Wild Alps: The Natural History of Europe’s High Mountains

Wild Alps is a journey into the heart of these iconic mountains, telling the story of the region’s remarkable flora and fauna, the complex ecosystems they form and the conservation efforts underway to protect them.Through engaging narratives, field trip descriptions and expert interviews, this attractive and approachable guide provides a rich understanding of the species found in Alpine environments. The book offers a deep appreciation of the plants and animals that inhabit a diverse range of mountain biotopes, including lakes, rivers, deciduous and coniferous forests, rocky slopes and limestone plateaus. A section on Alpine flora examines the unique adaptations of plants to the mountain environment, their interactions with other organisms, their cultural significance and their culinary and medical uses, including species such as Edelweiss, Alpenrose, gentians and orchids as well as mosses and lichens. Detailed profiles of the region’s wildlife include iconic examples like Ibex, Marmot, Lynx, Grey Wolf and the majestic Bearded Vulture, along with explanations of how each species has adapted to the harsh Alpine winter and insights into animal tracks encountered in the Alps.Wild Alps explores pressures on the region’s biodiversity, including the impacts of land use and climate change on both plant and animal species – as well as on mountain professionals. It discusses key conservation successes over the past century and invites reflections on how to connect with and care for this landscape. The Alps have long been the very heart of European conceptions of the natural world; this book shows why. Read more