The Austrian fauna comprises about 260 vertebrates, thousands of invertebrates and more than 20,000 different kinds of insects. Lakes and rivers are home to over 80 species of fish. Neusiedlersee is a sanctuary for numerous species of bird (bearded reedling, penduline tit, bee eater, kingfisher, common tern, Eurasian spoonbill, herons, Eurasian bitter, warbler, pied avocet, woodcock, mallard, red-backed sandpiper, spotted crake, water rail, hoopoe, wild duck, wild goose and stork).
Protected birds include golden eagle, lammergeier, bearded vulture, alpine swift, common raven, rock partridge, finch, wood grouse and wallcreeper. Huntable species include pheasant, partridge and wild duck.
Snakes native to Austria include the grass snake, the dice snake, the aesculapian snake, the dder and the sand viper.
The marmot is indigenous to alpine regions between 1300m and 2700 m. Common wild animals include the fox, the badger, and the marten. Less common are the European polecat, the weasel and the ermine.
Before World War II, the wild boar was only indigenous to Leithagebirge mountains, but today it can be found in Ernstbrunner forest, Ellender forest and in some parts of the Wienerwald region. Typical of the Alps is the chamois, a small antelope; the ibex, once an endangered species, was successfully re-introduced. Herds of deer populate Austria´s forests and meadows.
