Viennese wildlife: foxes, ground squirrels & Co. are conquering the city!

Viennese wildlife: foxes, ground squirrels & Co. are conquering the city!

In recent years, Vienna has increasingly developed into a hotspot for urban wildlife. At the same time, there are not only people in the city, but also numerous animal species that have adapted to the conditions of the urban space. The red fox in particular, a true masterpiece of adaptability, has established itself as a prominent city resident. Loud Garden house This cool little creature can be found not only in the outskirts, but also in inner-city districts, where it often causes mischief in front gardens, parks or quiet alleys in the early morning or late evening hours.

The intelligence and adaptability of foxes are impressive. They are able to find optimal living conditions in urban areas. There is enough food, water and places to retreat, especially in neighborhood gardens with dense plantings. They are also skilled swimmers and climbers, which helps them withstand many of the challenges of urban life. O1 reports that over 2,000 sightings of foxes have been recorded in Vienna since 2015, with the 9th district being the most popular location.

Life in the urban jungle

Although the city offers many advantages, living in urban environments also presents challenges for wildlife. The destruction of natural habitats by construction projects and fragmentation by roads make animal migration much more difficult, which could endanger the region's biodiversity. Wild animals such as foxes, raccoons and pigeons exhibit behavioral changes to cope with human presence. The adaptability of these animals is a fascinating testament to the resilience of nature.

In Vienna there are also other notable animal species that live in urban areas. Ground squirrels, the protected small rodents, are mainly found on the Perchtoldsdorfer Heide and in the Hirschstetten flower gardens. These diurnal animals find habitats in unsealed meadows and natural areas, which underlines the importance of natural areas in urban areas.

The diversity of Vienna's wildlife

When you think about the wildlife in Vienna, you cannot fail to mention the diversity of bird species. Kestrels nest on tall buildings while swifts dart through the narrow streets. Owls and great spotted woodpeckers can also be found in the city's older trees. Exotic species such as the kingfisher and the mandarin duck regularly stop off in Vienna's waters, which not only promotes ecological diversity but also enriches the everyday cityscape.

Beavers and otters can also be observed, particularly in bodies of water such as the Danube Canal, the Old Danube or the Lobau. This return not only shows the good water quality, but also the natural design of many riparian areas, which are increasingly becoming habitats for wild animals. Living Green emphasizes how important it is to maintain such green spaces in order to offer animals a place of refuge and to promote harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

The experiences and observations surrounding wild animals in the city make it clear that the preservation of habitats and the creation of ecological corridors are crucial in order to enable more biodiversity and harmonious coexistence in urban areas in the long term. In times when urbanization is constantly increasing, it is even more important to pay attention to the return and protection of our wild animals.