Alpine biodiversity

The Alps – a biodiversity hotspot

With summits above 4000 meters and an area of 250 000 km² the Alps are the most important mountain chain in Central Europe. Because of the great climatic differences the Alps shelter a large number of different natural and semi-natural habitats (from habitats of central Europe up to habitats of the high Nordic regions). They show a rich diversity of nature and landscape, which offers living place to a large number of plants and animals. About 30 000 animal species and 13 000 plant species are found in the Alps. Several of these species are endemic to the Alps, they can only be found there.

The protected areas of the Alps give an important contribution to the protection and preservation of this biodiversity offering a refuge to wildlife. But the protection of wildlife and biodiversity can not only relay on the protected areas. Many animals need more space to live than these areas can provide. Scientists agree on the fact that only large and ecological adjoining areas can ensure a sustainable and long term protection of the biotic and abiotic nature resources of the Alps and guarantee the natural processes. This is why a large system of interconnected habitats should be created!