Typical and exceptional fauna and flora species in forests
In Switzerland the flora and fauna is very diverse, with nearly half of the 40 thousand plant, animal and fungus species living in forest ecosystems. 70 % of forest is covered by beech and spruce.
In Switzerland there are 513 species of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles, of which 2.5 % are endangered. Due to the valuable and rare flora and fauna, 28.7 % of Switzerland is protected (according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature). About 20 % of plant, animal and fungus species in forest areas (6 000 species) are living on dead wood. Swiss forests are rich in vascular plants. There are about 1 300 species, of which 8 % are considered to be at risk of extinction.
One of the main challenges for Swiss forest strategy is to maintain genetic diversity and to regenerate stands. Fir stands are replaced by deciduous species. Plants used for afforestation are native species.
In Switzerland there are 513 species of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles, of which 2.5 % are endangered. Due to the valuable and rare flora and fauna, 28.7 % of Switzerland is protected (according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature). About 20 % of plant, animal and fungus species in forest areas (6 000 species) are living on dead wood. Swiss forests are rich in vascular plants. There are about 1 300 species, of which 8 % are considered to be at risk of extinction.
One of the main challenges for Swiss forest strategy is to maintain genetic diversity and to regenerate stands. Fir stands are replaced by deciduous species. Plants used for afforestation are native species.