European Beaver - Latvia

The Baltic region has produced over 100,000 tons of amber. It is often mistakenly referred to as the sap of the tree, but is actually derived from the fossilized plant resins of certain conifer trees. The Amber Road was an ancient Roman trade route used for delivering the highly prized amber from the Baltic coast to Rome.

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Castor fiber - The European beaver is well adapted to its aquatic lifestyle. The beaver can close its nose and ears to prevent water from entering and has a nictitating membrane, an inner eyelid to protect the eyes when underwater. There is also an inner lip directly behind the teeth to allow the beaver to use its teeth without water entering the mouth when gnawing on wood while submerged. The beaver will rub a protective oil into its fur when grooming itself. This musky oil is secreted from the castor gland and provides a waterproof coating.

Snowy Owl - Latvia

Bubo scandiacus - The snowy owl is a large bird, growing to a height of 52 to 71 centimeters with a wingspan between 125 and 150 centimeters. The adult male has a prominent white plumage; the female is covered with dark scalloping, except along the facial area. Nests are built on the ground. The female will typically deposit one egg each day during the breeding season with some nests containing up to 11 eggs. The size of the clutch is relative to the amount of prey available in the area.

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Latvia had been part of the Russian Empire since 1710. Following Russia’s defeat in World War I and the turmoil of the Russian Revolution and Civil War, Latvia proclaimed itself independent in November 1918. The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact of 1939, signed by the Soviet Union and Germany, allowed the three Baltic states; Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to be absorbed into the Soviet Union. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Latvia again proclaimed its independence in 1991.