Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wildlife in the Austrian Alps
Nature reigns on an impressive scale in the Austrian Alps. The further you tiptoe away
from civilisation and the higher you climb, the more likely you are to find rare animals
and plant life in summer. Besides a decent pair of binoculars, bring patience and a sense of
adventure.
Watching Wildlife
Dawn and dusk are the best times for a spot of wildlife-watching, though a lot boils down
to luck. High on the must-see list is the ibex, a wild goat with curved horns, which was at
one stage under threat but is fortunately now breeding again. It is the master of mountain
climbing and migrates to 3000m or higher in the Austrian Alps come July. The chamois, a
small antelope more common than the ibex, is equally at home scampering around on
mountainsides. It can leap an astounding 4m vertically and its hooves have rubberlike
soles and rigid outer rims - ideal for maintaining a good grip on loose rocks.
At heights of around 2000m, listen and look out for marmots, fluffy rodents related to
the squirrel and native to the Alps. This sociable animal lives in colonies of about two
dozen members. Like meerkats, marmots regularly post sentries, which stand around on
their hind legs looking alert. They whistle once for a predator from the air (like an eagle)
and twice when a predator from the ground (such as a fox) is approaching and the whole
tribe scurries to safety down a network of burrows.
Ornithologists flock to the Austrian Alps for a chance to see golden eagles, falcons and
vultures - both bearded and griffin.
