Iconic Swiss species

Eurasian lynx Big cats find love and habitat in Switzerland

Once hunted to extinction in Switzerland, lynx are doing well now – thanks partly to the successful matchmaking services of the Swiss government. 

By Susan Misicka and Julie Hunt

Bearded vulture The bone-picker that was a ghost in Switzerland

The largest bird in the Alps, the bearded vulture was exterminated in the 19th century and is a vulnerable species today.

By Susan Misicka and Julie Hunt

Alpine salamander Meet an amphibian that’s at home in the Alps

Tricky to spot, the Alpine salamander stands out for its unusual reproductive style and ability to handle the cold.

By Susan Misicka and Ester Unterfinger

European beech Tree of life’s a beech

In autumn, Switzerland’s beech trees are aflame with red leaves. However, they struggle with the higher temperatures that come with climate change.

By Susan Misicka and Ester Unterfinger

Alpine marmot Cute rodent appears on postcards and plates

Their fat faces grace postcards; their fat is used in salves. In Switzerland, the marmot is part mascot, part medicine chest and part meal. 

By Susan Misicka and Julie Hunt

Edelweiss Rarefied beauty found in Alps and adverts

Fuzzy and white, Edelweiss flowers are a lucky find for hikers, and a ubiquitous sight on Swiss marketing materials.

By Susan Misicka and Ester Unterfinger

Wolf Big, yes, but bad? Carnivore divides Swiss opinion

Emotions run high whenever this elusive creature appears. As wolves make a comeback in Switzerland, they spark feelings of awe and fear.

By Susan Misicka and Julie Hunt

Alpenrose Not a rose but a rhododendron

Immortalized by Swiss singer Polo Hofer, this flowering plant thrives in the Alps and in the Jura region.

By Susan Misicka and Ester Unterfinger

Blueberry A sweet treat for hunter-gatherers

In May and June, Switzerland’s wild blueberry bushes are in bloom. They’re popular with birds, foxes and bears. 

By Susan Misicka and Ester Unterfinger

Golden eagle The raptor with the unjustified bad rap

This is the only large Swiss predator that survived the days when the bearded vulture, the lynx, the wolf and the brown bear were exterminated.

Alpine ibex In the thrall of the mountain king

Once extinct in Switzerland, the ibex is back. Thousands of the surefooted creatures now live in the Swiss Alps.

By Susan Misicka and Julie Hunt

Biodiversity in Switzerland

CITES Switzerland opposes proposals to restart trade in rhino horns and ivory

Switzerland will oppose proposals by southern African countries seeking to relax restrictions on the international trade in white rhinoceros.

This content was published on August 13, 2019 3:49 PM Aug 13, 2019 - 15:49

Alpine habitat Swiss parliament agrees to loosen protected species hunting rules

Parliament has agreed to ease rules that regulate the number of certain protected species, making it easier to shoot wolves in the Swiss Alps.

This content was published on June 11, 2019 9:50 PM Jun 11, 2019 - 21:50

Sending a signal Uri votes for more power to control bears and wolves

Nearly 70% of voters in the central Swiss canton of Uri have approved an initiative that expands its powers for regulating bear and wolf populations.

This content was published on February 10, 2019 3:26 PM Feb 10, 2019 - 15:26

Insect Day The endangered insects that we never see

Can the decline of insects in Switzerland be halted? The first national day of the insect is calling on politicians and public to act.

By Luigi Jorio

Feathered friends Making Switzerland a better place for birds

If you’re a crested tit in the woods, Switzerland is a great place to live. But if you’re a skylark you’re in trouble.

By Susan Misicka in Sempach

Wildlife Rare bear seen again in the Bern area

Swiss wildlife authorities have confirmed the sighting of a brown bear in the Bernese Oberland, continuing the pattern of increased spottings.

This content was published on July 5, 2018 3:56 PM Jul 5, 2018 - 15:56

Science Saturday Nature is worth billions, say scientists

Biodiversity is worth billions in terms of human well-being, but poor policy and lifestyle choices are causing a drastic decline.

By Susan Misicka

Biodiversity Three out of eight Swiss bird species endangered

Worldwide, about one in eight bird species is endangered. In Switzerland, it’s three times as many.

This content was published on April 23, 2018 7:37 PM Apr 23, 2018 - 19:37

Wildlife management Lynx dead after botched capture attempt in Switzerland

Swiss gamekeepers have killed a Eurasian lynx that was hurt during efforts to catch him for a resettlement project.

This content was published on April 10, 2018 4:20 PM Apr 10, 2018 - 16:20

M29 returns? Swiss bear on the piste

A bear wandered into a Swiss ski resort on Monday, sparking excitement among the few onlookers.

Biodiversity Global warming drives plants to higher altitudes

Significantly more plant species are growing on mountain tops today than 100 years ago.

This content was published on April 5, 2018 10:23 AM Apr 5, 2018 - 10:23

Alpine environment Climate change is shrinking mountain hare’s alpine habitat

Global warming is making life difficult for the mountain hare in the Swiss Alps. As a result, they are becoming increasingly rare, an ...

This content was published on March 13, 2018 4:33 PM Mar 13, 2018 - 16:33

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People and predators Wolves: welcome or worrying?

Should an area in south-western Switzerland be a predator-free zone? A local initiative wants to eliminate protected species like wolves.

By Michele Andina and Susan Misicka

Are the Swiss ready for bears? How to live with dangerous animals

Following the shooting of Switzerland’s only wild bear, M13, attempts are being made to stop future bears from suffering the same fate. (Julie ...

By Julie Hunt

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