Montenegro is located in the southeast of Europe, containing mountain (Alpine) and coastal (Mediterranean) regions. The climate in the regions varies slightly, with the coastal zone having the warmest and the most dry weather and the alpine zone being colder and more humid. As the country has access to the Adriatic Sea, its maritime zone is also assessed to be a part of the ecosystem.

Montenegro is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse countries in Europe, with 407 species of marine fish, 333 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and a wide variety of mammal species making up the fauna of the region. Several endemics, including Salmo obtusirostris, the Adriatic salmon, and Dinarolacerta montenegrina, or Prokletije rock lizard, are recognized. 

The flora of the country is also incredibly diverse, with 7-8 thousand species of vascular plants found. In this category, endemic species include Moltkia petraea, Petteria ramentacea, and Globularia cordifolia. 

However, the biodiversity in the country is facing several serious threats. As tourism is an important part of the Montenegrin economy, the environment is often compromised, as the companies try to accommodate the growing influx of visitors. Forests are cut down and habitats destroyed, and the tourists themselves are contributing to pollution, carelessly treating the environment. To combat these processes, regulations for businesses and fines for individuals are implemented. Although they are not as strictly enforced as one might hope, this is a step in the right direction. A different issue is illegal hunting and harvesting, which is also quite prevalent in the Alpine region. These actions are persecuted more strictly, however, there is still space for improvement. 

The government recognizes the importance of maintaining such a unique ecosystem in the face of threats, and several conservation projects are currently in effect. Almost 19.5% of the country’s territory is under some form of national or international protection. Biogradska Gora, a national park in the north of Montenegro, is an example of conservation efforts conducted in the country.  Since its establishment in 1952, the park has been recognized as one of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. A different conservation area is the Prokletije National Park, established in 2009, protecting the territories in the southeast of the country. 

To conclude, the exceptional biodiversity of Montenegro has been internationally recognized, however, it is still at risk of harm, and more efforts to protect the wildlife are needed.

Sources:

Discover Montenegro - “Flora”

Convention on Biological Diversity - “Montenegro - Main details”