Species protection in the climbing areas – Current information

Due to its specific local conditions, the cliff habitat offers unique living environments for specially adapted animal and plant species. For instance, certain bird species, known as cliff-nesting birds, use hard-to-reach niches or ledges on steep rock faces for their nests and eyries. These include protected species such as the peregrine falcon, Eurasian eagle-owl, Eurasian crag martin, wallcreeper, black stork, and northern raven. By inhabiting inaccessible rock faces, these species escape numerous predators and can dedicate themselves undisturbed to breeding and raising their young.

However, with the spread of recreational rock climbing, human use of cliff habitats has also grown, steadily increasing the pressure on this previously largely pristine environment. Birds are extremely sensitive, particularly during the breeding and rearing periods; disturbances can lead them to abandon incubated clutches and young offspring. This can result in the failure of an entire breeding season's reproductive output. For species with low reproduction rates, this already represents a significant and lasting negative impact on local populations.

According to § 18 Abs. 2 Z. 3 Styrian Nature Conservation Act, any intentional disturbance, especially during the breeding and rearing season, is prohibited. To enable a shared and conflict-free coexistence of protected bird species and mountain sports enthusiasts in the cliff habitat, flexible and temporary protection measures are implemented in Styria, adapted to the respective current circumstances.

If a rock face is inhabited by a protected bird species and breeding or rearing is actually taking place, experts from the Office of the Styrian Provincial Government assess whether climbing nearby routes would cause relevant disturbances. If this is the case, it is necessary to temporarily close routes with significant disturbance potential to protect the breeding and rearing process. For this purpose, appropriate warning signs are placed on-site, and up-to-date information is published on this homepage. All other routes in the vicinity that do not cause disturbances remain fully available for climbing.

As soon as the breeding season is over, the signs are removed, and climbing throughout the entire area is once again possible without concern or penalty. At parking lots in more frequently visited areas, additional information boards point out the potential presence of nesting birds and corresponding protection measures. A QR code can be used to access current information on breeding occurrences and routes with significant disturbance potential.

Protecting nesting birds in cliff habitats is an active contribution by the climbing community to nature and species conservation. We therefore ask you to report your sightings of nesting birds in rock faces to naturschutz@stmk.gv.at and to observe the guidelines provided below.

According to § 18 Abs. 2 Z. 3 Styrian Nature Conservation Act, any intentional disturbance is prohibited, especially during the breeding and rearing period. Compliance with this ban is monitored by the Steiermärkische Berg- und Naturwacht on behalf of the Styrian Government. Violations will be reported and prosecuted in accordance with the Styrian Nature Protection Act.