Leisure activities in the wild can become a source of disturbance for wild animals. Our presence, our smells and the noise we generate can frighten them away. Forced to flee and disrupt their habits, they compromise their ability to survive and disrupt their breeding patterns when disturbed frequently. Outdoor leisure activities have become increasingly popular in recent years, and this inevitably increases disturbance.
The wildlife tranquillity area “Le Devin” is located in the immediate vicinity of tourist nuisances, but is crossed by very few footpaths. As a result, it offers an area in which the animals can rest in complete safety.
By adopting the following 3 rules of conduct:
• Dogs must be kept on a leash all year round.
• It is mandatory to stay on the marked trails from December 1st to July 31th.
• Winter sports are prohibited in the wildlife tranquillity area, except on the roads.
It’s perfectly possible to enjoy activities in the great outdoors without harming wildlife.
WILD ANIMALS NEED PEACE AND QUIET
Wildlife tranquillity areas protect wild animals from excessive human disturbance. This 37-hectare area is home to many animals that are sensitive to disturbance.
Among the mammals known to frequent the area :
lynx, red deer, chamois, brown hare, red squirrel, ermine, European mole and red fox.
Among the birds present in the area:
hazel grouse, bullfinch, woodcock, spotted nutcracker, sparrowhawk, alder tarin, and many others, as well as numerous insects.
Please behave in a way that allows wild animals to survive in safety.
Respecting nature means protecting it in the long term.
Scolopax rusticola
The woodcock is one of Switzerland’s most discreet bird species. Thanks to its brownish plumage, it often goes unnoticed on the forest floor. The woodcock is one of 50 priority species that require special measures to safeguard and promote in Switzerland.
Bonasa bonasia
Playing hide-and-seek is one of the favourite behaviours of the grouse, the grand-cousin of the capercaillie. Thanks to the wonderful patterns in its plumage, it blends in perfectly with the changing light of the undergrowth.
Lynx lynx
The boreal lynx is Europe’s largest cat. A great hunter of small ungulates, the lynx plays an important role in the ecosystem. The lynx eats an average of one roe deer or chamois a week, which feed on young trees and buds. Too many ungulates in an area prevent the forest from growing.
