
Wildlife
The flora and fauna of the Zermatt valley and mountains are beautiful and fascinating. Of course neither plant nor animal life is particularly diverse at these altitudes owing to the harsh climate and terrain and the relatively short time that has elapsed since the whole lot was covered by ice.
But this gives us a fascinating insight into how plants establish themselves on bare rock and the process of colonisation whereby barren ground which only a few hardy pioneers can cling on to quickly becomes verdant meadow and woodland. Whatever the Alps may lack in species diversity they more than make up for in ingenious adaptations to the harsh environment and brilliant survival techniques.