More Than Just Exoticism
| Polish version is here |
The following article was originally published in the quarterly Ekologia (4/2024):
Biodiversity as a Value
Let’s consider what sparks our awe when we think about nature. Tropical rainforests teeming with exotic birds in striking colors. Whales cutting through ocean waters. Snakes slithering through desert sands and giant sequoias reaching toward the sky. These are images that easily ignite our imagination, capture our attention, and evoke respect for the natural world. Our fascination with such exotic scenes is entirely understandable. Faraway places are associated with adventure and mystery, and their fauna and flora can seem almost magical. But have we ever paused for a moment to look closely at what surrounds us every day?
It seems that in our daily hustle and bustle, we’re prone to overlooking the richness of nature right at our feet. Polish nature, though it may initially appear familiar and ordinary, holds a diversity that can rival the most spectacular ecosystems in the world. Sometimes, what’s close and accessible seems less exciting—we stop noticing beauty where it’s practically at our fingertips. Our fascination with distant lands overshadows our wonder for local forests, meadows, wetlands, and rivers.
This attitude arises not only from human nature but also from the way we’re raised. From an early age, first through children’s books and then in school, we learn about the lion as the king of the savanna or the dangers of the Amazon jungle. Meanwhile, the European bison—relatively well-known even beyond our country’s borders as a symbol of Polish wildlife—is discussed only briefly, as if its majesty did not deserve similar acclaim. Promoting local ecosystems often takes a back seat to exotic imagery, which sells better and more easily in the media and popular culture.
The problem isn’t just that we fail to appreciate our country’s nature; often we simply don’t know it. How many of us can name five bird species found in Poland’s national parks? How many of us know which large mammals inhabit the Bieszczady Mountains or which insects pose a threat to the Białowieża Forest? Lack of knowledge leads to apathy, and apathy leads to neglect. Yet understanding and valuing local biodiversity can be crucial not only for environmental protection but also—something often overlooked these days—for our sense of belonging and responsibility toward the place we live.
In today’s comfortable times, another challenge is that understanding Poland’s biodiversity often requires a fair amount of effort, but the reward is priceless. It’s not just about discovering the wealth of nature we can see with our own eyes; it’s also about taking pride in what we have. Polish nature is a treasure that, despite being so close, still awaits discovery for many—if only we pay attention and open ourselves to its beauty. So it’s time to look away from exotic landscapes and pay attention to what’s in our own backyard. I think it’s no exaggeration to say that our lack of knowledge about our country’s biodiversity isn’t just a matter of education or media priorities—it’s also a matter of our mindset. We like to see ourselves through the lens of others. Anything that comes from distant corners of the world seems more valuable, more exciting, more worthy of attention. But in this ongoing fascination with faraway landscapes and exotic animals, we lose our connection to the place that is our natural homeland. How can we protect something we don’t know? How can we love what we don’t even notice?
Discovering and understanding this biodiversity doesn’t require great expeditions or costly travel. All it takes is a walk outdoors, a careful look around, and open eyes to what surrounds us. Every forest, every meadow, and every body of water in Poland is a micro-world filled with astonishing interactions and beauty that can compete with the most exotic places on Earth. We just need to change our way of thinking, to realize that nature doesn’t have to be remote to be fascinating. It can also inspire younger generations to seek answers to questions about how nature works and to encourage the protection of local natural resources. The more we know about what’s around us, the greater our sense of responsibility for preserving these resources for future generations.
A Few Examples
Many people can easily list fascinating animals and plants characteristic of distant corners of the world. African elephants, Bengal tigers, or exotic orchids are associated with the extraordinary wealth of nature. Meanwhile, Poland, though seemingly less spectacular, hides in its forests, meadows, and wetlands species just as interesting and unique—ones that in no way lag behind far-flung exotica. It’s worth getting to know them to understand how remarkable the world right outside our door can be.
The largest land mammal in Europe and one of the most iconic representatives of Polish fauna is the European bison Bison bonasus. Often referred to as the king of the forest, the bison is a species that was saved from extinction partly through the efforts of Polish scientists. Today, it can be found in the Białowieża Forest and other regions of the country, living in semi-wild conditions. It serves not only as a testament to nature’s resilience but also as a symbol of humanity’s responsibility to protect wild species.
The carpathian red deer Cervus elaphus ssp. montanus, a subspecies of the red deer, lives in southern Poland, especially in the Carpathians. The majestic antlers of the males and their distinctive rutting call in the fall create an unforgettable natural spectacle. This is a prime example of a majestic animal that can challenge the bison for the title of king of Poland’s forests.
Meanwhile, the aquatic warbler Acrocephalus paludicola is one of Europe’s rarest birds, and Poland is crucial for its survival. This small bird, which resides in wetlands, often goes unnoticed by people, although Poland is responsible for protecting over 20% of the species’ global population.
The Aesculapian snake Zamenis longissimus, rare and the largest snake in Poland, is mainly found in the Bieszczady Mountains. It can grow up to 2 meters in length, making it a true giant among European snakes. Harmless to humans, it is often compared to exotic snakes like the boa constrictor due to its impressive size. It’s considered a relict species, linked to a warmer climatic period in the past.
The swallowtail butterfly Papilio machaon is one of Europe’s most beautiful butterflies, which can also be found in Poland. Its characteristic, brightly yellow-and-black wings, adorned with colorful (including blue) spots, are reminiscent of tropical butterflies. It symbolizes the delicacy and splendor of our native wildlife, proving that you don’t have to go to the tropics to admire spectacular insects.
Not long ago, praying mantises (Mantis religiosa) were associated exclusively with tropical regions, but due to climate change, they’re increasingly spotted in Poland, mostly in the southern part of the country. These predatory insects are known for their unusual appearance and the characteristic, prayer-like position of their front legs, which is how they got their Latin name.
While coral reefs tempt divers with their vibrant marine life, our local waters hide fascinating creatures like the European or noble crayfish Astacus astacus. This crustacean, considered a bioindicator of clean water, is a real gem of Polish rivers and lakes. Unfortunately, due to environmental pollution and competition from invasive species like the spinycheek crayfish Orconectes limosus, its numbers are declining.
The pasqueflower Pulsatilla pratensis is a plant whose appearance could compete with tropical flora. Its dark purple, velvety blossoms covered with fine hairs appear in spring on dry meadows and xerothermic grasslands. A steppe relict, its presence attests to the richness and diversity of Polish ecosystems.
Orchids are usually associated with the tropics, but Poland is home to more than 50 species of these extraordinary plants. An example is the lady’s slipper orchid Cypripedium calceolus, which has striking flowers that resemble small slippers. It grows in moist meadows and forests, though finding it in the wild is becoming increasingly difficult due to habitat destruction. It’s one of the most protected plants in Poland, appreciated by both botanists and nature enthusiasts.
Not only fauna and flora but also Polish fungi can captivate us. The coral tooth fungus Hericium coralloides is a rare mushroom with a fanciful, coral-like shape that grows on old tree trunks. It resembles exotic marine organisms and plays an important role in decomposing dead wood, contributing to nutrient cycling.
Each of these examples shows that Poland has just as much to offer as the far-flung corners of the world. To see it, we need only look at nature from a fresh perspective—one of curiosity, respect, and wonder.
Summary
Poland’s biodiversity is a treasure that deserves our attention and protection. It’s worth learning about and appreciating these fascinating species, because only then can we understand their importance for the ecosystem and the future of our planet. Education and popularization of knowledge about native organisms are crucial to building awareness and respect for the nature that surrounds us daily.
In conclusion, biodiversity of Poland is an inexhaustible source of inspiration that too often goes undervalued in favor of our fascination with exotic landscapes and species. Yet our native ecosystems, filled with unique species and phenomena, can rival the beauty and complexity of the most distant places on Earth. Exploring them not only enriches our knowledge but also strengthens our bond with the place we call home. It’s not only an expression of ecological responsibility but also proof that genuine wealth often lies closest to us.
All photographs and illustrations were created by the author.
Marek Ples