The history of nature protection in the Karkonosze Mountains is short, as it dates back only to the beginning of the 20th century. Previously, for hundreds of years, people farming in the Karkonosze Mountains made unreasonable use of natural resources, thus leading to their significant impoverishment. During this time, many species of animals became extinct. Large predators were effectively exterminated by hunting. Shepherding developed in vast areas, forests were cut down for the needs of the inhabitants and the developing industry, including metallurgy. Natural habitats were shrinking, leaving some representatives of the fauna unable to survive. Probably many species will never return to the Karkonosze Mountains. However, it is optimistic that new species are discovered here from time to time, some return after many years of absence, and some are restored as part of the protective measures of the Karkonosze National Park.