Croatia’s national animal: The pine marten

The European pine marten, known in Croatian as the kuna zlatica, is widely recognised as Croatia’s national animal and one of the country’s most distinctive national symbols.

A small, agile member of the weasel family, the pine marten is found in forests and other natural habitats across Croatia. It has dark brown fur, a distinctive yellowish patch on its throat and chest, and is known for its ability to move quickly through trees.

The animal has a particularly important place in Croatian history. The Croatian word kuna, meaning marten, was used for the country’s former currency, the kuna, introduced in 1994 and replaced by the euro in 2023.

The name reflected the historical use of marten pelts as a form of payment and taxation in parts of medieval Croatia.

The marten also has a long connection with Croatian coinage and heraldic traditions. Its image appeared on historic Croatian coins and was featured on kuna coins.

Today, the pine marten remains an important symbol of Croatia’s history, natural heritage and cultural identity.