Biodiversity in Austria's Regions
The most beautiful natural sites with species-rich fauna and flora.

Biodiversity is crucial for the ecological balance. Austria is taking important measures to protect the diversity of species in natural habitats.

Austria’s way of life is constantly recharged by a wealth of experiences and discoveries, especially amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Biodiversity represents the richness of life on Earth, encompassing plants, animals, microorganisms, and other living organisms within a specific area. Each species plays a unique role, contributing to the stability of the entire ecosystem.

The greater the diversity of species, the healthier the ecosystems. When ecosystems thrive, essential processes like pollination by bees, natural pest control, protection against natural disasters, and access to clean drinking water are safeguarded.

Protecting species for future generations

Austria and its regions are committed to protecting and sustainably managing biodiversity to maintain nature’s delicate balance. Preserving biodiversity is, after all, essential for the well-being of future generations.

Fauna and flora: Harmonious coexistence

Fauna: Diversity of wildlife

Austria boasts a captivating array of Central European wildlife, including roe deer, stags, hares, pheasants, foxes, badgers, martens, and partridges. In the Alpine regions, you’ll encounter chamois, marmots, eagles, and ibex.

The Pannonian region is renowned for its birdlife, particularly around the reed belt of Lake Neusiedl, where herons, spoonbills, avocets, and wild geese thrive. Austria’s pristine rivers and lakes also provide vital habitats for fish and amphibians.

Austria's fauna

Flora: Diversity of the plant world

Austria's flora is remarkably diverse, boasting around 3,500 species of ferns and flowering plants, thanks to its varied landscapes and climates. Nearly half of the country is covered by forests, predominantly oak, beech, and spruce, with larches and stone pines flourishing at higher altitudes.

The northern Alpine foothills are marked by lush grasslands, while the Pannonian region features distinctive steppe heaths. The Alpine flora is particularly striking, showcasing iconic species such as gentian, edelweiss, and arnica.

Austria's flora

Biodiversity on the water

Carinthian lake landscape

The region around the Carinthian lakes offers unique freshwater ecosystems that are home to rare fish species and numerous bird species.

Carinthian lake landscape

Traunsee-Almtal

The clear waters of Lake Traunsee and the surrounding wetlands provide habitats for rare fish species and water birds.

Traunsee-Almtal

March-Thaya floodplains

A unique floodplain landscape on the former "Iron Curtain", home to 500 endangered animal and plant species.

March-Thaya floodplains

Lake Weissensee

The clearest water in Austria, surrounded by natural banks. Perfect conditions for pike and whitefish - a precious place for nature lovers.

Lake Weissensee

Krimml Waterfalls

Europe's highest waterfalls provide a habitat for mosses, lichens and specialised insects - a natural spectacle of ecological importance.

Krimml Waterfalls

Vilsalpsee

An Alpine mountain lake in the middle of protected areas, surrounded by rare orchids and breeding grounds for rock ptarmigans - idyllic and biologically valuable.

Vilsalpsee

Danube

The Danube is an important habitat for many animal and plant species. Its alluvial forests, wetlands and banks provide habitats for birds, fish and plants.

Danube

Biodiversity in the forest and in the mountains

Lechtal in Tirol

The Lech is one of the last wild rivers in Europe. The area is a hotspot for species living in riparian forests and gravel banks, such as rare dragonflies and amphibians.

Lechtal in Tirol

Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area

The area, which is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Beech Forests", is home to old-growth forests and rare species such as the lynx and black stork.

Wilderness area

Grossglockner high mountain region

Austria's highest mountain is home to a rich variety of Alpine flora and fauna, including ibex, grouse and many regional species.

High mountain region Großglockner

The Montafon

The region's remarkable biodiversity is reflected in Alpine meadows, mountain forests and high moors with rare plant species and a large number of bird species.

Montafon

The Ötztal

Alpine meadows, forests and glacier zones provide a habitat for rare plants, ibex, marmots and numerous birds.

Ötztal

The Zillertal

Rare plants such as edelweiss, gentian and Alpine rush thrive on the Alpine meadows. Forests provide a habitat for animals such as chamois, marmots and capercaillie.

Zillertal

Gschmitz

A natural setting in Stubai, where dense forest and agricultural meadows alternate. The oldest larch trees here are 400 years old.

Gschmitz

Biodiversity in protected nature

Hohe Tauern National Park

Austria's largest national park is an important conservation area for Alpine ecosystems. Ibexes and bearded vultures live and many Alpine plant species grow here.

Hohe Tauern National Park

Danube Floodplain National Park

The region comprises one of the last intact floodplain landscapes in Europe and is home to many endangered animal and plant species such as the European pond turtle.

Donau-Auen National Park

Kalkalpen National Park

Austria's largest forest wilderness is protected here: With 42 orchid species, 1,500 butterflies and returning species such as the golden eagle, lynx and otter.

Kalkalpen National Park

Lake Neusiedl-Seewinkel National Park

As part of a steppe area, this region is home to an extraordinary variety of bird species, including migratory and rare breeding birds.

Lake Neusiedl National Park

Gesäuse National Park

Typical of this mountainous region are its numerous limestone formations and species-rich flora and fauna, including the feathered pink and the sandpiper.

Gesäuse National Park

Thayatal National Park

The "Valley of Diversity" is a precious habitat for endangered species such as otters and wildcats that live in the forest wilderness.

Thayatal National Park

Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve

As a UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Vienna Woods offer an extraordinary mixture of near-natural forests, meadows and diverse wildlife.

Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal

The region is a model for sustainable development and is home to Alpine habitats with a variety of plant and animal species.

Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal

UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Reserve

Designated a biosphere park by UNESCO in 2012, the Nockberge mountains are a model region for biodiversity and sustainable development.

Nockberge Biosphere Reserve
Kalkalpen National Park, Upper Austria: Ranger Hermann Jansesberger

"In the national park, nature is allowed to develop entirely on its own terms."

Hermann Jansenberger, Ranger in the Kalkalpen National Park, Upper Austria

How does Austria protect and promote biodiversity?

Creating protected areas

Protected areas play a vital role in preserving habitats, plant and animal species, as well as Austria's natural resources. Where human impact is minimal or sustainable, nature thrives. These areas include national parks, nature parks, biosphere reserves, and the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area, often referred to as Austria's "jungle."

National parks and nature parks

Restoring wild river landscapes

One of the many ecosystems worth protecting is wild river landscapes. However, some waterways need to be restored to their natural state to ensure biodiversity. A successful example of conservation is the Isel River in Tirol, which was designated a Natura 2000 protected area in 2015.

Pleasure hiking on the Iseltrail

Protecting moorland landscapes

Moorland landscapes are home to an incomparable diversity of species. Moors also play a central role in the landscape water balance and as effective CO₂ reservoirs. With the Peatland Strategy Austria 2030+ is working sustainably on the conservation and restoration of wetlands.

Tannermoor nature reserve

Managing Alpine pastures sustainably

The history of Austrian Alpine pasture farming goes back several hundred years. To this day, this special ecosystem creates a balance between humans and animals. Species-rich Alpine pastures store water better and prevent erosion.

Alpine hut villages

Climate Protection Tips

What can we do to protect biodiversity?

  • Respect nature: Stick to marked trails and take your rubbish with you.

  • Opt for sustainable mobility: Use public transport or explore by bike.

  • Be mindful of wildlife: Observe animals from a safe distance.

  • Make conscious (and organic) choices: Choose local, sustainable food and products.

  • Learn about biodiversity: The rangers in Austria’s national parks are happy to share their knowledge.

Travel sustainably

Climate Protection Tips

What can we do to protect the forest?

  • Follow the rules: Look out for signs at the forest edge.

  • Stay on the paths: The forest floor is home to young plants and small animals that need space to thrive.

  • Take your rubbish with you: Don’t leave litter behind.

  • Respect the trees: Carving initials into bark can damage trees and invite disease or pests.

  • Keep it quiet: Noise causes stress for wildlife.

  • Avoid fire risks: No smoking or campfires in the forest.

  • Keep dogs on a lead: For the safety of both wildlife and your pet.

FAQs

Biodiversity in Austria encompasses the variety of animal and plant species, as well as their habitats, such as forests, alpine regions, lakes, and rivers. It also includes the genetic diversity within species. Austria is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring a wide range of ecosystems and species, including rare and endangered ones. Protecting and preserving biodiversity are vital goals to maintain natural habitats and ecological balance.

Austria actively promotes biodiversity through initiatives such as creating protected areas, restoring wild river landscapes, conserving wetlands, and supporting sustainable alpine pasture management. These efforts significantly contribute to preserving the country’s native species. The Biodiversity Strategy Austria 2030+ outlines measures to sustainably protect biological diversity and its habitats, including:

  • Effective protection and interconnection of ecologically valuable habitats

  • Restoration of ecosystems vital for biodiversity and climate protection

  • Reducing land consumption

  • Improving legal frameworks to safeguard biodiversity

  • Ensuring funding for biodiversity conservation and supporting biodiversity-promoting projects

  • Increasing public and economic appreciation for biodiversity

  • Enhancing scientific knowledge to achieve biodiversity targets

Everyone can contribute to protecting Austria's rich biodiversity. Our behaviour directly impacts the ecosystem. Here are five tips from the University of Vienna to help safeguard nature:

  1. Consume less: Make smarter purchasing decisions to reduce waste and conserve resources.

  2. Eat less meat: Reduce meat consumption and choose sustainably sourced options to benefit the environment and biodiversity.

  3. Shop organic, seasonal, and local: Choose environmentally friendly products with shorter transport routes.

  4. Pay for quality: Support high-quality products, ideally organic, to promote sustainable practices.

  5. Reduce your ecological footprint: Opt for train travel instead of flying and avoid single-use plastics.

Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth. Today, we know of 1.74 million species of animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms, all of which play a role in maintaining the planet’s delicate balance.

The greater the biodiversity, the healthier the ecosystems. When ecosystems thrive, critical processes such as pollination by bees, natural pest control, protection from natural disasters, and the availability of clean drinking water are ensured.

This is why Austria and its regions are deeply committed to protecting and sustainably managing biodiversity to preserve nature’s equilibrium. Protecting biodiversity is essential not only for future generations who will rely on these resources but also for ensuring that the natural beauty of Austria continues to serve as a source of inspiration and recreation.

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