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Animals of Romania’s grasslands and plains

Romania’s grasslands and plains support ground squirrels, hamsters, hares, skylarks, quail and many insects. Grassy vegetation provides food, hiding places and breeding sites. Edges with shrubs and trees allow other animals to use open land too.

A plain is a landform, while a grassland is a habitat dominated by grasses. A plain may contain crops, settlements, water or forests. Animals occupy the areas that offer suitable resources.

Mammals of open land

  • The European ground squirrel prefers grassland with short vegetation and digs burrows where it can take refuge.
  • The European hamster also uses farmland. It carries food in its cheek pouches and stores it in underground chambers.
  • The European hare hides in vegetation and relies on vigilance and running; it does not live in burrow networks like the European rabbit.
  • Foxes and roe deer may use open spaces as well as woodland edges, shrubs and other nearby cover.

Grassland birds and insects

Skylarks and quail are associated with vegetation on open land. White storks search for prey in meadows and farmland, including wet places. Pheasants, native to Asia and introduced to Europe, also live in the wild in Romania.

Bumblebees, bees and butterflies visit flowers for food. Grasshoppers eat vegetation and are themselves food for other animals. Diet and activity periods vary between species.

What helps grassland wildlife?

Flower-rich meadows, uncultivated margins and habitat connections provide different resources. Mowing large areas at the same time and removing field-edge vegetation can reduce food and shelter. A varied landscape helps animals find refuge when conditions change.

Frequently asked questions

  • Are European ground squirrels and European hamsters the same animal? No. The ground squirrel is Spermophilus citellus, while the European hamster is Cricetus cricetus. They are different rodents.
  • Which birds live in Romania’s fields? Skylarks, quail and pheasants are examples. White storks use these areas for feeding.
  • Do all animals of the plains live only in grassland? No. Many also use crops, shrubs, woodland edges or riverbanks.