 lei for local; 25 lei for international tourists
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3. Padurea Domneasca (Royal Forest) Natural Reservation
Yet another one of the sites to witness the mammals of Moldova is to visit the Padurea Domneasca (Royal Forest) Natural Reservation. It is the largest natural reserve in Moldova which is spread across a total area of 6093 hectares and was founded back in 1993. It is situated in close proximity of Glodeni alongside the Prut River on the border of Romania.
Apart from the wide range of animals and birds that you can witness here, it is also home to some of the most popular types of trees, the old-growth oak trees being one of the most popular sites of attraction. The oldest tree in this reserve is believed to be over 450 years old. It is also popularly known as the “land of herons” because of the population of the herons in the reserve.
Location: Cuhnesti village, Glodeni
Entry Fee: 5-10 lei for local; 25 lei for international tourists
4. Plaiul Fagului (Land Of Beeches) Natural Reservation
Yet another one of the most amazing sites to see the wildlife of Moldova is to visit the Plaiul Fagului (Land Of Beeches) Natural Reservation which is located northwest of Chisinau. It was established back in 1992 on the hunting borders of Radenii Vechi. It is spread across a total area of 5642 hectares and is possibly amazing for witnessing some of the commonly talked about wildlife located in Moldova.
It is home to over 40 species of animals, mainly that of deers. It is also part of the Codru forest ecosystem and is a beautiful sight all by itself. The combination of the narrow steeps, deep valleys, and the clear spring water is what makes it such an amazing site to visit.
Location: Radenii Vechi village, Ungheni
Entry Fee: 5-10 lei for local; 25 lei for international tourists
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5. Prutul De Jos (Lower Prut) Natural Reservation
Last but not the least on the list of the amazing wildlife spots around in Moldova is the Prutul De Jos (Lower Prut) Natural Reservation. It is located around in southern Moldova, nestled in between the Prut River and Slobozia Mare village. It is spread across a total area of 1691 hectares and was founded back in the year 1991. It is home to 241 species of animals, in which, 34 species of mammals are included. You can even witness quite a number of migratory birds which further accentuates the beauty of the reserve altogether.
Location: Slobozia Mare village, Cahul
Entry Fee: 5-10 lei for local; 25 lei for international tourists
What To Pack For Moldova
When it comes to what to pack, the tips depend on the season you are visiting. Pack accordingly and always carry something extra and tough when it comes to the jungle treks. A pair of sturdy shoes and essential medicines is something you cannot miss out on.
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Tips For Moldova Wildlife
- Owing to the fact that the wildlife is untamed and out there, there are some precautionary tips one needs to keep into consideration when it comes to visiting the nature reserves around in Moldova.
- If you are looking for a guided tour, make the arrangements beforehand
- Pack essential gear when you visit a forest.
- Get the necessary vaccination before visiting.
- Understand the danger points in each of the reserves so as to avoid them.
- Wear full clothes to protect yourself.
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Moldova is enriched with natural beauty and the lush greenery around is something even more beautiful. The country is rich in wildlife and if you wish to witness them right in front of your eyes, make sure that you plan ahead of time to have the best experience ever. So, what’s stopping you? Take your long awaited trip to Europe with TravelTriangle and venture into the wilderness in Moldova.
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