The Alps: a Unique Natural Heritage a Common Vision for the Conservation of Their Biodiversity

The Alps: a unique natural heritage A Common Vision for the Conservation of their Biodiversity

WWF Germany Rebstöcker Straße 55 D-60326 Frankfurt Tel: (+49) 69-7 91 44-202 [email protected]

WWF Italy Via Orseolo 12 I-20144 Milano © Copyright by WWF International ® Registered © Copyright by WWF International charity number Alpine Network Tel: (+39) 02-831-332 06 of Protected Areas [email protected] Micropolis Isatis F-05000 Gap WWF Austria Tel: (+33) 49-240 20-00 Brixnerstraße 4/Top 9 [email protected] A-6020 Innsbruck Tel: (+43) 512-57 35 34-25 International [email protected] Scientific Committee for Alpine Research WWF Switzerland Bärenplatz 2 Hohlstr. 110 CH-3011 Bern CH-8010 Zürich Tel: (+41) 31-318 70 18 Tel: (+41) 1-297-22 37 [email protected] [email protected]

CIPRA International WWF France Im Bretscha 22 188, Rue de la Roquette FL-9494 Schaan F-75011 Paris Tel: (+423) 237-40 30 Tel: (+33) 1-55 25 84 73 [email protected] [email protected] WWF / Hubert Malin Contents

Foreword ...... 4

A strategy for Alpine-wide biodiversity conservation...... 6

Ecoregion under pressure ...... 8

Biodiversity of the Alps ...... 10 Insects: inconspicuous but fundamental ...... 11 Flora: decorative wealth ...... 12 Birds: at home in the Alps or just passing through ...... 14 Mammals: from Alpine mouse to wolf ...... 16 Freshwater: source of life...... 18 Amphibians and reptiles: secretive lives ...... 20 Remote areas: wilderness pure ...... 21 Published by: WWF Germany, Frankfurt am Main for the WWF European Alpine Programme, (January 2004). Human influence on biodiversity in the Alps...... 22 Author: Frank Mörschel, with contributions from: Serena Arduino, Guido Plassmann, Michel Revaz and Andreas Weissen. Editor: Heike Mühldorfer. Conservation priority areas in the Alps...... 26 Design: Fluxdesign Bremen, Ralf Wittke. Printed by: medialogik, Karlsruhe. Outlook: future conservation in the Alps ...... 28 Working group: Serena Arduino, Andreas Baumüller, Doris Calegari, Frank Mörschel, By the use of FSC certified wood Hermann Sonntag, Christine Sourd, Holger Spiegel, Andreas Weissen (WWF), we support better management of the Acknowledgments ...... 30 Andreas Götz, Michel Revaz (CIPRA), forests world-wide. Engelbert Ruoss, Thomas Scheurer (ISCAR), At least 50 % of this paper consists of Boris Opolka, Guido Plassmann (ALPARC), de-inked (post consumer) waste paper and Chistoph Plutzar (GIS Work). and FSC fresh fiber cellulose. 17.5 % of the fibers used in the production Other WWF contributions: process of this paper come from forests, N. Gerstl, T. Kaissl, G. Steindlegger, C. Walder (WWF Austria), managed in a sustainable way, inde- S. Jen (WWF European Policy Office), pendently certified according to Forest C. du Monceau, A.-I. Perrin, E. Pétitet, D. Vallauri (WWF France), Stewardship Council-guidelines F. Bulgarini, B. Franco, G. Guidotti, I. Pratesi (WWF Italy), F. Antonelli, P. Regato, C. Roberts (WWF Mediterranean Programme), C. Elliker (WWF Switzerland), J. Reed, D. Robinson, H. Strand (WWF USA). 17,5% Translation: Serena Arduino, Elisabetta Luchetti, Studio Michelangelo (I), Minimum Andreja F. Gasperlin and Tina Markun (SL), Frank Mörschel (E+D), Donné N. Beyer (D), Danièle Reuland (F). FSC-Certificate-No.: SGS-COC-1537

2 3 Dear readers,

the Alps are the most intensively ex- this transnational mountain area. This in- re protection and landscape conservation” ploited mountains in the world. And yet ternational public law treaty makes the and “regional planning and sustainable they still represent Europe’s largest pool Alpine area a model for other regions in development” provide tools for achieving of biodiversity, inextricably linked to the Europe and across the world. Our joint this goal in the medium term. quality of life of its inhabitants and visi- biodiversity initiative presents for the first tors, present and future. WWF, in collabo- time a map of regions in the Alps with Building networks ration with ALPARC (Alpine Network of high biodiversity value, integrating a di- Protected Areas), CIPRA (International verse set of plants, animals, and habitats. WWF, ALPARC, CIPRA and ISCAR are Commission for the Protection of the It therefore shows where we have to act working together to contribute to the pre- Alps), and ISCAR (International Scienti- first, supplementing the Alpine Conventi- servation of biodiversity in the Alps. We Above: Calanda, mountain in the Rhine valley near Chur, Switzerland WWF / Jürgen Deuble fic Committee on Research in the Alps) on and its protocols which define which believe that it is important to concentrate Below: Schreckhorn, Switzerland WWF / Andreas Baumüller launched an initiative to determine the Al- measures should be applied and how. In conservation efforts primarily on the iden- pine regions which need to be given prio- this way we can integrate biodiversity as- tified regions with high biodiversity rity for conservation based on biodiversity pects more closely into planning decisions value. We want to ensure that biodiversity values. These regions were identified in at local, regional, national, and internatio- aspects are considered in planning deci- the course of a two-year process, culmina- nal levels. sions, that appropriate and efficient mea- ting in two international workshops with sures are taken to implement an ecolo- scientists, representatives from NGOs, The Alpine Network of Protected Areas is gical network of protected areas and that and institutions. The first workshop was one significant outcome of the Alpine areas outside protected areas are managed held in May 2002 in Gap, France and the Convention. It is an important instrument in a sustainable way. The four organisa- second in September 2002 in Alpbach, for biodiversity conservation. However, tions will start to implement projects in Austria. The results of this process, which while protected areas managers are now cooperation with local people, relevant are published in this booklet, contribute building a tight network allowing the ex- authorities, and interest groups within the to a better understanding of biodiversity change of information and experiences, high biodiversity value regions. We would tion outlines the principles and urgent fields of action tocols. So far eight thematic protocols have in the Alps and provide a guide to the are- the protected areas themselves are still like to call upon the conservation commu- in specific environmental, economic and social been formulated, including “Mountain agriculture”, as in which priority conservation actions isolated from each other. They are not nity to follow our example and join us areas¹. “Energy”, “Tourism” and “Transport”. Only three should be undertaken. adequately connected by ecological corri- in our effort to protect the natural heritage member parties, however, have formally ratified all dors, and as islands, are not sufficient to of the Alps. The Alpine Convention The nine contracting parties (Austria, France, Germa- eight protocols. The biodiversity initiative of our four or- protect our natural heritage. Therefore, we and Biodiversity ny, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzer- ganisations makes an important contribu- need to emphasise effective and sustaina- land and the European Union) highlight the natural For the conservation of the biodiversity of the Alps, tion to the Alpine Convention, a treaty ble management practices outside protec- The “Convention on the Protection of the Alps” and cultural wealth of the Alps, their importance the two protocols “Nature Protection and Landscape among the Alpine states and the European ted areas, especially in the regions with (known as the “Alpine Convention”), signed in 1991 for people living there or visiting the area, the need Management” and “Regional Planning and Sustai- Union which commits members to pursue high biodiversity values. The Alpine Con- and entered into force in 1995, has been the first for the reinforcement of trans-border co-operation nable Development” are the most important. They a policy of sustainable development in vention and especially its protocols “natu- multilateral treaty specifically devoted to the orga- and for reconciliation of economic interests with entered into force in December 2002. The inter- nisation of inter-regional co-operation in a mountain ecological requirements. They recognise the fact that national treaty could be a powerful instrument if all area and has served as an example for other moun- the Alps constitute an essential habitat and last contracting parties finally ratify and implement the tain regions, such as the Carpathians. The Conven- refuge for many endangered species of plants and protocols. animals and they are aware that the ever-increasing pressures caused by humans are increasingly threatening the Alpine region and its ecological function. Dr. Claude Martin Dr. Guido Plassmann Andreas Götz Dr. Thomas Scheurer With the Alpine Convention, the contracting parties WWF, Director General ALPARC, Director CIPRA, Director ISCAR, Director will pursue a comprehensive policy for the preser- vation and protection of the Alps. In order to achieve ¹⁾ the objectives they will take appropriate measures The full text of the Alpine Convention and its Protocols is available on the homepages in twelve priority areas laid down in so-called pro- www.alpenkonvention.org or www.cipra.org

4 5 Thinking in ecoregions – a new conservation strategy

In the 1990s WWF identified 238 priority ecoregions in the world through the Global A strategy for Alpine-wide 200 initiative. The Alps are one of them. Priority ecoregions represent the finest ex- amples of a given major habitat type. If we succeed in protecting the biodiversity of these 238 ecoregions, we will have protected the largest part of the planet’s bio- biodiversity conservation diversity. These ecoregions have subsequently been recognised and adopted also by multilateral organisations such as the European Environmental Agency and the World

Piz Palü, Switzerland WWF / Jürgen Deuble Bank. Other large conservation organisations, such as “The Nature Conservancy” and “Conservation International” also adopted ecoregion conservation as their central conservation strategy.

Ecoregion conservation includes some important steps: \ development of a biodiversity vision, \ identification of priority conservation areas, \ development and implementation of an ecoregion action plan. Key features of ecoregion conservation are: large spatial scale (entire ecoregions), long-term vision (50 years), integration of biodiversity and socio-economic factors, scientific base, establishment of partnerships with other actors and involvement of interest groups. Protected areas relative to the Alpine region of each country (only national parks, regional parks and nature reserves > 100 ha)

p Italy 17.1% p Liechtenstein 0.6% Germany 13.5% p That does not mean that the areas outside Slovenia 13.3% the priority conservation areas are un- p important but if we want to be most effective with our limited resources we have to concentrate our efforts. Human acti- p Switzerland 8% vities in the priority conservation areas have to be especially considerate. We are France 29.3% p all responsible for conserving these Alpi- p Austria 14.4 % ne “gemstones” – we cannot afford to lose them!

The Alps are a true wonder of nature. on of international recognition. The Alps the Alps as a whole. With its ecoregional People have always found the huge variety belong to the most important ecoregions² conservation approach, WWF together of different habitats fascinating: warm, in the world, WWF’s Global 200 – iden- with ALPARC, CIPRA and ISCAR has large valleys, lush foothills, deep moun- tified to conserve global biodiversity (see developed a biodiversity vision for the Map 1: The Alps ecoregion within the tain gorges and ice- and rock deserts in box, p. 7). Alps. This vision identifies the areas most borders of the Alpine Convention. the summit regions. The Alps are domina- important to biodiversity in the Alps, upon Austria occupies 28.5% of the Alps, Italy 27.6%, France 21.4%, Switzerland 13.1%, ted by natural and sometimes disastrous The Alps, as well as being the largest na- which conservation activities should con- Germany 5.8%, Slovenia 3.5%, dynamic processes: Foehn storms, avalan- tural region left in Central Europe, are centrate in the future. A comprehensive Liechtenstein 0.08%, and Monaco 0.001%. ches, rock falls, periodic flooding and also one of the most threatened. The na- action plan will identify conservation ac- harsh winters. These processes are charac- ture of the Alps has been heavily altered tivities on an ecoregional as well as on a teristic for the Alps and continuously and often destroyed by humans. regional level. Only in this way can we create new living space for plants and ani- guarantee the long-term conservation of mals. They are the driving force for biolo- There has so far been no strategic ap- our natural heritage in the Alps. gical diversity. But they are sometimes proach to conserve the biodiversity of the also devastating to the human population entire Alpine region for present and future The gemstones of the Alps and provide a great challenge for the generations and there are few initiatives Base Map WWF European Alpine Programme coexistence of nature and people. Dyna- which are concerned with biodiversity in The priority conservation areas represent –––– National Boundary mic processes and a large variety of habi- the “gemstones” of the overall important –––– Alpine Convention Boundary ²⁾ tats are the basis for the enormous variety An ecoregion is an ecosystem covering relatively large Alps. They are the most important areas 0 100 200 km areas of land or water and containing a geographically of species making the Alps an ecoregi- distinct assemblage of natural communities when considered at an ecoregional level.

6 7 Ecoregion under pressure

The Alps – one of the last remaining These are the main reasons for the asto- Humans in the Alps areas with truly wild places in central Eu- nishing diversity of life found there. rope – are remote. They are breath-taking. Listing the bare numbers provides only a The Alps are also home to about 14 They are beautiful. They are one of the glimpse of the “Guinness book of million people from 8 countries, repre- last strongholds of nature against the ever records”-like biodiversity found in the senting a multitude of different cultures increasing demands of humankind to oc- heart of Europe (see box, p. 9) and languages. The Alps, as defined by Above: Urban sprawl in the valley of Saas, Switzerland WWF / Andreas Weissen cupy, convert, replace, and often destroy the Alpine Convention, encompass about Below: Mountain pastures in Montafon, Austria WWF / Hubert Malin the basis of its own origins and future. It is no wonder that the Alps have been 191,000 km2, leading to a population selected as a region of global importance density of about 68 inhabitants/km2. But Their mountainous character sets the Alps by two global biodiversity assessments. this figure is misleading because the po- ristic cultural landscape in many parts of tional activities but also due to the increa- tant tool for the conservation of biodi- apart from the surrounding landscapes The Global 200 Initiative of WWF re- pulation is not evenly distributed across the Alps which also plays an important sing trade between countries around the versity and large efforts have been made and separates the Mediterranean region cognises the Alps as one of the 238 most the area. Humans have lived in the Alps role in maintaining biodiversity. But with Alps and increasing commuter travel to by Alpine governments for the establish- with its dry forests from the central Euro- important ecoregions for conserving a since Neolithic times and have struggled increasing industrialisation and globalisa- larger cities within the Alps. Other serious ment of different forms of protected areas: pean deciduous forests. The Alps are a major proportion of the global biodiversi- to survive in an often harsh environment. tion, traditional land management prac- threats to biodiversity result from the use national parks, natural and regional parks, labyrinth of mountain chains and valleys, ty for future generations (see box, p. 7). Settlements started to grow in places with tices are no longer economically feasible. of water for drinking, watering crops and nature reserves, biosphere reserves and reaching from sea level up to 4800 m The study “Centers of plant diversity” by the least “resistance” from nature: on As a result, extensive farming is decrea- generating hydroelectric power. The Alps other complementary forms of nature pro- (Mont Blanc) and consisting of a huge IUCN and WWF identifies the Alps as elevated areas in large valleys and lower sing throughout the Alps and intensive are the most important water reservoir in tection. Nevertheless, protected areas are variety of rock-types and micro-climates. one of 234 regions with the highest plant mountains, slowly spreading along the farming in the valleys is increasing – with Europe and are heavily influenced by out- often isolated from each other and need diversity in the world. valley bottoms and into side valleys. The devastating effects for biodiversity. side interests in that respect. to be linked by ecological corridors and steep and rugged mountains were mostly special management measures outside of unsuitable for permanent human settle- Around 120 million tourists visit the Alps Nature conservation as tradition protected areas. ments but were often used to graze live- every year, demanding the appropriate in- stock during the summer months. Long- frastructure. Tourism developments affect Nature conservation has a long history standing agricultural and livestock gra- some of the last remote areas in the Alps, in the Alps. Many important areas have zing activities have resulted in a characte- threatening their own economic basis. Ad- been set aside as protected areas, so that ditionally, road traffic is a major issue not about 20 to 25% of the Alps are protected only due to increasing tourism and recrea- by law. Protecting areas is a very impor-

Plant and animal diversity in the Alps

\ ca. 30,000 animal species, of which are: \ ca. 20,000 invertebrate species (number is only a rough estimation) \ ca. 200 breeding bird species \ ca. 80 mammal species (includes those which only "touch" the Alps marginally) \ ca. 80 fish species \ 21 amphibian species (one of them endemic) \ 15 reptile species

\ ca. 13,000 plant species, of which are: \ > 5,000 fungus species \ ca. 4,500 vascular plant species (representing 39% of the European flora; about 400 are endemic.) \ ca. 2,500 lichen species 8 \ ca. 800 moss species 9 \ ca. 300 liverwort species Biodiversity Insects: inconspicuous but fundamental of the Alps

Biodiversity is the “spice of life”. This relatively new term categorises features

which make up life on Earth and which Mountain meadow in the valley of Bschlaber, Austria WWF / Andreas Baumüller make life on Earth possible. Biodiversity consists of all genes (genetic diversity), all species (species diversity), all ecosy- Knowledge about species and ecosystem systems characteristic of the Alps were stems (ecosystem diversity) and all pro- distribution in the Alps is most often con- selected according to their importance cesses which sustain life on Earth. Des- fined regionally and by political bounda- with regard to biodiversity and the avail- cribing biodiversity is yet another matter. ries throughout the Alps. Furthermore, ability of information about them. The Even though the Alps are probably the methods of data collection and analysis areas most important for each species best studied mountain system in the vary greatly between countries and regi- group (the taxa: flora, insects, reptiles & world, we nevertheless have only a very ons. To overcome this obstacle, the WWF amphibians, birds, and mammals) and for basic knowledge about the different com- European Alpine Programme started to freshwater ecosystems were drawn by ponents of their biodiversity. We do not collect data on biodiversity and socio-eco- experts on a large scale map of the Alps even know all invertebrate species living nomic issues available at the same scale (maps 2-7). in the Alps, let alone all genes or pro- for the entire Alps, and to transfer them cesses. This is the reason why most stu- into a Geographic Information System dies talk about biodiversity but limit their (GIS). Based on this information and the work to species and ecosystems – our knowledge of biodiversity experts from study is no exception in that regard. all Alpine countries, species and eco-

Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo) WWF / Anton Vorauer Map 2: Areas most important for conserving insects in the Alps based Invertebrates³ are small and their im- invertebrates⁴. About 33% of these spe- on the criteria described in the text. portance is often overlooked by many cies are threatened, mainly due to habitat people. On the contrary, they represent the loss and destruction. majority of species on Earth and the com- bined weight of all individuals would be This study has had to concentrate main- far greater than the weight of all vertebra- ly on butterflies and beetles because they tes such as elephants, whales and humans are the only groups of insects with some together. But they are the group of ani- distributional data consistent throughout mals we know the least about. This is true the Alps. Areas were selected where many world-wide and also for the Alps. It is endemic butterflies and beetles can be estimated that there are at least 20 times found as well as areas with a high concen- more invertebrate species in the Alps tration of butterflies and other insect than vertebrates. From Carinthia we know species. Insects WWF European Alpine Programme that there are at least 8500 species of

–––– National Boundary Rosalia alpina –––– Alpine Convention Boundary Dietmar Nill ³⁾ All animals that do not have a spine, e.g. insects, 0 100 200 km worms, spiders, crustaceans, snails ⁴⁾ All animals that have a spine, e.g. mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds

10 11 Flora: decorative wealth

Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), Large, contiguous forest areas: Without

Alpenrose (Rhododendron ferrugineum the influence of people, most of the vege- Gentian (Gentiana acaulis) and R. hirsutum) and Gentian (Gentiana tation below the timberline in the Alps Michael Hesse / Univ. Vienna acaulis) are probably the best known would consist of deciduous mixed forests Alpine plants. But they are only four of in the valleys and coniferous forests at about 4500 species of vascular plants higher altitudes. In many of these moun- found in the Alps (39% of the European tain forests exploitation was restricted flora), of which about one-sixth are or even banned for centuries because they restricted to high altitudes. Additionally, protect settlements in the valleys from na- From top: there are about 900 plant community tural hazards such as snow avalanches or Berardie (Berardia subacaulis) WWF / Andreas Weissen Zois’ Bellflower (Campanula zoysii) WWF / Andreas Weissen types – characteristic combinations of rock fall. Many of these forests are con- plant species covering large areas. This sidered relatively natural today and serve enormous diversity made it very difficult as important refuges for rare species as to select a number of plant species and well as corridor areas for many others Habitats harbouring particular ecolo- vegetation types to focus on in this study. (e.g., capercaillies, large herbivores, large gical phenomena (selected habitats Map 3: Areas most important for conserving flora in the Alps based on Nevertheless, there are some extraordi- carnivores). with special ecological relevance): There the criteria described in the text. nary groups of plants and vegetation types are some special habitat types that are that stand out and are typical for the Alps. Distinct dry areas with drought-tole- characteristic to the Alps and harbour spe- These were used in this study: rant vegetation: The climate in the Alps cific ecological phenomena and proces-

varies remarkably from the outer ranges ses, such as peat bogs or glacier fore- Flora Centers of endemic species: From the with Atlantic climate to the valleys of the lands. The value of these habitats lies in WWF European Alpine Programme 4500 plant species in the Alps, 350 spe- central ranges with continental-like clima- their ecological integrity. –––– National Boundary –––– Alpine Convention Boundary cies (8%) only occur in the Alps or part te. These dry valleys in the central range 0 100 200 km of the Alps and nowhere else in the world. harbour specific plants such as several These endemic plants in particular are grass species from the genus Stipa or spe-

found at higher altitudes where harsh con- cies of the Pea family such as Milk vet- Carniolan Lily (Lilium carniolicum) Michael Hesse / Univ. Vienna ditions limit plant growth as well as in ches (Astragalus sp., Oxytropis sp.), and areas which were mostly ice-free during special grassland communities with Stipa the Pleistocene glaciation. The outer ran- or with Fescue (e.g. Festuca valesiaca). ges of the Alpine arc especially served as refuge for many of these plant species. Here, the largest number of species with very restricted distribution can be found, such as certain saxifrage species (Saxi- fraga diapensioides, S. tombeanensis, S. burseriana), Zois’ Bellflower (Campa- nula zoysii) or Carniolan Lily (Lilium carniolicum).

Centers of rare species: In some regions of the Alps many very rare species are found, e.g. in the Bergamo region or in the Engadine. These regions have a high value from the perspective of plant diversity.

Kerner’s Alpine Poppy (Papaver kerneri) Michael Hesse / Univ. Vienna 12 13 Birds: at home in the Alps or just passing through

Grey-headed woodpecker (Picus canus) Manfred Delpho There are about 200 species of birds bree- national with the participation of many ding in the Alps with about 200 additional specialists and are called “Important Bird species which migrate through this region. Areas” (IBA). A site is recognised as an No birds are endemic to the Alps. Birds IBA only if it meets specific criteria: it of prey, such as the golden eagle (Aquila either has significant numbers of one or chrysaetos), the peregrine falcon (Falco more globally threatened species, or is Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus) A. Jordi peregrinus), and the bearded vulture (Gy- part of a number of sites that together har- paetus barbatus) have suffered severely bour species that are restricted in range or from human persecution. Today, the popu- biome, or shelters exceptionally large Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) SVS, Zürich lation of golden eagle has recovered due numbers of migratory or gregarious spe- to international conservation efforts. The cies. Most often, IBAs are important for bearded vulture – extinct in the Alps at many species at the same time, making habitat, e.g. to the montane forests, such the beginning of the 20th century – has them the obvious choice for a priority as capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), three- been successfully reintroduced in what setting for birds. toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), is probably the most ambitious restora- and citril finch (Serinus citrinella), or live tion project for an extinct species in Eu- Areas of high value for typical Alpine along the Alpine rivers such as common rope. Peregrine falcons also show an birds: Most birds live at lower altitudes sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucus). Species encouraging increase in numbers. Never- and only about 50 species can be found that are generally rare, and of scattered theless, habitat destruction is a problem breeding above 2000 m. Far fewer than distribution within the Alps are the rock especially for migrating birds and water- 50 species can be considered as truly alpi- partridge, and rock thrush (Monticola fowl. The following criteria were con- ne birds (meaning that they live predo- saxatilis). These bird species (and some sidered in this study: minantly in the alpine environment above others) deserve special attention at the the tree-line) and these include the rock Alpine scale. Additional areas were selec- Important Bird Areas (IBA): Areas which partridge (Alectoris graeca), and dotterel ted for these species if the experts belie- are important for birds around the world (Charadrius morinellus). Other remarka- ved the IBAs did not adequately repre- have been identified by BirdLife Inter- ble species are restricted to a particular sent them.

Map 4: Areas most important for conserving birds in the Alps based on the criteria described in the text.

Hoopoe (Upupa epops) SVS / Zürich

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) SVS, Zürich / Tero niemi Birds WWF European Alpine Programme

–––– National Boundary –––– Alpine Convention Boundary 0 100 200 km

14 15 Mammals: from Alpine mouse to wolf

Alpine mouse (Apodemus alpicola) WWF / Aldo Fluri

Thinking about wildlife in the Alps, most and their natural winter feeding habitat people automatically think about large has become critical. Forced into sub-opti- mammals such as brown bears, ibex or mal habitat and due to bad management, red deer. Besides these very conspicuous red deer can damage forests and decrease and attractive mammals there are many the capacity of forests to protect humans more which are hardly noted due to their against avalanches and mud-slides. Areas small size and secretive life style. About where all three species are found together 80 mammal species live in the Alps and and areas with optimal habitat for these the majority are shrews, mice, voles or regions. Areas where large carnivores cur- ungulate species were mainly selected for bats. A few mammals are endemic to the rently live and reproduce and areas where this study. Alps: the Bavarian vole (Microtus bavari- there is a high potential for them in the cus), the Alpine mouse (Apodemus alpi- future were selected by experts for this Small and medium mammals: Besides cola) and the chamois of the Chartreuse study. the above mentioned endemic Alpine mountains (Rupicapra rupicapra cartu- mouse and Bavarian vole, special attenti- siana). In this study, special attention was Large herbivores: The Alpine ibex was on was given to bats. The northern bat given to the following groups: once on the brink of extinction, mainly (Eptesicus nilssonii) is a typical bat spe- due to hunting pressure. After its protec- cies in the Alps (even if also found throu- Large carnivores: The return of the tion in the 19th century and its subsequent ghout northern Europe). The horseshoe wolf (Canis lupus), lynx (Lynx lynx) and re-introduction the population recovered bats (Rhinolophus euryale, R. ferrumequi- brown bear (Ursus arctos) is one of the and is currently considered secure. The num, R. hipposideros) depend on caves remarkable success stories for nature con- Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) for roosting and are very vulnerable to servation in the Alps, even though there as well as the red deer (Cervus elaphus) disturbance. They mostly populate valleys are still many prejudices against these ani- are two other characteristic herbivore spe- up to 1000 m. Last but not least, the otter mals to be rectified. Nevertheless, they cies in the Alps. The Chamois is well- (Lutra lutra) indicates good quality habi- Brown bear (Ursus arctos) WWF-Canon / Kevin SCHAFER always were and still are an integral part established and widespread. The red deer tat and has a very localised distribution of nature in the Alps. Looking at western represents an important management is- in the Alps. Areas important for these spe- and central Europe, the Alps are an im- sue in the Alps. Their traditional migrati- cies were selected for this study. portant foothold for large carnivores and on between winter and summer habitats will play a major role in guaranteeing has mostly been cut off by human activi- their future survival and dispersal to other ties (intensive use of valleys, roads, etc.),

Map 5: Areas most important for conserving mammals in the Alps based on the criteria described in the text.

Northern bat Young lynx (Lynx lynx) Autor unbekannt (Eptesicus nilssonii) Dietmar Nill

Mammals WWF European Alpine Programme

–––– National Boundary –––– Alpine Convention Boundary 0 100 200 km

Wolf (Canis lupus) WWF / Aldo Fluri 16 17 Freshwater: source of life

Map 6: Areas most important for conserving freshwater ecosystems in the Alps based on the criteria described in the text. The Alps are Europe’s most important water reservoir: even the Rhône, Rhine and Po rivers, with their large basins mostly located outside of the Alps, originate in the Alpine region. There are about 80 fish species living in Alpine lakes and rivers, and species richness decreases rapidly with increasing elevation. The types of fish living in large rivers such as the Danube, Brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) Stefano Porcellotti Rhine, Rhône, and Po and their Alpine tributaries are very much determined by rock and gravel which periodically de- hydroelectric power production. Ripari-

the fish fauna of their destination and are stroy old and create new habitats. This an areas were cut off from river dynamics Freshwater therefore very distinct in this regard. The makes natural rivers and streams highly and destroyed, causing large problems WWF European Alpine Programme Danube fish fauna is related to the Black dynamic systems which are very impor- downstream with flooding during the –––– National Boundary –––– Sea region, that of the Rhine to the North tant for and typical to the Alps. Intact spring melting season. About 90% of Al- Alpine Convention Boundary 0 100 200 km Sea where salmon migration was once rivers and streams also serve as important pine rivers have lost their natural state. spectacular. Those of the Rhône and the bio-corridors within the Alps as well as Po reflect the fish fauna of the Mediterra- towards their surrounding area. This dramatic situation makes the con- nean Sea. Many of the small lakes in the servation of the last remaining, natural Alps were naturally almost free of fish Since medieval times, fishermen have rivers even more pressing (e.g., the Taglia- and harboured only a few, specialised fish tried to establish fish populations in Alpi- mento river). In this study experts selec- One of the last wild rivers in the Alps: the Tagliamento, Italy Arno Mohl species. These two aspects – the conver- ne lakes and running waters, disturbing ted the last rivers with intact floodplains gence of fish fauna from distant sea regi- the highly specialised and endemic inver- and lower stretches of rivers which are ons in Alpine rivers and a highly speciali- tebrate fauna and the local populations still in natural or nearly natural condition. sed fish fauna in small lakes and rivers of trout (Salmo trutta fario, S. trutta mar- – make rivers and lakes very unique in morata). This introduction of exotic the Alps. species into many Alpine water bodies is one of the most disastrous impacts of Furthermore, rivers and streams in the humans on fauna in the Alps. Furthermo- Alps naturally transport large amounts of re, many rivers have been dammed for

Goosander (Mergus merganser) SVS, Zürich

Mountain stream near Kühtai, Austria WWF / Anton Vorauer

18 19 Amphibians and reptiles: Remote areas: wilderness pure secretive lives

The ”Three Sisters“, Liechtenstein WWF / Jürgen Deuble Amphibians and reptiles are very special Areas were selected for The Alps include some of the last remai- animals because there are only a hand- this study where amphi- Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) Franco Andreone ning remote, wild places in central Euro- ful of species which require very specific bians and reptiles are either pe. Remoteness from human infrastruc- places to live. Extreme in that sense endemic or where rare species occur. Ad- ture becomes an increasingly scarce re- for example is the cave salamander (Spe- ditionally, areas with high density of source and as such is worth protecting.

leomantes strinatii) which lives – as the different amphibians and reptiles, such as Cave salamander (Speleomantes strinatii) Enrico Lana But how remote are the Alps really, consi- name already says – in caves. In total, the- the lower Ticino or the Rhône valley dering that they are also home to about re are 21 species of amphibians and 15 were selected, making these areas prime 14 million people and are visited each species of reptiles living in the Alps. One candidates for conservation. year by another 120 million? amphibian, a salamander (Salamandra lanzai) is endemic and restricted to a A recent study⁵ on areas in the Alps that small area in the Coatian Alps. None of are not affected by any kind of human in- the species are strictly Alpine, though the frastructure (roads, railways, cities, indu- Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) and Alpine salamander (Salamanda atra) WWF / Anton Vorauer strial areas, power lines, pipelines, etc.) the common viper (Vipera berus) prefer found a total of 831 remote areas (average montane and low alpine habitats. Most size: 32 km2, minimum size: 0.04 km2, amphibians are severely threatened by the maximum size: 1387 km2), of which 69 destruction of their habitats, change in are larger than 100 km2. Most of these traditional agriculture, desiccation of remote areas are found in high, inacces- wetlands, and interruption of migration sible mountain zones. routes. These remote areas were not considered by the overlay of all the other biodiversity in the same way as the other biodiversity maps. A remote area was generally in- maps in identifying priority areas because cluded in the boundary of the priority area they do not indicate biodiversity quality if it was close to a biodiversity centre. per se. However, this information was used while defining the rough boundaries ⁵⁾ Kaissl 2002: Mapping the wilderness of the Alps around biodiversity-rich areas indicated – a GIS-based approach, Univ. Vienna

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) WWF / Aldo Fluri

Map 7: Areas most important for conserving amphibians and reptiles in the Alps based on the criteria described in the text.

Map 8: Remote areas not affected by any kind of human infrastructure (roads, railways, cities, industrial areas, power lines, pipelines, etc.) in the Alps.

Amphibians and Reptiles Remote Areas WWF European Alpine Programme WWF European Alpine Programme

–––– National Boundary –––– National Boundary –––– Alpine Convention Boundary –––– Alpine Convention Boundary 0 100 200 km 0 100 200 km

20 21 Human influence on biodiversity in the Alps

Any strategy for biodiversity conservation Development & demography Agriculture – intensive versus Forestry – mountain forests which wants to have at least some likeli- – valleys beyond hope extensive as the last bastion hood of success needs to consider economic, social and political developments Elevated areas in the main Alpine valleys Agriculture is still the most important Forestry is the second most important in the region of concern. Some issues, were the first places settled by humans type of land use in the Alps. Intensive ag- type of land use in the Alps. However, such as land use patterns directly affect because they were most easily accessible riculture is increasingly applied in broad most forests in valleys, including especial- biodiversity. The effect of other issues, and offered the best conditions for hou- valleys and on easily accessible moun- ly valuable forests in riparian areas, have such as national and international policy sing and agriculture. Settlements grew tain slopes causing large losses to biodi- already been lost to settlements, infra- and recreational trends of people visiting along these large valleys and slowly versity especially with the massive use structure and river regulation. The remai- the area might be more indirect but not spread to side valleys. These easily acces- of fertilisers. In the inner Alpine dry zo- ning forest areas are mainly restricted to less important. sible valleys of the Rhône, Rhine, Inn nes, vegetables, fruits and grapes are cul- mountain slopes where they still cover and Adige have already lost most of their tivated intensively. The mostly forested large areas. These forests are used It is especially difficult to generalise so- biodiversity values. The continuing ex- and more remote mountain slopes are not throughout the Alps, but special care is cio-economic and political trends in such pansion of cities, towns, villages and used for agriculture. In the high moun- taken to maintain them as protection a culturally diverse region as the Alps. hamlets has led to an urbanisation and tains extensive animal husbandry domi- against avalanches and rock slides, even Some issues are very different in different degradation of the countryside threatening nates. Traditional, labour-intensive far- though natural dynamics are excluded regions, such as agriculture and tourism the very last natural relicts in the valley ming on alpine pastures is dying out as to maintain their protective function. They and some affect the Alps as an entity, e.g. bottoms. Highly urbanised valleys with the older generation disappears and can are in a relatively natural state, although traffic and climate change. The follow- their transport infrastructure (highways, not be replaced by organic farming. Many easily accessible through an intense ing factors have the most devastating ef- etc.) present a major barrier for many alpine pastures are already abandoned, forest road network. The few, pristine fects on biodiversity in the Alps. species and prevent the establishment of which often leads to a loss of biodiversity forests left in the Alps (total about 665 ha) ecological networks. because species-rich meadows naturally can mostly be found in remote areas become reforested. where it is still too expensive to build On the other side, the south-western and forest roads. southern Alps (Drôme, Piedmont, Liguria, Friuli, Slovenian Alps) have experienced mass migration into cities in easily accessible valleys, leaving large depopulated areas. With most Alpine communities located below 1000 m there are only a few cities occurring at higher altitudes. These are the constantly-growing tourism cen- tres, such as Chamonix and Davos.

Above: Deer forage station in the winter, Austria WWF Right side: Hay harvest in Tyrol, Austria WWF / Andreas Baumüller

From top: Grenoble, France WWF / Jürgen Deuble Apple plantation in Meran, Italy WILDLIFE / O. Diez Wood harvest in the forest WWF-Canon / Edward Parker

22 23 Paragliding WWF / Anton Vorauer

Water is life Transport – the burden of traffic Climate change – the heat is rising

Rivers and streams in the Alps have been The mountain range of the Alps presents The global warming observed over the intensively altered and degraded. Only a natural barrier especially to transit traf- last century has already caused all Alpine about 10% of all rivers are at least partly fic. Nearly 150 million people cross the glaciers to recede and has led to an up- Tourism in a natural or near-natural condition. Alps every year, 83% by road and only ward migration of Alpine plants at a rate – unsustainable amusement Rivers and streams have been dammed, 17% by rail. Of these, transit traffic by of 0.5 – 4 m per decade. In the long term, straightened, and regulated. Riparian are- cars covers 70 billion km/year, whereas Alpine plants will be displaced to ever A total of 120 million tourists visit the as as their natural flood regulation have trucks cover 1.3 billion km/year. Within higher altitudes by lowland plants until Alps every year and there are more been cut off and converted to agricultural the next 20 years transit traffic is expec- they will have nowhere to go at all. Many than 5 million beds for accommodation fields or urban areas. The water is used ted to increase by 100% for freight and of these highly specialised and often en- throughout the Alps . In the last years for drinking, watering crops, and genera- by 50% for passenger transport. Current- demic plants will then become extinct. there has been a trend towards more “fun ting hydroelectric power. All these measu- ly, only 50% of the capacity for freight Other expected impacts of climate change and recreation”, such as mountain biking, res have devastating effects for the unique transport by rail in the Alps is used. Ad- are the expansion of exotic species and canyoning, snowboarding, paragliding, and specialised freshwater biodiversity. ditionally, inner Alpine traffic is increa- the invasion of pathogens from the south etc. These recreation types often affect Additionally, the Alps are the most im- sing due to more commuting to larger to which the Alps will be no longer a bar- more remote locations which are also very portant water reservoir in Europe and in cities as well as recreational activities, and rier. The former can already be seen in the valuable for nature conservation. that function they are heavily influenced already causes more traffic than transit. Ticino region where evergreen trees (even The ecologically most devastating form by outside interests. Restoration projects Tourism also causes a high amount of palms) are invading the natural forests. of tourism is winter ski tourism. Current- have been launched in the last decade by traffic throughout the Alps, especially to Furthermore, the species composition of ly there are about 300 ski areas through- regional and national authorities after remote areas. Between 1963 and 1993, plant communities might change with yet out the Alps with a trend towards larger disastrous floods; e.g. the Drau in Austria the number of areas in the Alps larger than unknown consequences for the whole 2 concentrations (mass tourism). About and Rhône in Switzerland. These projects 1500 km not touched by major transport food chain depending on these plants. From top: 10,000 transport facilities serve more than will provide more space for Alpine rivers infrastructure decreased from 31 to 14. Dam in the Maritime Alps, France WWF / Andreas Weissen ”Ski circus“ in front of the Matterhorn, Switzerland WWF / Andreas Weissen 3400 km2 of ski area. Many additional and streams and will better protect the In addition to increasing temperatures, areas are planned. The construction of ski- human population from flooding. changes in rainfall and snowfall patterns runs causes irreparable damage to the and more frequent extreme events, such landscape. The increasing use of snow as floods and avalanches are likely. Higher cannons causes additional ecological and temperatures also reduce permafrost areas environmental problems due to their use and foster slope processes such as rock of water, energy and – in some countries falls and landslides. like Switzerland – chemical and biologi- cal additives. WWF / Andreas Weissen Melting Aletsch glacier, Switzerland Traffic jam on the Brenner highway, Austria/Italy Gesellschaft für ökologische Forschung / Oswald Baumeister

24 25 Conservation

Map 9: Conservation priority areas in the Alps – these areas represent the “gemstones” among the overall valuable priority areas Alps on a pan-Alpine level. Conservation actions should be focussed primarily here. W S O in the Alps Q P K T V J L R How the map was derived U Biodiversity conservation is always im- F H2 culture, sustainable forestry, developing portant for the entire area of a region. markets for regional products, restoration G M N Nevertheless, limited resources make it The map (map 9) has been derived by H1 I of destroyed habitats as well as the esta- necessary to prioritise conservation ac- overlaying all separate taxon biodiversity blishment of new and the improvement of Priority Conservation Areas in the Alps tions. The following map (map 9) should maps described before (see maps 2-7) and existing protected areas. A detailed ana- A Alpi Marittime – Alpes Maritimes (Italia/France) B Alpi Cozie be used as an indication of where con- identifying the areas with the greatest – Gran Paradiso – Queyras – Massif de Pelvoux – Massif de la Vanoise lysis together with all interested groups (Italia/France) C Diois en Drôme (France) D Mont Ventoux en servation action is most important from overlap (see map 10). The locations of Provence (France) E Vercors (France) F Alpes Vaudoises (Suisse) in each priority area should clarify the the perspective of the entire Alps. The remote areas (map 8) have been incorpo- E B G Alpi Pennine – vallée du Rhône – Oberwallis (Italia/Suisse/ detailed actions needed on a regional and Schweiz) H1 Sottoceneri H2 Sopraceneri nel Ticino (Svizzera) areas outside these priority areas are also rated into priority areas whenever they I Alpi Orobie – Grigne (Italia) J Bündner Rheintal (Schweiz) local scale for the conservation of these C K Alpstein – Churfirsten (Schweiz) L Engadina – Stelvio/Stilfser Joch important - for one group of animals or were located close to the areas of greatest (Svizra/Italia) M Brenta – Adamello – Baldo – Alto Garda (Italia) areas. This analysis also has to identify another, for certain plants and ecosy- overlay of taxon biodiversity maps. The A N Dolomiti Bellunesi (Italia) O Karwendel – Isar (Österreich) the detailed boundary of the respective D P Lechtal (Österreich) Q Allgäu (Deutschland) R Dolomiti d’Ampezzo stems, or as corridors. But the priority resulting conservation priority areas have (Italia) S Berchtesgaden (Deutschland) T Hohe Tauern (Österreich) priority area. The areas shown on the map U Karnische Alpen/Alpi Carniche – Tagliamento – Julische Alpen/Alpi conservation areas are areas important for been analysed to see if they adequately Giulie/Julijske Alpe – Karawanken/Karavanke (Österreich/Italia/ only give a rough idea of the general the largest number of animals, plants and represent all biogeographic regions of the Slovenija) V Koralpe (Österreich) W Oberösterreichische Kalkalpen location of priorities. Their boundaries – Niedere Tauern (Österreich) ecosystems (as far as they are known Alps as well as all (potential) vegetation should not, therefore, be considered final Priority Areas today). They are the gemstones among zones. Both analyses showed adequate 0 100 200 km at a finer scale. the overall valuable Alps. representation within the conservation priority areas. A vision for the future

The vision of WWF and its partners is to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity of the Alps for future generations. We believe this is possible. The map presen- Map 10: Deriving conservation priority areas. The map shows an overlay of all ted here (map 9) provides a concrete priority areas for the various taxon groups (maps 2-7). Regions where more than one taxon area is located appear darker. The darkest areas represent the core areas of Verdon gorge, France WWF / Andreas Baumüller means of achieving this end. The intention the conservation priority areas, being most important for many or all taxon groups. is not to create protected areas wherever there is a priority conservation area. There

are a multitude of other tools available to Overlap of Biodiversity Maps WWF European Alpine Programme nature conservation to conserve the most 1 important aspects of biodiversity within 2 3 priority regions. These tools include mea- 4 5 sures like the development of respon- 6 Priority Areas sible tourism, ecologically sound agri- 0100200 km

Winter landscape in the Regional park Vercors, France WWF / Jürgen Deuble

Map 11: Protection of priority areas – Protected areas play a very important role in conserving biodiversity, even though there are many other possibilities (see above). Priority areas, protected areas Protected areas have not been used as a criterion in identifiing priority areas. WWF European Alpine Programme

Nevertheless, 59% of the conservation priority areas are under some type of Priority Areas protection, 14% as national parks. Reservation Areas Regional Nature Park Special Protection National Park Area National Park Periphery

0100200 km

26 27 Outlook: Future Conservation in the Alps

Bluethroat (Luscinia suecica) SVS, Zürich

Mountain pastures in Austria Gesellschaft für ökologische Forschung / Oswald Baumeister Looking ahead 30 to 50 years, what will term. It therefore requires the involve- sociations, scientists, NGOs, protected the Alps look like? Will they still be a ment and action of all groups of society area managers – to name just a few. place of exceptional beauty? Will we still across political and cultural boundaries. see ibex, chamois and red deer on an early Sustainability is the recognition that not WWF and its partners are convinced morning walk? Will we be so fortunate as only are economic and social conside- that the maps and information presented to catch a glimpse of a wolf crossing our rations important but we also need to ba- here will provide a useful framework, in- path and disappearing in the forest or a lance these issues with ecological neces- valuable also to other initiatives which bearded vulture flying majestically over sities. aim to conserve biodiversity in the Alps, the valley? Will we still be able to find and that the vision described here will be peace and solitude in these mountains to As a first step, this initiative aims to de- adopted by decision makers on local, re- reflect upon our busy and hectic everyday fine these ecological necessities geogra- gional, national and international levels. life? Will there still be small villages, phically by outlining areas of high biodi- The biodiversity vision and maps are a mountain farmers and local breeds of do- versity value throughout the Alps. How- contribution to the implementation of the mestic animals? Is there a sustainable ever, it is important to reiterate that the conservation goals of the Alpine Conven- future for the Alps? areas outside these priority areas are also tion, one of the most promising interna- very important. We have to consider both tional agreements for the sustainable The clear answer of WWF and its part- for a coherent environmental policy. We future of the Alps. We will proceed with ners is: yes! The Alps have a sustainable have to be especially careful in managing conservation actions in selected priority future if we start to act now. Sustainability development in priority areas, such as areas. Let’s do it together! is not a theoretical concept known only new infrastructure, housing and industry, in academic circles or to environmental tourism centers, etc and at times we will non-governmental groups (NGOs). Sus- have to give ecological concerns prece- tainability is the only way in which hu- dence over economic and social concerns. mankind – our children, grand- and great We might have to create new protected grandchildren – can survive in the long- areas, to strengthen and connect existing ones, to adopt sustainable forestry in a state forest, to encourage organic agriculture, to reduce traffic, to change EU poli- cies, to educate school children and adults as to the advantages of certain practices, to generate benefits for local communities, etc. There are many different tools available to achieve sustainability. In some areas all tools need to be employed, in other areas only a few.

This initiative identifies areas of special concern for biodiversity. It does not identify concrete actions to be undertaken Sheep wool production in Innervillgraten, Austria in specific priority areas. The next step Gesellschaft für ökologische Forschung / Oswald Baumeister Columbine (Aquilegia einseleana) will be a thorough analysis of all priority WWF / Andreas Weissen areas to identify the most pressing issues for biodiversity conservation and to de- velop concrete actions. But this is some- thing that WWF and its partners cannot and will not do alone. This next step requires the engagement of all interested groups and individuals in the relevant areas: local politicians, land users, tourist as-

Milking goats in Switzerland Gesellschaft für ökologische Forschung / Oswald Baumeister 28 29 Acknowledgments Agencija Republike Slovenije za okolje v okviru Ministrstvo za okolje, prostor in energijo, Ljubljana (J. Kristanc); Alpine Network of Protected Areas-ALPARC, Gap & Chambéry (A. Bousquet, E. Brancaz, This project was financially supported by the German Federal Ministry for S. Nunes Veloso, M. Zurbach); the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and from the Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung, Innsbruck (J. Kostenzer, R. Lentner); Amt für Wald, Natur und Landschaft, Liechtenstein-AWNL, Vaduz (M. Fasel); German Federal Environmental Agency. Associazione Razze Autoctone a Rischio di Estinzione-RARE (R. Fortina); Bayerisches Landesamt für Umweltschutz, München (A. Liegl, S. Kluth, J. Voith); Bayerisches Landesamt für Wasserwirtschaft, München (W. Binder); Bayerisches Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft, Institut für Fischerei, Starnberg (E. Leuner); BirdLife Deutchland-NABU (H. Hötker); BirdLife International, Wageningen (D. Callaghan, S. P. Nagy); BirdLife Italy-Lega Italiana Protezione Uccelli, Parma (C. Celada); BirdLife Liechtenstein; BirdLife Österreich (A. Landmann, A. Ranner); BirdLife Slovenia-Dopps (T. Jancar); BirdLife Switzerland-Schweizer Vogelschutz-SVS, Zürich (W. Müller); Bund Naturschutz in Bayern e.V., München (C. Margraf); Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Bonn (U. Bohn); Bündner Natur-Museum, Chur (T. Briner, J.-P. Müller); The sponsors accept no responsibility for the correctness, accuracy Bureau d’Études Biologiques, Aigle (R. Delarze); and completeness of this information and for the regard of the right of CEMAGREF, Grenoble (J.-J. Brun); Centre Alpin de Phytogéographie, Fondation J.-M- Aubert, Champex-Lac (J.-P. Theurillat); third parties. The expressed views do not have to concur with the views Centre du Réseau Suisse de Floristique-CRSF, Chambésy (B. Bäumler); Centre Suisse de Cartographie de la Faune, Neuchâtel (Y. Gonseth); of the sponsors. Conservatoire Botanique National Alpin, Gap (U. Collombier, J.-P. Dalmas, L. Gerraud, J.-C. Villaret); EAWAG-Eidg. Anstalt für Wasserversorgung, Abwasserreinigung und Gewässerschutz, Dübendorf & Kastanienbaum (T. Gonser, A. Peter); Additional funding for this publication was provided by the Italian Ministry Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne-EPFL, Laboratoire dynamiques (M. Perlik); Econat, Yverdon-les-Bains (G. Berthoud); of Cultural Heritage and Activities, Direzione Generale per i Beni Librari European Environmental Agency; European Topic Centre, Nature Protection and Biodiversity-ETC/NPB, Paris (D. Evans); e gli Istituti Culturali. Fachhochschule Weihenstephan, University of Applied Sciences, Fachbereich Wald und Forstwirtschaft (J. Ewald); Forum Européen de la Montagne, Gland (L. Soubrier); M. Franzen; Interakademische Kommission Alpenforschung-ICAS, Bern (V. Kaufmann, A. Latif); International Bearded vulture Monitoring (R. Zink); International Commission for the Protection of the Alps-CIPRA International (A. Ullrich); Istituto di Ecologia Applicata, Roma (L. Boitani); Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali Istituto Nazionale per la Fauna Selvatica, Ozzano Emilia (E. Dupré, P. Genovesi); Istituto Oikos, Varese (L. Pedrotti); KORA-Koordinierte Forschungsprojekte zur Erhaltung und zum Management der Raubtiere in der Schweiz, Bern (U. Breitenmoser, F. Zimmermann); Special thanks go to the International Year of the Mountains, the Ville Laboratoire d’Ecologie Alpine-LECA, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble (J.-L. Borel, P. Ozenda); Laboratoire d’Ecologie Alpine-LECA, Université de Savoie, Le Bourget du Lac (C. Miaud); de Gap, the Conservatoire Botanique National de Gap-Charance, the Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern e. V.-LBV (M. Jakobus, A. von Lindeiner); Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (W. Pratesi Urquhart); Institute of Ecology and Conservation Biology of the University of Vienna Léavital; Monitoring Institute for Rare Breeds and Seeds in Europe-SAVE, St. Gallen (H.-P. Grünenfelder); and the ForumAlpinum 2002 for having sponsored or helped to organise Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Sezione di Zoologia, Torino (F. Andreone); two workshops (in Gap/France and Alpbach/Austria), as well as to Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, Trento (B. Maiolini); Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-MNHN, Paris (J. Moret); Teleatlas for the contribution of GIS data. Nationalpark Berchtesgaden (H. Franz); Nationalpark Hohe Tauern (R. Zink); Nationalpark Kalkalpen (E. Weigand); Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern (K. Grossenbacher); Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Eybens (J. Michallet); Office pour la Protection de l’Insecte et son Environnement-OPIE (P. Dupont); Oikos Inc., Dom_ale (M. Harmel); Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio (L. Pedrotti); PLA project group landscape + conservation, Walpertskirchen (A. Ringler); C. Schütz; Stiftung Landschaftsschutz Schweiz-SL/FP, Bern (C. Neff); Technische Universität München, Wildbiologie und Wildtiermanagement, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan (W. Schröder, I. Storch); Teleatlas; Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum, Innsbruck (P. Hümer); Triglavski Narodni Park (T. Menegalija); UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch, Schüpfheim; United Nations Environment Programme – World Conservation Monitoring Centre-UNEP/WCMC; Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Dipartimento di Biologia Strutturale e Funzionale, Varese (A. Martinoli); Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Biologia, WWF and its partners take sole responsibility for any inaccuracies or Sez. Botanica Sistematica e Geobotanica (C. Andreis); Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”, Dipartimento di Biologia errors remaining in this brochure and the results of this project. The Animale e dell’Uomo (L. Boitani); Università degli Studi di Torino, Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale (F. Montacchini); following organisations and / or individuals have contributed to this project Università degli Studi di Torino, Dipartimento di Scienze Zootecniche (R. Fortina); by providing data and information, participating in the consultations Universität Erlangen (W. Bätzing); Universität Innsbruck, Institut für Geographie (A. Danzl, E. Gärtner); and/or reviewing the maps and text of this brochure. Without the Universität Innsbruck, Institut für Naturkunde und Ökologie (A. Landmann); Universität Innsbruck, Institut für Zoologie und Limnologie (L. Füreder, A. Wille); enthusiastic support of all these individuals and organisations and their Universität Marburg, Fachbereich Biologie, Fachgebiet Naturschutz (H. Plachter); Universität München (S. Schmidtlein); willingness to share their knowledge, information and data, this project Universität Wien, Institut für Botanik (H. Niklfeld); would not have been possible. Universität Wien, Institut für Ökologie und Naturschutz (G. Grabherr, H. Pauli); Universität Wien, Zoologisches Institut, Abt. Evolutionsbiologie (B.-A. Gereben-Krenn, H. Krenn); Université de Savoie, Le Bourget du Lac (C. Miaud); Université de Genève, Laboratoire de Biogéographie (J.-P. Theurillat); Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble (J.-L. Borel); Univerza v Ljubljani (A. Brancelj); VAUNA e. V., Oberammergau (K. Elmauer, U. Wotschikowsky); Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Forschungsinstitut für Wildtierkunde und Ökologie (F. Reimoser); Ville de Gap (P. Bernard-Reymond, M. Halbout); P. Warbanoff; WSL-Eidg. Forschungsanstalt für Wald, Schnee und Landschaft, Birmensdorf (P. Duelli, M. Perlik, T. Wohlgemuth); Zoologische Staatssammlung München (R. Kraft); Zukunft Biosphäre GmbH, Bischofswiesen (W. d’Oleire-Oltmanns, R. Eberhardt).

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