Wildlife disturbance and winter recreational activities in Alpine protected areas: Recommendations for successful management

Abstract

Winter recreational activities such as ski touring, free riding snow sports and snowshoeing have become ever more popular in the Alps in recent decades, with increases in both the number of activities and user demand. Increased human presence in Alpine natural zones causes disturbance to wildlife and its behaviour, leading to psychological stress responses and increased nutritional and energy requirements. Alpine protected areas have set up management strategies and tools in order to protect wildlife and its habitats while preserving high levels of outdoor recreation value. In the present article, we give an overview of best practices of visitor management and information campaigns in Alpine protected areas. Based on existing knowledge and experience gathered during an international workshop of the Alpine network of protected areas, we highlight five components that are crucial for the successful management of winter recreational activities and provide recommendations for management practice.