Montenegro is the smallest Balkan nation in population and second smallest in land mass.[1] The land mass is 13,812 square kilometres with 360 square kilometres of water.[2] Montenegro's geography ranges from mountainous forested regions in the north where larger mammals are most common.[3] Mediterranean coastline makes up the south end of the country, forested area makes up 40.4% of the nation's landmass.[4] The most densely populated area of the country is the south coast and the most sparsely populated is the north east section of the country.[5] The fauna of Montenegro is predominantly shared with surrounding Balkan nations.
Specific data on fauna in the region is difficult to locate due to the large concentration in mountainous and unpopulated areas. The nature of Montenegro also has an influence on the lack of data with nation becoming independent as recently as 2006.[6] after a decision to leave the federation with Serbia that retained the title of Yugoslavia.[7] As a new nation there was a lack of governing infrastructure, and this, along with a GDP per capita of $7,320 makes it one of Europe's poorer nations.[8] There are resource limitations to devote to conservation and an existing census of land animals.[9]