Alps fauna
The mountains, a Noah’s ark of wild animals
To increase your chances of seeing the local wild animals without disturbing them, of spotting their tracks, understanding them and their habits, why not go out with a mountain leader? He or she is the ideal companion for your travels into the hidden world of the region’s mountain wildlife.
Marmot
The marmot is a symbol of Alpine wildlife, a vigilant lookout with its whistled alarm call. A marmot will whistle to raise the alarm if it senses danger. They live in families and each family group has its own network of runs, lookout spots and burrows. A colony comprises several neighbouring families. Its fur can be chestnut brown, dark brown, black-brown, or black.
Chamois
Chamois live in the rocky areas, forests and pastures of the Alps. If you are lucky enough to spot one during a walk, you will probably catch a glimpse of its graceful outline as it leaps over rock bands and patches of névé snow. Over 14,000 chamois live in the Écrins National Park and its buffer zone.
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is a diurnal bird of prey that lives in the mountains and is a protected species. They mainly eat marmots in the mountains and their soaring flights are a reminder of their need for space and solitude. There are currently 37 known pairs in the Écrins National Park. You never know, if you look up you might just be lucky enough to spot one…
Black grouse
With its black plumage and lyre-shaped tail, the Black grouse is one of the most beautiful birds in the French Alps and it enlivens the park’s woodlands with its intense song.
Mouflon
The rapid and agile mouflons, a species of wild sheep, live in small groups in rocky areas.
Ibex
Ibex can be recognised from their imposing horns and are peaceful animals that are fond of scree slopes. They were reintroduced to the Hautes-Alpes in 1978.
