Designated Wildlife Areas and Wildlife Reserves

Although several cantons had already established wildlife protection areas where hunting was forbidden as early as the 16th and 17th century, the institution of “Banngebiete” (protected areas for wildlife) did not come into being until the first Federal Act on Hunting and Bird Protection came into force in 1875. These nationally designated areas were meant to offer refuge to heavily decimated populations of wild ungulates (mammals with hooves – e.g. chamois, roe deer) and ungulates that had nearly become extinct (deer, ibexes).

The wildlife situation has changed dramatically since then: These days, with hunting well regulated in Switzerland and with complete protection offered in the “Banngebiete”, the wild ungulate populations have recovered and in some cases are now very large indeed.
At the same time, the increase in various human recreational activities has led to a situation in which more and more people now pass through wildlife habitats, thereby disturbing wildlife to an increasing extent. This can actually have deadly consequences for animals, especially in winter, since it can take a lot of energy to flee from areas filled with people – and that amount of energy can not necessarily be replenished during the cold season. Along with voluntary measures implemented by individuals who wish to take on responsibility, there are also laws and regulations in place to ensure that the protection goals outlined in the constitution are achieved. In an effort to separate people and animals both temporally and spatially, Switzerland has established two different types of protection zones – the (federal) wildlife reserves and the (cantonal) wildlife areas.

Wildlife reserves
The former federal hunting “Banngebiete” are now known as “Wildtierschutzgebiete” (wildlife reserves). The purpose of these reserves is to protect and support wild mammals and birds and their habitats. These days, it’s not so much the wild ungulates that are directly threatened with extinction but rather species such as the wood grouse, the rock partridge and the hazel grouse. Switzerland has 42 wildlife reserves with a total area of slightly more than 1,500 km2, which corresponds to around 3.5% of the country’s total land area . The wildlife reserves are meant to ensure that animals can live undisturbed in the most natural environment possible, and without being hunted. To this end, recreational activities such as snowshoeing, skiing and other types of winter sports may only be conducted on specially marked routes and paths (“erlaubte Wege”). In addition, camping in tents or in any other form is strictly prohibited, and dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in forests. No sporting event or any other type of event may be held in a wildlife reserve without the express approval of the relevant canton.

Hunting is also still prohibited in wildlife reserves, although the cantons are allowed to take action if ungulate populations get excessively large in certain areas. For example, they can designate certain zones as only partially protected and then implement a hunting plan previously approved by the federal government.

Wildlife reserves can also include parts of wildlife areas that are subject to more stringent regulations.

Wildlife areas
The purpose of “Wildruhezonen” (wildlife areas) is to protect wild mammals and birds from excessive disturbances and disruptions caused by human recreational activity. Wildlife areas are designated by the cantons. Approximately 1,800 km2 of land has been designated as wildlife areas in Switzerland.

These areas may not be used at all for recreation, or only used to a limited extent (i.e. in conjunction with regulations requiring hikers to stay on designated paths and trails). These rules usually apply during certain times of the year, although in some cases they remain in force the whole year round. Switzerland has both legally binding and recommended wildlife areas:

• Only authorised routes and trails may be used in legally binding wildlife areas and wildlife reserves, and violations here are subject to prosecution and penalties.
• The routes and trails that may be used in recommended wildlife areas are to be understood as recommended routes and trails.