Switzerland is very significant as a place of hibernation and resting for many species of migrating waterbirds. This applies in particular to Lake Constance, the Rhine and Aare rivers, Lake Neuchatel and the Lake of Geneva. Many of these birds arrive in Switzerland in October from their breeding areas of northern and eastern Europe and leave Switzerland again in the spring. Other areas are either of great importance as resting places for migrating species of waders or are used as a route over the Alps by vilene migratory birds. Depending on the area and its situation, there are restrictions or bans on activities that have detrimental effects on the animals and their habitats, for instance hunting, fishing, shipping or sports events.