Écrins National Park

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Écrins National Park, located in the French Alps, is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, thriving in its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and pristine alpine meadows. This park is home to an array of mammals and other species that have adapted to the harsh yet breathtaking landscape.

Alpine Ibex
A true symbol of the Alps, the Alpine ibex is a skilled climber, often seen navigating steep cliffs with ease. These sturdy goats have curved horns, which can grow over three feet long in males, and their thick fur provides insulation against cold mountain temperatures.

Chamois
This agile mountain-dwelling species is closely related to goats and antelopes. With their distinctive black and white facial markings and ability to leap long distances, chamois are well adapted to the rocky terrain of Écrins. They are most active at dawn and dusk, grazing on alpine grasses and herbs.

Eurasian Lynx
A rare and elusive predator, the Eurasian lynx plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the park. Recognizable by its tufted ears, spotted fur, and powerful build, this solitary hunter preys on deer, hares, and smaller mammals.

Red Deer
The largest deer species in the park, red deer are often seen in forested areas and alpine meadows. During the autumn rutting season, males can be heard roaring in an attempt to establish dominance and attract mates.

Eurasian Wolf
Having made a comeback in parts of the Alps, the Eurasian wolf is an apex predator, helping to control herbivore populations. These intelligent and social animals live in packs and roam large territories in search of prey such as deer and chamois.

Marmot
A familiar sight in the park’s meadows and rocky slopes, marmots are large, burrowing rodents that hibernate for months to survive the harsh winters. Their loud whistles serve as alarm calls, warning their colony of approaching danger.

European Snow Vole
A small but resilient rodent, the European snow vole thrives in high-altitude environments. It is well adapted to cold climates and forages for seeds, berries, and plant material among the rocky terrain.

Brown Bear
Though no longer commonly seen in Écrins, brown bears were once native to the region and occasionally wander in from other areas. These powerful omnivores rely on forests and mountain landscapes for food, including berries, fish, and small mammals.

Mountain Hare
This high-altitude species changes its coat from brown in summer to white in winter, providing camouflage against predators. The mountain hare is nocturnal and feeds on vegetation such as grass, twigs, and bark.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large forest grouse, the capercaillie is known for its elaborate mating display. Males fan out their tail feathers and make deep, resonant calls to attract females in spring. This species prefers old-growth coniferous forests, where it forages for pine needles and berries.

Birds

The varied landscapes of Écrins National Park provide a refuge for many fascinating bird species, from soaring raptors to small alpine specialists. The park’s high-altitude peaks, forests, and meadows support a rich avian biodiversity.

Golden Eagle
One of Europe’s most impressive birds of prey, the golden eagle soars over the park’s mountains in search of marmots, hares, and even young chamois. With its powerful talons and keen eyesight, it is a top predator in the alpine ecosystem.

Bearded Vulture
This rare and striking vulture is known for its habit of dropping bones from great heights to break them open and consume the marrow. Also called the lammergeier, it has a distinctive black facial mask and reddish feathers due to dust-bathing in iron-rich soils.

Peregrine Falcon
Famous for being the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch birds in mid-air. It nests on high cliffs and rocky outcrops, where it has a commanding view of the surrounding terrain.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owls in Europe, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a nocturnal predator with bright orange eyes and powerful talons. It hunts small mammals, birds, and even other raptors in the park’s forests and rocky areas.

Wallcreeper
A fascinating and elusive bird, the wallcreeper flits along vertical rock faces, using its curved beak to extract insects from cracks. Its gray plumage helps it blend in, but when in flight, its striking red and black wings make it unmistakable.

Black Woodpecker
Easily recognizable by its large size and all-black plumage with a striking red crown, the black woodpecker plays an important role in forest ecosystems by excavating tree cavities that other animals later use as nests.

Alpine Chough
This sociable and acrobatic crow species thrives at high altitudes, often seen in flocks soaring above alpine ridges. It has glossy black plumage and bright yellow beak, and it scavenges food from both natural sources and mountaineers’ leftovers.

White-winged Snowfinch
A true alpine specialist, the white-winged snowfinch is well adapted to life at high elevations. Its pale plumage provides camouflage against rocky landscapes, and it feeds on seeds and insects in the sparse mountain habitat.

Rock Ptarmigan
This well-camouflaged bird changes its feathers from brown in summer to white in winter, blending seamlessly with the alpine terrain. It is a ground-dwelling bird that forages for vegetation and small insects in the park’s tundra-like regions.

Griffon Vulture
Another large scavenger, the griffon vulture soars over the valleys searching for carrion. With its broad wingspan and pale head, it is a majestic presence in the skies of Écrins.

Écrins National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these remarkable species in their natural alpine environment. From stealthy predators to hardy herbivores, the park’s biodiversity makes it a true gem of the French Alps.