Life in the rock walls of the Julian alps
Habitats in Triglav National Park
There are protected climbing routes along and across the ridges, which can only be tackled by experienced mountaineers. The weather at these altitudes changes rapidly. Strong winds and snow are not unusual even during the summer months. Due to the freezing of water in the cracks, the terrain is very crumbly and unstable. The conditions for life are harsh, but even here, small plants and resilient animals have found their place.
The highest growing plant in the mountains is the community of the Triglav rose. Next to this dazzling flower you can also find the Alpine fescue, sandwort, King of the Alps, saxifrage and Swiss jasmin. They all have distinctive cushion-like growth and extremely variegated flowers. In the fissures we find our only bellflower with a closed sepal - the Zois' bellflower. Higher in the mountains where the living conditions are extremely difficult, only algae and lichens that grow on barren stone terrain can be found.
Rock cavities are a popular nesting site for the alpine chough. These skilful flyers are often seen soaring among summits. The alpine swift and the wall creeper can be found among the steep rocks.With some luck we can also spot the golden eagle.