Alpine marmots
Alpine marmots are the largest members of the squirrel family and are common in the Swiss Alps, living at elevations between 2,500 and 10,000 feet. These skilled diggers create intricate burrows, which serve as their homes. With their thick fur and large front teeth, marmots are well adapted to their mountainous environment. During the warmer months, they can often be seen scurrying across slopes, occasionally crossing paths with hikers. Some even become bold enough to enter homes in search of food. Marmots are most active in summer, using the short season to eat and prepare for their long hibernation, which lasts through the cold winter months when they retire to their snug underground homes.
Chamois
Only one of the bigger species survived there without extinction, the chamois, with a low number for decades. In 1914, creation of Parc Naziunal Svizzer, also known as the Swiss National Park, was important for preserving and restoring the populations of this species. These species are incredible at agility; it is very capable of rock climbing, leaping between outcrop rocks most of the day. While they prefer high-altitude habitats, they can drop to the lower elevations if food is abundant. Besides the Alpine region, chamois can be found in the forests of Switzerland. Today, about 1,700 chamois roam the country, their numbers steadily increasing thanks to efforts in conserving them.
Red deer
The red deer is actually the largest hooved wild animal in Switzerland and has a beautiful presence in the Swiss Alps. In the 19th century, they were hunted to extinction, but the decrease or natural departure of their predators accounted for their disappearance. However, by strictly banning hunting, the red deer began to repopulate again. Without predators, they returned to Switzerland from Austria gradually. The red deer population has recovered and there are approximately 35,000 individuals that inhabit the Swiss Alps and national parks. The magnificent animals have become a symbol of Switzerland’s successful wildlife conservation and play an important role in the country’s ecosystem.
European mole
The European mole is one of the native animals of Switzerland and most of the European continent, stretching from Britain in the west to Russia in the east, except in a few isolated pockets. These little digging animals prefer to live in deeper soil and do well in deciduous woodlands and arable fields, where they can create their elaborate tunnel networks. Moles spend almost their entire lives underground, hidden from light and predators, making their burrows a home and a safe haven. In Switzerland, they are found throughout farmlands, where their tunneling habits are both a curiosity and a challenge for farmers. Yet, the European mole remains an interesting part of Swiss wildlife.
Mountain hare
Mountain hare is one of the species belonging to the hare family and has developed in mountainous and polar environments. In Switzerland, these rare creatures are mainly found in Alpine regions, such as national parks, while the relatives, the field hares, are common on the plains. Mountain hares are highly camouflage masters: white winter coats melt into snow so well that it is difficult to see them. Unfortunately, mountain hares have been affected by human activities, including tourism and the construction of ski resorts, which disrupt their natural habitats. Consequently, the mountain hares are being forced into plains and forests, environments that are not ideal for survival. Despite all these challenges, they remain part of Switzerland’s alpine ecosystem.
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Publish date : 2025-01-11 02:14:00
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