Discover the fantastic Biodiversity of Saint-Gervais Mont-blanc

The flora and fauna of Saint-Gervais

Lush forests, verdant alpine meadows and wild mountains are all environments that communicate and exchange with one another, ensuring that biodiversity flourishes in the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc area.The variety of habitats offered by our fabulous environment benefits the biodiversity that makes our Mont-Blanc massif so special and unique in the world, thanks to its wealth of animal and plant species.

Mountain wildlife

Ibex, chamois, deer, roe deer, wild boar … Many species benefit from the ideal environment offered by the generous nature of Saint-Gervais. With its varied, well-maintained forests, species such as red deer, roe deer and wild boar find a suitable environment for feeding, sheltering and breeding. Chamois and ibex, on the other hand, prefer open, craggy mountain environments, where their talent for acrobatics on the summits can be fully expressed, between rocky bars and steep slopes!

Local flora

The mountains and alpine pastures of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc abound with mountain flowers and plant species perfectly adapted to this extreme environment. From particularly snowy and harsh winters to sunny summers punctuated by thunderstorms, the local flora, as diverse as it is, is unanimously in tune with its environment! Whether it’s the little crocuses, the first flowers to cover the snow-covered alpine meadows in spring, or the sprigs of génépi, firmly attached to the rockys to the rocky ledges beside the Miage and Bionnassay glaciers, Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is the ideal place to discover its abundant and surprising mountain flora!

Gallinaceans and small mountain birds

Discreet, but very much present in our mountains, several species of Galliformes live side by side and share the different alpine floors of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, from the rhododendron and bilberry-covered ski slopes to the rocky outcrops hanging over the Bionnassay moraines, via the valley’s dense, damp forests. This rich and varied mountain environment is home to the black grouse, the rock ptarmigan, the bartavelle partridge and the hazel grouse.

Our top tips for... Observing biodiversity in the mountains

Familiarize yourself with the local ecosystem

Before setting out to observe biodiversity in the mountains, take the time to learn about the different plant and animal species you may encounter in the area. Field guides, mobile apps and online resources dedicated to local flora and fauna can be very useful in identifying and learning more about the species you see.

Be discreet and respectful of the environment

When observing mountain biodiversity, it’s important to minimize your impact on fragile ecosystems. Walk on designated trails to avoid disturbing natural habitats. Use binoculars to observe animals from a distance and avoid frightening them. Avoid picking wild plants or disturbing animals. Take care not to leave litter behind, and behave responsibly to preserve the mountain’s natural beauty.

Choose the right times and places

Certain times of the year are better for observing certain species in the mountains. For example, in spring, you may witness the flowering of alpine plants, while in summer, migratory birds may be more active. What’s more, different altitudes and habitat types (such as forests, alpine meadows and rocky areas) are home to a variety of species. Plan your outings with these factors in mind.

Large birds of prey

The mountains and wide-open spaces of the Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc area offer the perfect playground for mountain birds of prey. Rocky mountain faces such as Vorassay and Tricot provide golden eagles, buzzards, kestrels, bearded vultures and other vultures with nesting and resting places safe from predators. The abundance of small fauna in the alpine pastures is anaccessible source of food for the birds of prey, making it easier for them to settle in the commune and perpetuating their presence, so dear to our mountains!

Small mountain fauna

Often represented by the emblematic and timeless marmots, mountain fauna is actually much more diverse! Ermines, with their white winter coat and brown summer coat, are small carnivores perfectly adapted to the generally harsh mountain environment. Variable hares, also known as “blanchot”, also change their coat according to the season, making them invisible in winter and perfectly camouflaged the rest of the year. Badgers, foxes, weasels, martens and squirrels have inhabited the Alpine forests since the dawn of time, taking advantage of their richness and contributing to their equilibrium.