Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

24  INTRODUCING HUNGAR Y A POR TR AIT OF HUNGAR Y  25

Landscape and Wildlife of Hungary Hungarian Conservation

The Great Plain, a rich and fertile land and one of the first in Magyars were once considered one of the great hunting
Europe to be cultivated, covers almost half of Hungary. It is peoples of Europe, but in recent times their efforts have
traversed by two major rivers: the Tisa (Tisza) in the east, been directed into conservation. As a result, all sorts of
species that were once teetering on the brink of extinction
and the majestic Danube (Duna) in the west. The gentle but are being preserved. Deer, wild boar, wolves and lynxes are
scenic mountains of the Mátra range mark the nation’s again commonly spotted in the Northern Mountains. The
northern borders, while the forests of Transdanubia and the National Forest Plantation Programme of 1997 has enhanced
great lakes of Balaton and Fertő enhance what is – for a the spread of forests and the saving of vulnerable wild
flowers. Hungary’s wetlands are a preferred destination for
relatively small country – a varied and attractive landscape. The Danube river, Hungary’s defining migrating birds and the protection of their habitat has The lynx, inhabitant of the Northern
natural feature Mountains of Hungary
become a source of national pride.

The Great Plain Lakes and Rivers
The Northern Mountains Forests
Grassland covers 12 per cent of Hungary, and The Danube is the greater river, but for many
almost all of it is in the treeless Great Plain. Hungarians the Tisza river is more important. Three different mountain ranges, the Mátra, A fifth of Hungary is covered in forest, and this
Modern irrigation has enabled much of the All of the country’s other rivers are tributaries Bükk and Zemplén, are usually grouped is set to increase by 2035. The country’s existing
original plain to become agricultural land, but of these two. Hungary’s abundance of lakes together as the Northern Mountains. As the forests, of which the main areas are the Northern
in the protected areas of Hortobágy and makes it a favoured destination of migrating only alpine region in Hungary, they are home Mountains, the Buda Hills (see p115) and the
Kiskunság the pale green vegetation of the birds. In the northwest, Lake Fertő is also to some unique species. In the Mátra range, Bakony Forest (see pp160–61) are increasingly
region is preserved. popular with bird-watchers. the country’s highest peaks reach a meagre protected by conservationist legislation.
height of 1,015 m (3,330 ft).
Herds of horses define The Dolomite flax, once
the Great Plain and are The Great Bustard is Europe’s Brown bears are Hungary’s common national
regarded as a sacred largest land bird, with males commonly found flower, survives today only in
part of the nation’s weighing up to 14 kg (31 lb). It is in the Carpathian the forests of the Buda Hills
soul. Hungarians have found throughout Hungary and arc that stretches around the capital. Both the
traditionally made great is especially common around the from northern flower and its habitat are
horsemen and cowboys Tisza lake. Catching sight of its Hungary to fiercely protected.
or csikósok still exist. intricate spring courtship ritual is Romania.
a rare treat for bird-watchers.
Horned eagle owls are one Lesser purple butterflies emerge
Racka sheep are bred for their of the largest owl species, often from a deep green chrysalis at the
milk, wool and sometimes The Hungarian iris measuring 70 cm (28 in) in beginning of every July.
their meat, and are height. Superb predators, they Widespread in forested
unique to the Great or Iris variegata is fond feed mostly on rodents and areas, they spend much
of damp soil and
Plain region of Hungary. marshland and thrives rabbits, though they occasionally of their time on
They are characterized on the floodplains devour game birds. treetops defending
by their long, thin, their territory against
corkscrew-like horns. of the Danube. unwelcome rivals.
Night herons are Great spotted
Mangalica pigs particularly active in the evening, woodpeckers are a The black stork stands
are hairy, almost when they leave their woodland frequent sight in the about 1 m (3 ft) tall. Mainly
sheep-like, and nests to feed. Thick-billed, and with gardens, parks and black, it has a white
are bred for their shorter legs than typical herons, the woodlands of northern spot on its front and a
meat. Look out for birds are most commonly found in Hungary. They are one of red bill and legs. This
sausages made from Northern Transdanubia, close to nine woodpecker species long-distance migrant
Mangalica pork. the Danube river. native to the country. winters in southern Africa.

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