A paradise of preserved nature
Seven national parks and a large network of protected natural areas are refuges for a diverse wildlife and a varied and abundant flora, and inhabitants and visitors alike enjoy unique and often grandiose natural landscapes on a daily basis. In total, almost a third of the national territory is protected under environmental law, representing a wide range of natural environments: vast steppes, alluvial forests and virgin forests, picturesque valleys, rugged limestone massifs and glittering glaciers. Thanks to its mosaic of climates and wide range of altitudes, the country is home to such a variety of biotopes and natural habitats where a rich biodiversity thrives. This makes the country a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, as well as for naturalists who can look out for plant and animal species, some of which have become rare.
Mountains and forests
In the heart of Europe, Austria combines landscapes with a variety of climates that allow for the presence of this wide range of animal and plant species. The mountains that culminate in the Grossglockner, at an altitude of 3,797 m, and the presence of the Danube, 350 km long, condition the vegetation. The relief and humidity that characterize and compose the landscape influence its natural wealth. Austria is one of the most forested countries in Europe, and if the protection of the environment is a concern of society, it is also an important economic component. Forestry and green tourism make their contribution. Apart from these economic concerns, Austria is distinguished by its strong commitment to nature protection. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management of the Republic is very active in this field and, together with the population, is committed to preserving Austria's natural heritage.
The case of the Danube
The only thorny issue is the pollution of the Danube. This is because the river does not only flow in Austria, but also through 17 countries. It is therefore a very large river basin and very complex to manage. For example, Romania and the Czech Republic are poor performers when it comes to environmental protection and the river has long been polluted with phosphate, nitrogen and other agricultural waste. So even though Austria is committed to keeping its stretch of the Danube free of pollution, the river is far from clean, even though it is safe to swim in, even in Vienna. It is difficult to harmonise the protection of the Danube between all the territories concerned. However, Austria is not giving up and its government has been working to have an international convention adopted for the survival of the river's ecosystem. And it's a relief: 16 of the 17 countries involved have already ratified it!
Wildlife in the field and in the city
In Austria, the wildlife is dominated by species native to central Europe: deer, roe deer, rabbits, pheasants, badgers, foxes, roosters, etc. In the Alpine regions, it is mountain wildlife that can be encountered, with marmots, chamois and eagles. In the Alpine regions, it is a mountain fauna that can be encountered, with marmots, chamois and other eagles. The Pannonian fauna is distinguished by its rich bird life, as can be seen in the bird paradise on the banks of the Neusiedlersee. Here live spoonbills, wild geese, various species of herons, etc. More exotic is the small population of bears, which has been established mainly in the southern forest areas and in the central mountainous region of the country.
Wild animals have even colonized cities, especially castle gardens, parks and cemeteries. In Vienna, for example, one-sixth of the city's area is green space, and wild animals find a pleasant habitat and plenty of food by browsing through garbage cans, picking up fallen fruit or visiting vegetable gardens...
The flora
Austria's flora is extremely rich. In its vast forests, Austria has a large number of plant species distributed according to the different levels and regions. The Alpine flora is particularly varied and colourful: edelweiss, gentian, arnica, rhododendron, heather and many other species flourish here. In the northern part of the Alps there are mainly large green meadows, and in the Pannonian region the scrubland and steppe dominate. But if you go to the high mountains in search of the Edelweiss, Austria's emblematic flower, you should know that it is protected and therefore strictly forbidden to pick it. But a picture will make you a nice souvenir...
