Animal Diversity at High Altitudes in the Austrian Central Alps

Abstract

In the central Alps of Austria, culminating in the Großglockner mts. 3798 m a.s.l. (Hohe Tauern range) and Wildspitze 3774 m (Ötztal Alps), there are two important borders for animal life in the high alpine environment: the timberline and the snow line. Above the timberline at ca 2000 m vegetation changes from dwarf shrub heath to steppe-like grasslands (sedge mats) of (1) the alpine zone (ca. 2000–2700 m), which gradually fade into the grassland fragments of (2) the subnival zone (2600–3000 m); (3) the nival zone above the snow line at ca. 2900–3100 m is characterized by open-cushion vegetation, mosses and lichens remaining at extreme sites. Decrease in temperature and the short period of growth, habitat fragmentation, the effect of wind and snow distribution are the most important ecological factors at high altitudes (see Körner, this vol.) Distribution and zonation of animals in the high Alps have been studied for more than 100 years (Bäbler 1910; Franz 1943; Holdhaus 1954; Janetschek 1956,1993; Schmölzer 1962; Janetschek et al. 1987). A special fauna is found in the forefield of glaciers (Janetschek, 1949) and at the glacier surface itself. To survive under high alpine conditions, animals have evolved various morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations (Sømme 1989). Our report concentrates on the regional situation in the Central Alps, with emphasis on invertebrates, but neglecting Protozoa (see Foissner 1987). Further regional information can be found in Franz (1981), Patzelt (1987), Cernusca (1989); see also results obtained at Munt La Schera in the Suisse National Pare (Matthey et al. 1981). The fauna of the Alps is also discussed in general overviews of high altitude biology presented by Mani (1968) and Franz (1979).