The Country of Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked, mountainous country in Central Europe, renowned for its political neutrality, high standard of living, and breathtaking natural beauty. The country is a federal republic of 26 cantons and is bordered by France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Italy. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. The Swiss economy is one of the most stable and prosperous in the world, with key industries including banking, finance, pharmaceuticals, and precision engineering. The country is a member of the Schengen Area, though it is not part of the European Union. Its capital is Bern, while Zurich and Geneva are other major cities.

Wildlife of Switzerland

Switzerland’s varied landscapes, from the high Alps to the central plateau and Jura mountains, provide a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. While many species faced extinction in previous centuries, conservation efforts have led to the reintroduction and recovery of several populations.

• Mammals: A significant conservation success story is the Alpine ibex, a wild goat species that was once extinct but has been reintroduced and now thrives in the high mountains. Other notable species include the chamois, a goat-antelope, and red deer, which have also made a strong comeback. You can also find roe deer, wild boars, marmots (a large ground squirrel), and various smaller mammals like red foxes, badgers, and squirrels. Rare carnivores like the gray wolf and Eurasian lynx have also reestablished small populations. The brown bear has also been sighted near the Italian and Austrian borders, indicating a slow return to the country.
• Birds: Switzerland is a great destination for birdwatching, particularly in its alpine regions. The country is home to majestic raptors like the golden eagle and the successfully reintroduced bearded vulture. Other birds of prey include the peregrine falcon and the red kite. In the forests and mountains, you can find species like the black grouse and the nutcracker.

Hunting in Switzerland

Hunting in Switzerland is a highly regulated activity with a strong emphasis on tradition, sustainability, and conservation. The regulations are primarily managed at the cantonal level, meaning rules can vary significantly from one region to another.

• Permits and Regulations: To hunt in Switzerland, you must pass an examination and obtain a cantonal hunting license. Some cantons operate a system where a hunter can pursue a certain number of animals, while others lease hunting rights to hunting associations. Hunting is strictly prohibited in federally and cantonally protected areas.
• Game Species: The most commonly hunted species in Switzerland are the roe deer, red deer, and chamois. Other species include Alpine ibex, wild boar, and various game birds. While large predators like bears and wolves are generally protected species, regulations allow for controlled culling under specific conditions to manage populations, particularly to mitigate conflicts with livestock.
• Hunting Seasons: Hunting seasons are strictly defined and vary by species. The Confederation sets general closed seasons, but cantons can shorten them or restrict the list of species that can be hunted. For mountain species like chamois and ibex, hunting typically takes place in the autumn.