The results of the 2013–2016 atlas: an overview

The state of birdlife reflects our relationship with nature and the environment. The fact that 39 % of Swiss breeding birds are on the 2010 Red List and a further 16 % are considered Near Threatened is a clear warning sign and an indication of the poor…

Number of breeding bird species

In 2013–2016, Switzerland accommodated 210 species of breeding birds. Between 8 and 140 species were found per atlas square. At low and medium altitudes, between 40 and 50 breeding bird species occupy each kilometre square; above the tree line, significantly…

Population numbers

Adding the estimated number of breeding pairs or territories in Switzerland for all species yields a total of just over ten million. About half of all birds breed below 1000 m. Urban and woodland areas accommodate the most breeding birds. The highest…

Change in species richness

There are marked regional differences in the change in species richness. In Switzerland overall, the number of breeding bird species increased between 1993–1996 and 2013–2016. The average number of species per atlas square is also slightly higher. At…

Population trends

The population trends of the individual breeding bird species between 1993–1996 and 2013–2016 are largely positive. The Swiss Bird Index SBI® has also increased slightly since 1990.

Forest

Our woods are of comparatively good ecological quality thanks to nature-friendly forest management. Deficits exist in the open pioneer phases and in the late stages of succession rich in deadwood and old growth. However, future challenges such as climate…

Wetlands, lakes and rivers

Negli ultimi 200 anni nel nostro Paese molti specchi e corsi d’acqua e molte zone umide sono stati fortemente modificati o persino distrutti. Con l’immissione di acque luride o l’espansione di specie estranee, molti di questi ecosistemi sono stati ulteriormente…

Mountains and Alpine habitats

The Alps are not only Switzerland's most characteristic landscape feature, they are also a symbol of our history and culture. The fate of their diverse habitats and rich biodiversity is inextricably linked to developments in agriculture, tourism and climate.

Farmland

Compared to our neighbouring countries, agriculture in Switzerland is largely dominated by small family farms. However, farming is generally very intensive. The process of intensification is increasingly spreading to mountain regions, too. Despite the…

Settlements and urban areas

Settlements are among the fastest growing types of land use in Switzerland. Built-up space expanded by almost one quarter between 1985 and 2009, outpacing population growth. Residential areas and leisure facilities in particular showed a strong increase.…

Human recreation

The natural environment is exposed to ever greater pressure from human recreation. Leisure activities in nature have seen a massive rise in popularity, and tourism infrastructure is constantly being expanded. Refuges for animals that are sensitive to…

Climate

The climate in Switzerland has shown a marked change in mean annual temperature in the past 30 years, with a steep rise in the late 1980s. Winters are becoming shorter, vegetation develops earlier in the year, and glaciers are in rapid retreat.