Renaturation
Back to nature
Floodplains are a bit like Switzerland's rainforests. The example of Bever in the canton of Grisons shows the benefits of renaturation. We also present four other day trip destinations.
Biodiversity
Winners and losers in the animal kingdom
A third of all animal and plant species in Switzerland are endangered. Three examples of animals whose habitats are disappearing, according to the WWF. But also three unexpected success stories.
These species are highly endangered...
1. Smooth snake
This snake with speckled scales is non-venomous and completely harmless to humans. The animal likes gravel along riverbanks, cairns and dry stone walls. Such habitats are becoming increasingly rare in our country.
2. Hoverfly
This tiny insect offers a helping hand: its larvae eat aphids and other plant pests. The adult insects play an important role as plant pollinators. More flower meadows and natural gardens in Switzerland would help the hoverfly.
3. Zingel asper
This fish is about 20 centimetres long and has a yellowish colour and brown stripes. It is only found in the canton of Jura. Weirs restrict its habitat and contribute to its becoming extinct.
... and these species are returning
1. Tree frog
This small yet vocal green animal almost disappeared from Switzerland 15 years ago. Thanks to reintroductions, you can hear its croaking more frequently again today.
2. Red deer
The king of the forest was extinct in Switzerland by the mid-19th century. Later, the red deer migrated back from the Austrian region of Vorarlberg and was able to survive due to stricter hunting laws. Today, there are around 40,000 of these animals in our country.
3. Little owl
This nocturnal bird disappeared from Switzerland in the 1950s. At that time, many old orchards, where the little owl made its home, were turned into construction sites. It is now found again in Ticino and the canton of Geneva, for example, but is still considered highly endangered.
Become a conservationist!
Promoting biodiversity: we can't do it on our own. Play your part now and protect Switzerland's biodiversity together with us!
All Stories
Migros Aid Fund
More and more non-native plants in the Alps
Alien species are also spreading in the Alps. How can hikers spot these plants, and what should they do? An overview.
Sustainability
Water facts that you should know
How much water do we use daily? How many litres of water do we flush down the toilet? Seven water facts that you should know.
Sustainability
The worst composting offences
From cheese rind and chicken bones to cat litter – we explain exactly what can’t go in the compost heap.
Biodiversity
What you can do to promote biodiversity
There are plenty of things we can all easily do to promote biodiversity: Planting a flower meadow, hanging up a bird box, digging less in the garden.
Is it true or false?
Do organic vegetables taste better?
There are many myths around organic food. What’s true and what’s not? WWF expert Eva Wyss has the answers.
Sustainability
Nine facts about Swiss forests
They are a habitat, a source of income and recreational areas: how are our forests doing today?
Bee-friendly plants for pots
Bee-friendly plants for pots
If you want to help bees, bumblebees and other pollinators, you can easily do so on your balcony. It’s all about having the right plants – here are three tips.
Water consumption
Save water at home
We explain where households use the most water and the best way to use less.
Save water in your garden
Use rainwater to water your plants
Saving water is a must in order to tackle summer droughts. Avid gardeners can use a water recovery system to benefit their plants, their lawn and the environment.
Aid for insects
You too can help protect bees!
Industrious bees are crucial to our survival. That's why we protect them – with your help.
Biodiversity
Nature conservation: gardening for diversity
Whether your own garden behind the house, allotment garden or balcony: if you plant ecologically and close to nature, you’re doing something for nature conservation and biodiversity.