So what
about Quiétude?

Quiet period: 1st December–30 June

In the Vosges massif, the population has dropped to a very low level and the species is now critically endangered. We all need to make an effort if the species is to be saved in the Vosges massif. As visitors and professionals, we all need to contribute, all year round, if we are to reverse the current trend.

The wood grouse is one of the most emblematic birds of the Hautes-Vosges. It is to be found in the fir-beech forest, where it finds plenty of large trees and the bilberry cover it needs for protection and food during summer.

In winter, the wood grouse spends most of its time in the conifers where it eats the pine and fir needles. This food provides little energy despite the length of time the bird spends feeding! During this difficult period, any disturbance may cause the animal to flee, which demands a lot of energy.
These stressful conditions can lead to lower reproduction rates, outbreaks of disease and even death from exhaustion.

The mating and rearing period in spring and early summer is also critical to the species’ survival.

Quiet period: 1st February–30 June

After coming close to extinction in Western Europe, a ban on harmful substances has helped the species to recover. It is at home in the remote natural environments in the Vosges massif, which explains why it is so sensitive to disturbance.

The peregrine falcon is a medium-sized diurnal bird prey with a wing span of about a metre. It feeds almost exclusively on birds that it captures in flight.
During the breeding season, the couple perform some spectacular aerial acrobatics. During vertical dives, the species can reach speeds of 350 kph, making it the fastest bird in the world.

The peregrine falcon builds its nest on steep, clear rock faces, where it can be found from early February to late June. The peregrine falcon is a particularly timid species. It needs peace and quiet during the nesting and rearing period or may otherwise abandon its nest.

Quiet period: 1st February–31 May

The common raven is the largest passerine species in Europe. It looks like the carrion crow but is distinguished by its wingspan, comparable to that of the common buzzard, and by the characteristic hoarse squawking it makes while flying.

Unlike the carrion crow and the rook, the common raven is a species protected by French law.

The species usually nests on a rock face. From February onwards, the couple build their nest and occupy it until the youngsters take off at the end of May. The common raven is a timid species. Repeated disturbances can cause to adults to abandon the nest.

Quiet period: 1st December–31 July

The Eurasian eagle-owl is the largest nocturnal bird of prey you will encounter in Europe. Standing on the ground, it measures 70 cm tall and has a 180 cm wing span. With its impressive size, it is able to capture large prey such as hedgehogs or hares, and sometimes even bigger animals.

The eagle-owl nests in rocky environments where it reigns supreme. It is not uncommon for it to feed on other birds of prey such as the common kestrel or its rival, the peregrine falcon.

Unlike the peregrine falcon and the common raven, the Eurasian eagle-owl stays at its nesting site all year round. Nonetheless, the most sensitive period for the species is while nesting and rearing its young, which can start in December and last until the end of July.

Quiet period: 1st November–31 March

In winter, when there are no insects around, the metabolism of bats slows down to preserve their fat reserves and help them see the season through. They usually find refuge in underground habitats such as former mining or military galleries, tunnels or abandoned cellars.

This little bat is in a lethargic state:

• body temperature: 0–4°C
• heart rate: 11–25 pulsations/minute
• respiration: periods of apnoea of up to 90 minutes

It will still lose a third of its weight by the end of winter. During this critical period, a disturbance is likely to wake the animal suddenly, forcing it to draw on its reserves.

The Chamois is a characteristic mountain species. In the Vosges, it can be found from an altitude of 400 metres up to the highest peaks. It is particularly fond of rocky environments and scree above altitudes of 900 metres, both in the forest and on the high stubble.

During the summer months, the Chamois mainly feeds on grassy and deciduous species. In winter, its diet is much less nutritious and it spends more time searching for food. It therefore moves over a wider area, often through thick layers of snow and in harsh weather conditions. In 50 cm of snow, the Chamois spends six times more energy moving around than on bare land. By the end of winter, the Chamois can lose up to half its weight.

These conditions are already tough enough so any disturbance will cause added stress and may force the animal to flee, which can compromise the animal’s survival.