Animal life in the Alps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1920, King Victor Emmanuel III donated the original 21 square kilometres to the country, and it became Italy’s first national park in 1922. Despite the park, ibex were poached until 1945, when only 419 remained. Since then, the population has increased, and there are now almost 4,000 in the park. It has been reintroduced to numerous other areas in the Alps, and also to Bulgaria and Slovenia.

In summer, the alpine ibex lives in rocky areas just below the snow line, at elevations between 1,800 and 3,300 m, descending to lower altitudes in the winter.

The generic name is the classical Latin word for a female goat, originating from Proto-Indo-European kapros (male goat). The specific name is the classical Latin term for the Alpine ibex, as well as for the chamois (below). It may have connection to an ancient Indo-European term, signifying a ‘climber’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has also been introduced to the South Island of New Zealand, where it is considered a pest, as it seriously affects the native alpine flora.

The chamois is a rather small animal, with a length up to about 1.35 m, a height of up to 80 cm, and a weight up to 60 kg. Both males and females have short horns, which are hooked backwards near the tip. In summer, the fur is brown, turning greyish in the autumn.

The generic and specific names are derived from the Latin rupes (‘cliff’ or ‘crag’) and capra (‘she-goat’), reflecting the habitat of the animal, and its rather small size. The name appears in literature as early as 1673.

The English name was adopted from the French chamois, which can be traced back to the Latin camox, from the 5th Century, which perhaps stems from Pre-Roman or Celtic.

The word goat-antelope indicates a group of ruminants, which are neither true goats or true antelopes, but have traits from both groups. Besides the chamois, the group contains species like the Asiatic serows (Capricornis) and gorals (Naemorhedus), and the American mountain goat (Oreamnos). The goral is described on the page Animals – Mammals: Mammals in the Indian Subcontinent, the mountain goat on the page Animals: Animal portraits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red foxes live in pairs or small family groups, in which young from a previous litter assist in bringing up the next litter. They are quite omnivorous, their food consisting of rodents, rabbits, young deer, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, fruit, and sometimes also green plants. In areas with wolves, coyotes, golden jackals, or large cats, the red fox is very vulnerable to attacks from these larger predators.

The red fox has been extensively persecuted by humans for thousands of years. Initially, it was hunted for its rich fur, but when humans settled as farmers and began raising fowl, the fox quickly began killing the fowl. For this reason, it was persecuted as a pest. In later years, it has successfully spread to urban areas, where no hunting takes place. Here they thrive, feeding on rodents and edible garbage. Many people also feed them.

The generic and specific names is the classical Latin term for fox.

Other pictures, depicting this species, are shown on the page Animals – Mammals: Dog family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marmots live in burrows up to 2 m underground, digging tunnels up to 10 m long. They often sit on their haunches outside their burrow, and their shrill warning whistles can be heard far away. Marmots are almost exclusively vegetarians. They do not make food deposits, but in autumn they have become extremely fat, and hibernate throughout the winter.

The Alpine marmot is a common animal, living in alpine areas at elevations between 800 and 3,200 m, in southern France, the Vosges, the Black Forest, the Alps, the northern Apennines, the Carpathians in Romania, and the Tatras in Poland. In 1948, it was reintroduced with success in the Pyrenees, where it had disappeared at end of the last Ice Age.

The generic and specific names originate from the Latin mus montis (‘mountain mouse’), which became murmont in Romansh, evolving into French as marmotte and into Spanish as marmota.

Other pictures, depicting this species, are shown on the page Animals – Mammals: Squirrels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a steppe animal, living in open areas with scattered bushes, but has readily adapted to a life in farmland, as long as there is shelter nearby. In the Alps, it is mainly found at altitudes below 2,000 m, at higher elevations replaced by the mountain hare (L. timidus).

The generic name is the classical Latin term for hare.

Other pictures, depicting this species, are shown on the page Animals – Mammals: Hares, rabbits and pikas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The generic name is a Latin word, used by Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.) as the name of an unspecified waterbird. His life is described on the page People: Famous naturalists. The specific name is a concoction of the generic name and the Latin anser (‘goose’).

 

 

 

 

 

 

The generic name is derived from the Latin falx, or falcis (‘sickle’), referring to the claws.

The specific name is the classical Latin name of the kestrel, derived from tinnulus (‘shrill sound’). The term kestrel is usually applied to smaller falcons, which often hunt by hovering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The alpine chough is the smallest of the two, having a bright yellow bill and reddish feet. It is widely distributed, found in Morocco, the Pyrenees, the Alps and other Central European mountains, in Italy and the Balkans, on Crete, and in Turkey, the Caucasus, the Alborz Mountains of Iran, and in the Himalaya and other nearby Central Asian mountains.

It is very common in many places and often becomes remarkably confiding. In the Himalaya, it has nested at an elevation of 6,500 m, higher than any other bird species, and has been observed following mountaineers ascending Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) at an altitude of 8,200 m.

The generic name is derived from the Greek pyrrhos (‘flame-coloured’), from pyr (‘fire’), and korax (‘raven’), presumably alluding to the bright red bill of the red-billed chough (P. pyrrhocorax).

The specific name was the classical Latin word for an unidentified bird, which later authors identified as the jackdaw (Coloeus monedula, above). Perhaps it refers to the fact that this bird is small, just like the jackdaw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The generic name is the classical Latin term for thrushes. The specific name is derived from Ancient Greek philein (‘to love’) and melos (‘melody’), alluding to the fantastic song of this bird.

The word thrush is derived from Old English throstle, from Proto-Germanic þrustlō, an ancient name for the song thrush. In Old Saxon, þrustlō became throsla, in German Drossel. The latter name was adopted by the Danes, whereas the Swedes use the name trast for these birds, and the Norwegians trost.

 

 

 

 

 

Three subspecies of this bird are distributed across Europe and western Asia, breeding in all of Norway, the extreme western part of Sweden, the northern tip of Finland, on the Kola Peninsula, and in the Timan Mountains, near Arkhangelsk, and also in Scotland, northern England, Wales, and Ireland, in the Pyrenees, the Alps, and mountains of eastern Europe and the Balkans, in southern and eastern Turkey, in the Caucasus, and in northern Iran.

In the major part of its distribution area, it is restricted to mountains, where it nests in gullies, rocky areas, or among scree. However, in Scandinavia, Finland, the Kola Peninsula, and the British Isles it may be found down to sea level.

The species is migratory, spending the winter in southern Spain, North Africa, the Balkans, southern Turkey, and western Iran.

The specific name is Latin, meaning ‘necklaced’ or ‘collared’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The generic name is derived from the Latin musca (‘a fly’) and capere (‘to catch’). The specific name is Latin, meaning ‘striated’.

The English name is not very appropriate, as the breast of the bird is striated, not spotted.

 

 

 

 

 

The plumage varies considerably, males of the eastern subspecies having a black mask and upper breast, slaty-grey upperparts, and rufous belly and tail, whereas those of the western subspecies are blackish with whitish vent and secondaries, and a rufous tail.

The generic, specific, and English names all refer to the reddish tail of these birds. The generic name is derived from Ancient Greek phoinix (‘crimson’) and oura (‘tail’), the specific name from Ancient Greek okhros (‘ochre-coloured’) and again oura. Start is an old word for tail.

 

 

 

 

 

It resembles the common stonechat (S. rubicola), but may at once be distinguished by both sexes having a strong supercilium and a pale throat.

The generic name is derived from the Latin saxum (‘rock’) and incola (‘dwelling among’), alluding to the preferred habitat of the type species, the common stonechat.

The specific name is derived from the Latin rubus (‘bramble’), referring to the preferred habitat of the bird being open areas with scattered bushes and thickets of bramble (Rubus fruticosus).

The English name is derived from whin, an old name of the common gorse (Ulex europaeus), a very spiny shrub, again alluding to the preferred habitat of the bird, and chat, which refers to its call.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The generic name is derived from the Latin mons (‘mountain’) and fringilla (‘finch’). Initially, these birds were regarded as finches and placed in the family Fringillidae. However, genetic research has shown that they are in fact sparrows.

The specific name is derived from the Latin nix (‘snow’), alluding to the bird living at high altitudes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It produces toxic compounds from its skin, presumably as a means of defence against predators, and possibly also microbial parasites. Unlike other salamanders, it is not depending on water holes for breeding, but gives birth to live young, which are terrestrial right from the beginning.

The generic name is Ancient Greek and was associated with a creature that could supposedly withstand or even live in fire. It was applied to these amphibians, because they were often found in cool, damp, rotting logs. If the logs were burned, they would attempt to creep out, leading to the false belief that they were created from or immune to fire.

The specific name is Latin, meaning ‘black’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It inhabits open woodlands, rocky slopes, rocky heathlands, and grasslands with shrubs. The caterpillars feed on algae, lichens, mosses, and old and fresh plant parts.

North of the Alps, it is highly endangered due to habitat loss, but in the southern Alps it is still common in many places.

The generic name is derived from the Latin amatus (‘loved’), whereas the specific name refers to Phegea, a daughter of Phegeus, who was the king of Psophis in Arcadia.

 

 

 

 

 

It inhabits woodland clearings, moist grasslands, and high alpine pastures, where the larvae live on various plants.

Southern populations are largely restricted to mountains. In the Alps, it occurs up to elevations around 2,600 m. Some populations are decreasing or endangered.

The generic name is derived from Ancient Greek arktos (‘bear’), referring to the hairy appearance of the larvae, whereas the specific name is derived from Plantago, the Latin name of plantains, which is one of the food plants for the caterpillars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is restricted to forests and grasslands in southern Switzerland and north-western Italy, found at altitudes between 800 and 2,000 m. It is largely confined to areas, in which the principal food plant of the caterpillars, Astragalus exscapus, is found, although they may sometimes live on Astragalus alopecurus. The species is threatened by habitat loss.

It may be identified by a series of small white chevrons, which radiate inwards from each of the orange submarginal spots to the black post discal spots, but not passing them.

The generic name refers to the Greek island Crete, where the type species of the genus, Kretania psylorita, is endemic. The specific name is explained above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It lives in forested areas, preferably dense and mature oak woodlands, where the females spend most of their lives in the tree canopy, coming down only to lay their eggs on goat willow bushes (Salix caprea), occasionally on other willow species. The males also spend much of their time in the tree tops, defending their territory from rivals, though they will sometimes descend to drink or feed. Unlike most butterflies, the purple emperor does not feed from flowers, but on honeydew (the excreta of aphids), sap oozing from oak trees, and on dung, urine, and animal carcasses.

The generic name is derived from Ancient Greek apatao (‘to deceive’), alluding to the male’s iridescent purple wing sheen. Its wings appear brown from many angles, but may suddenly show brilliant purple flash in the sunlight, thus ‘deceiving’ the observer. Some authorities suggest that it may relate to Apaturia, a term used for several goddesses in the Greek mythology.

The specific name refers to the Greek goddess Iris, who was the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow.

 

 

 

 

 

It inhabits all types of forests, in the Alps found up to an elevation of about 1,300 m, rarely a little higher. The caterpillar lives on species of violet (Viola), and hemp-agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and thistles (Carduus and Cirsium) are important feeding plants for the adults.

The species is not threatened, but it has declined dramatically in many places in recent years, mainly due to habitat destruction.

The generic name is derived from a name for a beautiful woman, presumably Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, who was loved by Agamemnon. He built a temple dedicated to her. The specific name also refers to Aphrodite, alluding to the city of Paphos on Cyprus, the mythological birthplace of the goddess.

The word fritillary is derived from the Latin fritillus (‘dice-box’), alluding to the checkered, black-and-orange patterns on their wings, which resembles the checkered board, used in Roman times for playing dice games. The term was first used as a name for the checkered Fritillaria flower in 1633, and around 1857 it was applied to the butterflies for their similar appearance.

 

 

 

 

 

It lives in wet meadows, alpine grasslands, and forest clearings, in the Alps found at altitudes between 1,100 and 2,300 m. Its presence is usually tied to the main host plant of the larvae, common bistort (Bistorta officinalis), although they also often feed on certain species of violet (Viola).

In the foothills of the Alps, it is declining due to habitat loss, but at higher elevations it is still common.

When British entomologist and illustrator Frederic Moore (1830-1907) described the animal in 1900, he named it Boloria, derived from Ancient Greek bolos (‘fishing net’), with reference to the reticulated pattern on the underside of the wings.

The specific name refers to one of the daughters of the Titans in Greek mythology. Incidentally, Titania is also the name of the Queen of the Fairies in Western folklore, for instance appearing in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The generic name is unexplained. The specific name refers to Circe, the famous sorceress in Greek mythology, who lived on the island of Aiaia and turned men into animals, including wolves and lions, which guarded her home. During his travels, Odysseus landed on the island, where his men were transformed into pigs. However, with help from the god Hermes, Odysseus resisted her magic and became her lover for a year.

 

 

 

 

 

It is not threatened, but declining in some areas due to habitat destruction and overgrazing.

The generic name is derived from Ancient Greek koinos (‘common’) and nymphe (‘nymph’). The specific name is unexplained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is also distributed in the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain, the Apennines, and in the Balkan mountains.

The generic name refers to Erebus, in Greek mythology the god of darkness and shadow. The name refers to the overall dark upperside of this butterfly. The specific name is unexplained.

The common name refers to the distinctive, almond-shaped, orange postdiscal markings on its wings.

 

 

 

 

 

The larvae feed on plantain species (Plantago), more rarely on members of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae).

The generic name is derived from Melite, a nymph in the Greek mythology, whereas the specific name is Latin, meaning ‘variable’, alluding to the species being highly variable. The common name refers to the Swiss canton Graubünden, which is often referred to in English as Grisons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Alps, it generally occurs at elevations between 400 and 2,000 m, but in Central Asia it may be encountered up to altitudes around 4,900 m.

Foodplants of the caterpillars are mainly various members of the carrot family (Apiaceae).

The generic name is the classical Latin word for butterfly. The specific name refers to Machaon, son of Asclepius, the god of medicine in Greek mythology.

The common name alludes to the long extensions on the hindwings, giving the appearance of the tail of the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica).

 

 

 

 

 

In the southern part of this area, it is restricted to mountains. In the Alps, it mainly occurs at elevations between 1,000 and 2,700 m, but may occasionally be found at lower altitudes. In Central Asia, it may be encountered up to elevations around 3,000 m.

The eggs over-winter and hatch in spring the following year. The caterpillars feed on species of stonecrop (Sedum and Hylotelephium) and houseleek (Sempervivum).

The generic name refers to Mount Parnassus, which, in Greek mythology, was sacred to Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and healing. It was also the home of the Muses, goddesses of art, literature, and science.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The generic name is Ancient Greek, meaning ‘difficulty’ or ‘doubt’. What it refers to is not known. The specific name is derived from Crataegus, the Latin term for hawthorn species, which are primary host plants for the caterpillars.

 

 

 

 

 

It lives in meadows, woodland clearings, and other open habitats, from sea level to high elevations, for instance 2,600 m in Italy and 3,600 m in Morocco. Food plants for the catterpillars include numerous members of the mustard family (Brassicaceae).

The generic name is the Latin term for the Muses, the goddesses of song and poetry in Greek mythology, who were sometimes referred to as the Pierides.

The specific name is derived from the Latin napus, referring to rapeseed (Brassica napus), one of the host plants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is distributed in western, central and southern Europe, from Ireland eastwards to the Altai Mountains, including Asia Minor and the Caucasus. It occurs from sea level up to an altitude of around 2,500 m in the Alps. About 14 subspecies are recognized.

It is declining in some areas due to habitat destruction.

The generic name is derived from Ancient Greek zygo (‘yoke’), referring to the reddish bands, which look like a yoke across the wings. (However, most members of the genus have spots, not bands.)

The specific name is Latin, meaning ‘coloured with purple’, again alluding to the purple or crimson bands on the wings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the gall midge has laid eggs in the nerves of young beech leaves, the hatched larvae secrete chemicals, causing the leaf to produce galls – hard, pointed, 4-10 mm long outgrowths, which protect the larvae from enemies. Initially, the galls are green, later turning reddish-brown. The larvae feed on the leaf tissue, and although they can be very numerous, they don’t do much harm to the tree.

The generic name honours Czech entomologist Josef Mik (1839-1900), who specialized in Diptera (true flies). The specific name refers to the host plant of the species, the beech tree (Fagus sylvatica).

 

 

 

 

 

 

The larvae are partial to common adenostyle (Adenostyles alliariae), as well as alpine butterbur (Petasites paradoxus), and leaves of these two species are often almost completely eaten by the larvae.

The generic name is Ancient Greek, meaning ‘living in mountains’, whereas the specific name is Latin, meaning ‘associated with Cacalia‘, a former generic name of one of its host plants, common adenostyle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a large snail, the width of the shell being up to 5 cm and the height to 4.5 cm.

The generic name is Ancient Greek, meaning ‘spiral’, referring to the twisted shell. The specific name is derived from Ancient Greek poma (‘cover’), alluding to the calcareous seal that the snail produces over the entire opening of the shell before hibernating.