In 2026, the focus will be on animals representing a wide variety of habitats – from mountain forests and species-rich meadows to the nocturnal airspace. Particularly gratifying is the fact that several of the award-winning species are native to the Ammergau Alps Nature Park. They impressively demonstrate the value and diversity of our landscape. We would like to introduce four of these "Animals of the Year 2026" here.
Red deer – the king of the forests
The red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) was named Wildlife of the Year in 2026. As the largest native land mammal in Europe, it is a symbol of near-natural, extensive forest landscapes. The red deer is particularly well-known for the autumn rut, when the stags impress their rivals with loud bellowing and compete for the favor of the females.
In the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, red deer find suitable habitats in extensive mountain forests, quiet retreats, and structurally diverse forest edges. During the rut in autumn, the impressive calls of the stags can be heard particularly well in the Graswang and Ammer valleys. Good connectivity between habitats is crucial so that the animals can move between their summer and winter ranges. In winter, the red deer feeding station in Graswang offers the opportunity to observe the animals up close without disturbing them, as well as providing an important gathering point that also helps to keep the animals away from sensitive forest regeneration areas.
The feeding times can be found in the event calendar. See the dates.
Alpine salamander – a specialist of the mountain world
The Alpine salamander ( Salamandra atra ) is the amphibian of the year 2026 and a true symbol of the Alps. Its deep black coloration, stocky build, and unique reproductive method make it one of a kind: unlike most amphibians, the Alpine salamander gives birth to fully developed young.
In the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, it lives in cool, damp mountain forests, on alpine meadows, and in rocky terrain at altitudes between approximately 800 and 2.000 meters above sea level – in Bavaria, it is found exclusively within this elevation range. The animals are primarily active at night and in the early morning hours when humidity is high. After heavy rainfall, especially following a prolonged dry spell, they can even be observed during the day with a bit of luck. Anyone who is observant on such rainy days has a good chance of encountering this special inhabitant of the Alps. The Alpine salamander is very sensitive to drought and climate change and is therefore an important indicator of intact, moist habitats in the Alpine region.
Dusky Large Blue butterfly – a butterfly with a complex life
The Dusky Large Blue ( Phengaris nausithous ) has been chosen as the Butterfly of the Year 2026. This rather inconspicuous butterfly is a true wonder of nature, as its life cycle is closely linked to two other species: the Great Burnet as its food plant and certain red ants, in whose nests the caterpillars develop.
In the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, the Large Blue butterfly is found primarily in species-rich wet meadows and hay meadows, as well as on the slopes of meadows managed with haymaking. The butterflies are particularly easy to observe along the meadow path. The best approach is to stay on the path and look out from the edge – the butterflies are often clearly visible without having to enter the sensitive meadows. A helpful tip: keep an eye out for Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), as the Large Blue butterfly is often not far away where this plant grows. Even small changes, such as mowing too early or draining the meadows, can disrupt this delicate balance and endanger entire populations.
Tip: At the tourist information office in Oberammergau, you can examine a dusky large blue butterfly under a microscope.
Wartbiter – Voice of the species-rich meadows
And now to our most important award winner: Our mascot "Warzi," the wart-biter ( Decticus verrucivorus ), holds the title of Insect of the Year 2026. This striking, large bush-cricket is easily heard on warm summer days due to its loud, rasping song. It owes its unusual name to an old folk belief that its bite could cure warts.
In the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, the wart-biter butterfly – similar to the scarce large blue butterfly – lives on species-rich meadow slopes and extensively managed alpine pastures. With patience, it can often be observed from the roadside. The wart-biter prefers meadows that are not mowed or are only mowed infrequently, and requires a diverse habitat structure: short and long grass, bare patches of ground for egg-laying, and sufficient warmth. It feeds both on plants and by preying on small insects. In many regions, it is threatened by intensive agricultural use. In the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, it still enjoys comparatively good conditions, as farmers manage the species-rich meadows carefully and with minimal intensity.
Tip: You can also admire "Warzi" under a microscope at the Oberammergau Tourist Information Center. For kids, there's also a "Warzi" plush toy available for purchase in our online shop and at the tourist information centers.
Taking responsibility together
The "Animals of the Year 2026" represent the diversity of nature in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park – but also its vulnerability. Whether mountain forest, meadow, or night sky: only if we preserve, connect, and sustainably use habitats can these species survive in our region in the long term.
The Ammergau Alps Nature Park Association makes an important contribution to this – together with land users, communities and all those who appreciate and protect our unique landscape.
Why these species count
Each of these species represents a unique challenge in nature conservation: from protecting large, contiguous forest areas and maintaining species-rich wetlands and meadows to preserving near-natural habitats for nocturnal species. Their designation as "Animals of the Year" helps to draw attention to these often silent, yet ecologically important inhabitants of our landscape – and reminds us how vital our work in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park is.
Further information about the Nature of the Year can be found on the NABU website.