European Pine Marten - Montenegro

The Durmitor National Park was created in 1952 and is located in Northwestern Montenegro. It includes the Durmitor Massif and the canyons formed by the Tara, Sušica, and Draga Rivers. The area is approximately 390 square kilometers. The Tara Canyon is 1,300 meters deep, the second deepest gorge in the world.

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Martes martes - European and Asian wooded areas with scrub covered fields are ideal habitats for the European pine marten. It is the only member of the Mustelid family with semi-retractable claws. This feature allows the pine marten to extend its forging range to include trees. The pine marten’s diet is varied and  consists of rodents, frogs, birds, and insects. They will also eat carrion, berries, nuts, and honey when available. Pine martens living near water have been known to eat crabs and barnacles.

Aleppo Pine - Montenegro

Pinus halepensis - The Aleppo pine is native to the Mediterranean region. It is usually found growing along coastal areas, preferring lower altitudes ranging between sea level and 200 meters. In warmer climates it can be found at higher altitudes, but rarely exceeds 1,700 meters. It is a fast growing tree producing a hardy and dense wood. It is tolerant of drought conditions. The Aleppo pine is widely planted for ornamental value and for its use in the commercial timber industry.

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The principality of Montenegro was proclaimed in 1852 by Danilo I Petrović-Njegoš, but did not achieve full recognition from other European powers until a Montenegrin army routed Turkish forces at the Battle of Grahovac in 1858. By 1910, under Nicolas I, Montenegro styled itself as a Kingdom. Siding with Serbia in World War I, the country was quickly taken over by Austria-Hungary. In 1918, Montenegro and several other Balkan entities were formed into Yugoslavia; it became an independent country in 2006.