The lower wildlife on the coasts of Denmark is significantly poorer than in Norway. Of economic importance can be mentioned the mollusks mussels and oysters, among the crustaceans lobster and shrimp (Rose Shrimp, Palaemon fabricii). The oyster, which in the Stone Age was common in almost all Danish fjords and belts and went all the way into the Baltic Sea to the Gulf of Kiel, is now found only in the northwestern Kattegat and in the Limfjord; in the latter place, living conditions are so favorable that oyster farming and fishing are conducted in a large style (Limfjord Dunes).
More than 170 fish species occur in Danish waters, of which approx. 40 freshwater fish. Only a few species are of economic importance, most importantly fishing for herring, cod, plaice and eel.
Denmark has 14 amphibian species (compared to 5 in Norway) and 6 reptile species (5 in Norway). European pond turtle ( kjerrskilpadde) existed in Denmark in the Stone Age, but now has its northern border in northern Germany.
Two storks (Ciconia ciconia) in the nest. The stork was formerly very widespread in Denmark, but the stock fell sharply in the late 1800s and on through the 1900s, and is today in danger of disappearing completely. In order to save and increase the stock, nesting sites for the storks are set up in several places, and a management plan for the stockpile includes, among other things, protecting (in some cases also restoring) wetland areas to ensure nutritional access for the storks.
More than 180 bird species breed annually in Denmark. Further approx. 200 species have been observed. Some of these are winter guests, others break here during the move and a significant number are rare guests (viewed 1-10 times). Bird life is especially rich on the west coast of Jutland during the spring and autumn migration when thousands of geese, ducks and waders roam here. The tips at Ringkøbings Fjord and Blåvandshuk west of Esbjerg are famous birding sites. Græsholm near Bornholm has Denmark’s only lomvie and alke colony. Some bird species have greatly decreased in numbers in our century, including stork and large birds of prey.
Denmark’s mammalian fauna includes 12 species of bats, 5 insect eaters, 2 hares ( rabbits and hares ), 15 rodents, 9 land predators and 2 deer ( deer and deer ). Stone cob, or fjord seal, and oats occur on the coast. Several whales are found in Danish waters, but only the nose is common. Black rat that now only exists in Copenhagen, immigrated in the Middle Ages, while the ordinary brown rat later immigrated, in the 18th century. The roe deerwas introduced in the Middle Ages and has not lived wild in Denmark since the Ice Age. Wild boar existed in the early 1800s but have immigrated again in our day. Wild boars have the best conditions for prospering in Danish forests and are good nature carers in the sense that they create forest rejuvenation and a greater botanical wealth.
Denmark’s current fauna has for the most part migrated since the ice age. Its richest design reached wildlife in the Stone Age (littorina or tapestry). The large change in land use, primarily the reduction of forest land, has reduced the original wild land fauna. This species is particularly true for Nordic coniferous forest areas. Eg. bones of bear, lynx, wolf, moose, beaver and big bird are found in ancient settlements.