Mountains are among the most striking and ecologically important landscapes in Europe, shaped over millions of years by the movement of tectonic plates. From the towering peaks of the Alps to the rugged slopes of the Scandinavian mountains, these environments host a remarkable diversity of life adapted to extreme and changing conditions.
Beyond their ecological value as biodiversity reservoirs, mountains are important for human societies, contributing to water cycle regulation, agriculture and tourism, and holding deep cultural significance for communities. However, these ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from climate change, habitat fragmentation, expanding infrastructure and mass tourism.
Understanding the health of mountain ecosystems can be challenging, but certain species offer valuable insights. Some shape their environment, others reflect its condition, and some disrupt it when introduced beyond their natural range. In this article, we explore three such species—the alpine marmot, the Golden Aagle and the American mink—to better understand the challenges facing Europe’s mountains today.
