Dolomites Wildlife

The Dolomites are not only known for their vast environments but also for their array of wildlife. The impeccable mountain range is home to numerous animal species ranging from birds to bears and everything in between. Due to such varying environments, some of these species have been able to adapt to extremely harsh habitats and there are still an abundant of fauna that are still unknown.

If you look high up into the sky and to the tops of trees you can find an immense population of bird fauna including golden eagles, pygmy owl and the black grouse to name a few. You can find the striking golden eagle and noisy woodpeckers nestled in the hollows of trees in many of the Dolomites National Parks. On the other hand, the magnificent black grouse and partridge are more difficult to find as they tend to be present in less prolific areas of the mountain range. So, if you spot one don’t forget to snap a picture. Also, if you happen to be exploring these magical mountains, at night you might even come across the beautiful boreal and pygmy owls.

The birds are not the only species inhabiting this vast mountain range. When traveling the Dolomites, you are likely to come across the chamois, which is a species of goat-antelope native to the mountains. They are numerous in the prairies of Sesto, the Vallunga but mostly in the Ampezzo Dolomites. If you are visiting in the summer months look out for their brown colored fur but in the winter their fur changes to a light grey. This color change allows them to blend in better with their surroundings during those particular seasons. Other fauna you can find in the Dolomites consist of brown bears, roe deer, the fire salamander and the Alpine newt. The wealth and variability of fauna in the Dolomites is just one reason to visit this extraordinary mountain range.