The wildlife of the Dolomites is remarkably rich and diverse, shaped by a mosaic of environments ranging from dense forests to high-altitude scree slopes, from wetlands to alpine meadows. These mountains are home to some of the most iconic species of the Alps, alongside many lesser-known animals of great ecological value.
The chamois is one of the most characteristic animals of the Dolomites, often seen moving across alpine meadows and steep slopes with remarkable agility.
This page provides an overview of the wildlife of the Dolomites and gives access to detailed pages dedicated to some of the most characteristic species of this region.
Together with flora and vegetation, wildlife represents one of the greatest natural assets of this unique mountain environment.
Discover the animals of the Dolomites
Below you can find some of the main species: click on each one to learn more.
Mammals
Wildlife and natural environment
The presence of animals is closely linked to the environment in which they live. Forests provide shelter and food for many species, while alpine meadows and rocky areas host animals adapted to harsher conditions.
During a hike, observing wildlife also means learning to read the landscape. The presence of certain species is often connected to specific types of vegetation, especially trees.
To truly understand the wildlife of the Dolomites, it is useful to become familiar with the main tree species as well. You can explore this topic in the page dedicated to the trees of the Dolomites.
The animals of the Dolomites
The Dolomites are famous not only for their spectacular landscapes, but also for their geological and biological diversity. This extraordinary mountain environment hosts a wide variety of animal life, including many easily recognisable species such as the red deer and the chamois. At the same time, there are numerous other species — especially among invertebrates — that are still little known and only partially studied.
Mammals
Among the mammals, some of the most characteristic species include the chamois, the red deer, the Alpine ibex, the marmot, the fox, the badger, the pine marten and the stoat. The mouflon can also be found in certain areas, having been introduced in parts of the province of Belluno in the 1970s.
Amphibians and Reptiles
In wet environments it is easy to encounter amphibians such as the fire salamander, with its striking black-and-yellow colouring, and the alpine newt. In sunnier and drier areas, reptiles such as the adder and the asp (Vipera aspis) are more frequently observed.
Birds and High-Altitude Species
Birdlife in the Dolomites is particularly rich and varied. Among the most emblematic species are the golden eagle, the western capercaillie and the black grouse, the Eurasian eagle-owl, the goshawk and the rock ptarmigan.
A special mention should be made of the bearded vulture, or lammergeier, which has been repeatedly observed soaring and perching on the cliffs of the Tofana massif.
There is hope that this magnificent bird of prey may one day return to nesting in the area.
On the high-altitude alpine meadows it is common to find the marmot, which lives in large colonies, as well as the rock ptarmigan.
Like the mountain hare and the stoat, it is well known for its seasonal change of plumage or coat, turning white in winter to blend into the snowy landscape.
Rare species and recent returns
In recent years, species such as the brown bear, the lynx and the golden jackal have reappeared in the Dolomites of Ampezzo. There have been several eyewitness reports of these animals in different areas, but at present their presence cannot be considered stable.
Only the wolf seems to have found in this region a suitable habitat in which to establish itself permanently. More information on this topic can be found on the website of the Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park.