Wild neighbors
The whole of Switzerland
Year-round
Environment
Many of the animals in local areas avoid people, live out of sight, in hiding or only coming out at night. The project Wilde Nachbarn (“Wild Neighbors”) aims to help us to see and experience these secret residents. To do this, we’re collecting wildlife observations with the help of members of the public. Over time, these chance encounters will give us a good idea of the presence and distribution of various species. According to the latest research, biodiversity in urban areas is astonishingly high, comparable to the diversity in an average forest or agricultural area. Those who take the time will discover an abundance of exciting and fascinating wildlife in their garden or on the way to work or school.
Duration:
self-determined
Location:
All over Switzerland, specifically Pfannenstiel, Solothurn, Thurgau, as well as the Lower Engadine and the cantons of Valais and Zug.
How it will work:
Record any wildlife encounters (ideally via photo, video or audio recording) and upload it to the Wilde Nachbarn platform.
Tasks:
To report any wildlife you may observe in Switzerland, specifically Pfannenstiel, Solothurn, Thurgau, as well as the Lower Engadine and the cantons of Valais and Zug. The best way to record an encounter is via photo, video or audio. To report any hints of animal activity you may come across, such as animal droppings, fox dens, vole burrows or molehills. You can report your observations at any time via the StadtWildTiere platform, but only encounters with wild animals, i.e., no house pets or animals that have been fed or tamed.
Requirements:
Time for observing and recording wildlife
You must adhere to the code of conduct for observing wildlife:
- Do not attempt to feed, tame, catch or touch animals
- Do not disturb the animals. Only observe / photograph them from a distance
- Do not enter into / touch any dens or nests
- Keep to main paths when walking in the woods at night
- Keep out of restricted areas in nature reserves
Image copyright: Marcus Bohler (also used on eScreens and social media)
Project language
German
The association StadtNatur is an initiative of the SWILD Urban Ecology and Wildlife Research Association in Zurich. Founded on 2 October 2013, SWILD aims to promote biodiversity in inhabited areas.