Other events in Baltic States

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) has been chosen as Animal of the Year 2017 in Latvia, LETA was told at the Latvian Museum of Natural History.

The museum's spokeswoman Poline Skinke said at an event dedicated to the Animal of the Year that the European eel was chosen as Animal of 2017 because this eel has become endangered and it is vital to protect the species. Meanwhile, the general public know very little about eels.

The European eel has become the first fish species to be named Latvia's Animal of the Year. The only water creature to be chosen for the title so far is the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), Skinke said.

The European badger (Meles meles) was Latvia's Animal of the Year 2016, and the the wild boar (Sus scrofa), also known as the wild swine or Eurasian wild pig was Latvia's Animal of the Year 2015.

The Animal of the Year is Latvia's wildlife symbol chosen annually by the Latvian Museum of Natural History. Usually, the museum picks a species in need of closer scientific attention or increased protection.