FAUNA : Abundant and varied wildlife - rich in varied wildlife

The Mercantour National Park is home to six species of large hoofed animals. The most well known are the chamois, the ibex and the argali sheep. Stags and roe deer inhabit woody areas whilst the wild boar is equally at home in all areas.

The region has been naturally repopulated by wolves arriving from Italy. The wolf is returning to France after being absent for more than 50 years.

The variety choice of habitat in the park encourages the presence of other, smaller mammals, such as marmots, varying hare, stoats, bats and many other species.

There are also many species of birds in the park : black grouse, ptarmigan, rock partridges…not forgetting the majestic flight of the birds of prey : short-toed eagle, royal eagle, buzzard…and since 1993 the bearded vulture, after several reintroduction programmes.

The insects founds here display an amazing range of colours much brighter than anywhere else.