WILDLIFE

Rich and varied animal life
The same hoofed and meat-eating animals are found in the Choranche cirque as in the general neighbourhood (chamois, deer, foxes, badgers, etc.). The chamois is particularly at home here because it is man rather than the climate that drove it into the more inaccessible areas of the high mountains. Rock climbers with their brightly coloured tight pants are not the only beings to be found in this special environment. On the contrary, all the various levels in the food chain are to be found. At the top of the chain can be found the nest-building birds of prey such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, lesser kestrel and eagle owl, including the tawny owl.

Plant life
Thanks to the cliffs that face due south Choranche is sheltered from the north wind and enjoys exceptional sunshine, creating a typical micro-climate. Consequently plants normally found further south thrive here, such as thuriferous juniper, mock privet, blue cupidon and Leuzea conifera. The dominant species are box and durmast oak that give the Choranche cirque a real Mediterranean feel.