Lyrurus tetrix

CH — Near Threatened

CH — Scarce resident, breeder

In Switzerland, black grouse are mountain dwellers, found exclusively at altitudes between 1400 and 2300 metres above sea level. During the harsh winter, the birds conserve their precious energy by spending most of the day sheltering from the wind and cold in self-dug snow burrows. It takes enormous effort for them to leave their refuge — for example, if they are startled by skiers, boarders or snowshoers. For this reason, wildlife sanctuaries have been established in winter sports regions. These protected areas are designed to ensure that wildlife is not disturbed by humans.