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Varied in its geology and climate, the Diois is a mosaic of ecological and bio-geographical contrasts.
Within just a few kilometers as the crow flies one can pass from beaver territory to that of the grey heron on the banks of the river Drome, from the range of the golden eagle at the cliffs of Glandasse mountain to that of the Mediterranean warbler, or grouse native to the tundra of Greenland.







   
For the biologist, professional or amateur, this diversity offers an exciting range of subjects. For those simply curious about nature, it offers an opportunity to observe within one region a range of wildlife that one would normally have to travel vast distances to see.

Although the animals are not always disposed to make themselves available to observers, here are some descriptions of the local wildlife that those who are lucky or patient may be able to experience at first hand in the Diois – and where to look for them.



For further details about the Reserve, click on the link to
Hiking in the Nature Reserve on this site, or visit
the site of the Vercors Regional National Park.

A note
for walkers hikers
and animal watchers

If your route takes you into the Réserve des Hauts Plateaux, the nature sanctuary within the Vercors Regional Natural Park,
do not be tempted to take your dog with you (even on a lead), to disturb any wildlife
you come across,
or to collect wildflowers.

Other rules forbid fires, littering and mountain bikes on all except one trail.
The park rangers are vigilant and they carry binoculars,
so even if you don’t see them, they may well see you.
They are friendly and helpful, but they are also very serious about preventing the wildlife from being disturbed,
and breaking the rules
can result in hefty fines.

Griffon Vultures

  
   

Vultures have been reintroduced into the wild in the Diois and can often be seen gliding over the Glandasse plateau and the cliffs towering over the road from Die to the Col de Rousset.


Local vulture enthusiast Jean-Pierre Choisy writes : “Despite traveling distances that can reach several dozen kilometers, the Griffon vultures of the Diois maintain the area of Chamaloc as their home base. They spent several years caged there, which familiarized them with the area, and there are still birds of the same stock in captivity there, providing a further attachment to the place. The vultures are also fed in the area, so they do not have to depend solely on carrion they can scavenge in the Diois and the southern Vercors.”

The best places to observe the vultures are :
- The upper areas of Chamaloc (the Commune or Municipality of Chamaloc, not the village itself), the southernmost slope of the Col de Rousset. For most of the year, the best chances of seeing the vultures are from the road from the village of Chamaloc up towards Col de Rousset, in particular on the cliffs to the east of the tunnel that leads into Col de Rousset. It is a spectacular road and there are plenty of places to pull off and park so you can enjoy the views and the vultures.

·- The lower areas of the Commune of Chamaloc : when it is particularly cold and when there is weak wind or no wind at all, the best places to see the vultures are between the village of Chamaloc and Die.

The best time to see the vultures :
With a sustained wind, vultures can remain in flight from the first rays of dawn to the end of the day, but the best time to see them fly is from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Jean-Pierre Choisy has launched a campaign to gather more information on the habits of the Griffon vultures, so for dedicated observers there is an opportunity to contribute to local knowledge about the birds. “Since the introduction of the core population at Chamaloc,” he says, “I have focused my efforts on following and studying their habits, such as the formation of couples, nesting, and the numbers of birds roosting together. However, comprehensive knowledge of what they do in the Diois, the Vercors and the surrounding areas depends to a great extent on the cooperation of regular volunteers and occasional contributors.
You can send your observations to me, and do not hesitate to contact me: +33 (0)4.75.21.34.39 or jean-pierre.choisy@pnr-vercors.fr (> he only speaks french).

  
   
Ibex  
   
In 1989 and 1990, a programme to reintroduce ibex was conducted by the Vercors Regional Natural Park.

Sixteen females and twelve males, bred in the Vanoise National Park, near Chambéry in the Alps, were released into the area of the Cirque d'Archiane, where massive limestone cliffs tower around the end of a narrow valley.

Today, there are approximately 300 ibex in the area and on the eastern edge of the Vercors. The ibex are hardy ruminants and although they are reclusive, it is possible to see them, especially in spring and autumn.

A trip into the magnificent the Cirque d’Archiane is a treat in any case and you may also be rewarded with a glimpse of these impressive animals.		  
   
Marmots  
   
A single word is usually enough to conjure the image of a marmot for anyone who has ever encountered one in its native Alpine meadows : Whistle. The piercing cry of a marmot unmistakably announces its presence (and, in fact, is designed to alert its companions of your presence).
Once common in the Vercors, the marmot survives, in recent years, in several small communities, mostly above the town of Villard de Lans.
Some unofficial releases in the region, and then some official releases by the Fédération Rhône-Alpes de protection de la nature have enabled marmot populations to re-establish themselves on the Vercors plateau, notably around two principle cores : the area of Villard de Lans, Château Bernard and St Andéol; and the area of Chichilianne and the Vallon de Combeau.
The re-establishment of the marmot population is still not assured, but the work continues, with financial assistance from the Vercors Regional Natural Park.

The place to look for marmots in the Diois is the Vallon de Combeau. There is quite an active community beyond the mountain hut L’Essaure, along the trail towards Chamousset after the Col du Creuson. The marmots are most active in the morning, however, and since it takes about two hours to hike there from the nearest parking area, you will have to get up early if you want to hear that famous whistle.
  
   
Chamois  
   
The distinctive shape of the chamois has long been a common feature of the mountains. The animals are easily recognizable and the only difficulty in identifying them from a distance lies in distinguishing male from female.

The chamois has been established in the Vercors since ancient times, but in the last twenty years or so, its population has dwindled. So much so that hunting them has been banned for ten years. The ban has helped to restore the stock of chamois to approximately 500 animals, which is still a relatively low density of one to two chamois per 100 hectares.
The Chamois of the Vercors are often found in the forests and on rocky outcrops, and it is not uncommon to see them in the mountains and sub-alpine areas among the young oaks and boxwoods. But you will need to get up early and take a long walk across alpine meadows, forests and across rocky ground to find them. They are wary animals and will not allow people close to them; be sure to take binoculars with you if you want to see them clearly.

A good place to look for Chamois is close to the Col de Rousset. Coming from the direction of Die, park just before the tunnel leading into Col de Rousset. The hiking trail GR 93 crosses the parking area. (GR stands for Grande Randonnée and signifies a network of well-maintained marked hiking paths around France.) Take either direction: to the east towards the Col Nature and the But Sapiau, or to the west towards the rocks of Chironne.

  
   
And there are many other wonderful animals in the Diois : if you explore the local rivers you may find traces left by the busy teeth of beavers; in the woods and mountains you are quite likely to come across areas of grass and moss uprooted by wild boar looking for food.

Much of the area is still wild, which makes it possible for all these wonderful creatures to thrive in peace.

So if you do encounter some of the wild animals of the Diois, please observe them from a distance and do not disturb them; you will help to preserve the wonderful tranquility and rich diversity of the Diois for all to appreciate.