Wildlife Holidays in the Alps

The name ‘Alps’ originates from the Latin word ‘Alpes’, which itself is derived either from ‘albus’ (white), or perhaps from the Greek goddess Alphito. In either case, the name celebrates the striking brilliance of the range’s snow-capped peaks, the highest of which, Mont Blanc, rises to a lofty 4,809 metres. The Alps boast 128 summits over 4,000 metres and are spread across the nations of France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Although each country’s corner has its own distinct character and wildlife, many of the most iconic animals can be found throughout the mountain range.

Common birds of the Alps’ lower slopes, meadows and forests include Firecrest, Crested Tit, Serin, Citril Finch, Common Crossbill, Willow Tit and Black Woodpecker, with Dipper in the fast-flowing streams and Black Redstart around towns and villages. Nearby fields and rocky slopes host breeding Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Rock Bunting and Water Pipit, while the handsome Red-backed Shrike can be delightfully numerous. Up amongst the highest rocks and crags can be found some of the most specialised and sought-after species of all, including Wallcreeper, Snowfinch, Common Rockthrush and Alpine Accentor, while a glance overhead could reveal Golden Eagle or perhaps a passing flock of Alpine Chough.

Arguably the mountains’ most impressive avian inhabitant is a species that was once locally extinct. The enormous Lammergeier, or Bearded Vulture, was eradicated from the Alps by 1913, when the last individual was shot in Italy’s Aosta Valley. This fantastic raptor, whose name literally translates to ‘lamb vulture’, was relentlessly persecuted due to a belief that it would steal children and livestock. Thankfully, attitudes have changed and Lammergeiers were reintroduced throughout the region, beginning in 1986, with the first successful nesting confirmed in France in 1997. Today, over 300 individuals are found across the Alps, including more than 60 breeding pairs, and the species’ awesome 3-metre wingspan is an increasingly common sight once again.

Mammals that are typical throughout the region include Alpine Ibex, Alpine Marmot and Chamois, whose remarkable balance and agility allow it to exploit the most precarious of habitats. Roe and Red Deer, and Wild Boar, can also be common, but for carnivorous mammals the picture is much more complicated. Wolves, once abundant in the Alps, were, like Lammergeiers, extirpated by the early 20th century. However, a small population survived in Italy’s Apennine Mountains – after gaining formal protection in the 1970s, their numbers began to grow and Wolves eventually began to recolonise their former range. Today, despite occasional conflicts with local farmers, they can be found in all Alpine nations. Brown Bears, however, have not rebounded to the same extent, while Eurasian Lynx numbers are recovering slowly after a reintroduction programme in Switzerland.

Although there are some regional differences, most of the aforementioned birds and mammals can be found throughout the Alps. For the botanist, however, each of the mountain nations can provide a unique experience – it is especially with their wildflowers that each Alpine region reveals itself at its gloriously colourful best.

Slovenia, for example, is home to at least 2,900 species of plant, some 70% of which are only found in the south-eastern Alps. This is a fitting location for the International Wild Flower Festival, which takes places every May in Bohinj. Some of the innumerable floral highlights here include Siberian Iris, Erect Clematis, Purple Colt’s-foot, Pink Cinquefoil, Red Vanilla Orchid and Edelweiss. This riotous floral abundance necessarily attracts wonderful butterflies, amongst which can be found Large Copper, Apollo, Comma Glider and Spotted Fritillary. More than half of Slovenia is covered by forests, which hold some of Europe’s highest densities of rare flora and fauna. This is complemented by the appealing aesthetic of ancient farming practices, whereby flocks of sheep graze the high meadows and bales of hay dry in traditional racks.

Germany contains just a small fraction of the mountain range, but what the Bavarian Alps may lack in size they more than make up for in floral diversity and scenery. The centrepiece is the Berchtesgaden National Park, where the most breathtaking vistas include Konigssee and Mount Watzmann. Herb Paris, Twayblade, Globe Flower and Alpenrose are amongst the flora here, alongside orchids such as Lady’s Slipper and Bird’s-nest. Butterflies include Camberwell Beauty and Mountain Clouded Yellow, while Spotted Nutcracker could be glimpsed amidst the tall pines. Bavaria is also one of the most culturally vibrant parts of the Alps, with its traditional lederhosen, maypole dancing and centuries-old folk music (along with delicious local beers and white sausage).

Italy’s Carnic Alps combine spectacular flora (Round-headed Orchid, Orange and Martagon Lilies, and much more) with the opportunity to witness hundreds of millions of years of geological history; here can be found perhaps the world’s finest unbroken series of sedimentary rocks and associated fossils, dating from 460 up to 210 million years old. Of course, there are also butterflies, amongst them Marsh and Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, and a distinctive local culture – people here speak Friulan, a language that is quite distinct from Italian.

Some of the best of the Italian and French Alps can be found in the adjacent Gran Paradiso and Vanoise National Parks. Together forming one of the largest protected areas in Western Europe, these two parks represent a superb wildlife destination, with abundant birds and flowers. In particular, the Mount Cenis area is renowned for perhaps the best Alpine botanising of all, with such gems as Mount Baldo Anemone, Alpine Pasque Flower, Snow Gentian and False White Helleborine to be found. The local cuisine, too, is mouth-watering, featuring plenty of venison, cheese and sumptuous Valle d’Aosta wines.

Many areas of the Alps have extensive networks of cable cars and chairlifts, enabling access to high-altitude slopes that would otherwise require a demanding hike. Nowhere is this truer than in the Austrian Tyrol – here, the full range of mountain habitats can be explored with little effort, and all from the base of a comfortable hotel. Birdlife here is typical of the Alps, while botanical specialities include Pink Globe Orchid, One-flowered Wintergreen and Sword-leaved Helleborine.

Finally, the country of Switzerland offers perhaps the widest variety of Alpine experiences. Here, several entirely car-free villages, such as Bettmeralp and Murren, offer the opportunity to get away from the frenetic outside world. Amidst postcard-perfect Swiss mountain chalets, and views of the famous Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains, visitors can explore in search of Mountain Pansies, Alpine Snowbell and Alpine Bartsia, as well as rarer highlights such as Dark Vanilla Orchid and Alpine Rock-Jasmine. The butterflies, too, are unparalleled – Baton Blue, Dewy Ringlet, Peak White, Clouded and Small Apollos, and Purple-edged Copper can all be found.

The Alps are astonishingly diverse – this summary has barely scratched the surface of what can be experienced. However, regardless of where the visitor travels in these spectacular mountains, they can be assured of encountering some of the most fascinating wildlife, landscapes and cultures on Earth.