Belarus is a mid-sized European country in the east of the continent. It borders Russia to its east, and while no longer officially part of Russia, at least to outsiders, like it is a vassal state – independent in name only. 40% of the country is still covered in forest, with other habitats including bogs, marshes and wetland.

The country has a wolf population of 1500-2000, along with 500 bears and 1000 lynx. Various other species long extinct elsewhere, still cling on here, including the European bison, which had its last refuge in the Białowieża forest (which it shares with Poland) and is one of the last true wildernesses of Europe. The reason for such a low number of wolves bears and lynx, despite the large space, is the persecution that they still face. Bounties are paid for each wolf killed, yet, with the right marketing, these populations could lead to a thriving ecotourism marketplace in the country. Help us make this a reality on this website. Add destinations that are special for wildlife or wilderness within Belarus.