Ramsar Conservation Area: Moors in the Wilder Kaiser Region

Conservation of wetlands and their biodiversity in the Kaiser Mountains

The Ramsar Convention is one of the oldest international treaties for nature conservation. Initiated by UNESCO and signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971, it focuses on the protection of wetlands of international importance. Today, 168 countries are party to the agreement.

An alpine meadow with a small stream reflecting sunlight, surrounded by pine trees in the Wilder Kaiser region under a clear sky.

The protected moorland area at the Wilder Kaiser.

What does all this have to do with the Wilder Kaiser?

There are currently 23 Ramsar sites in Austria, one of which is the Wilder Kaiser. The mountain range, which combines several types of wetlands, has been under the protection of the "Ramsar Convention" since 2013. In addition, the entire Kaiser Mountains have been a nature reserve since the 1960s. Even though both conservation agreements are the result of human endeavours, their purpose is to protect what was there long before humans arrived.

Facts, figures & data

Area: 37.8km²
Location: Kufstein, St. Johann in Tirol, Kirchdorf in Tirol, Going, Ellmau, Scheffau
Altitude: 480-2,344 m
Ramsar site since 2013

Mountain range of Wilder Kaiser rises above a forest in bright sunlight, with a clear blue sky in the background.

The high moor in Ellmau is part of the Ramsar conservation area.

Fauna & Flora

Peatlands from the Ice Age

If you look back far enough, you will come across incredible animals that once inhabited the Wilder Kaiser. Before the last ice age, cave bears, cave hyenas, cave lions and reindeer made their home in the "Koasa" - as proven by hundreds of bones found in the Tischhofer cave. Highly sensitive habitats such as the Hüttlmoos, Windwehenmoos and Steinbichlwaldmoor, which are all Ice Age relics, require comprehensive protection. While they were drained in the 1950s, they have been renaturalised thanks to the initiative of Österreichische Bundesforste AG, the largest landowner, and with the support of the province of Tyrol.

The moorland areas are home to numerous animal specialists such as rare dragonfly species, spiders, grasshoppers, beetles, butterflies and over 43 bird species. Fish, snails and mussels are not found in bogs. They lack calcium there. Special bog plants are the three carnivorous plants, the sundew, the butterwort and the water hose. You can also find mountain pines with various heather and bog plants and the interspersed dwarf birch.

The Wilder Kaiser mountains stand tall over dense forest and green meadows under a partly cloudy sky, creating a picturesque Alpine scene.

Close-up of a carnivorous sundew plant with dew-tipped leaves and a small insect. The vibrant colors and intricate details showcase the natural diversity of the Wild Kaiser region.

Close-up of delicate purple orchids in bloom, showcasing intricate patterns and vibrant colors against a blurred green background.

Close-up of a dragonfly perched on a blade of grass with blurred green and red plant background, capturing a sense of natural habitat and delicate detail.

Moor & More

On adventure trails through the nature reserve

Moorland adventure trails and hiking routes have also been designed with great care and creativity. Under the motto “Moor & More”, an “outdoor classroom” was created, featuring themed panels for self-guided excursions. Following the expert recommendation of Prof. Dr Gert Steiner from the University of Vienna, a significant section of the nature reserve – a karst landscape – was added to the Ramsar site alongside the most important moorland areas.