ANIMALS
The abundant mammal life
of the Cévennes is sensibly very shy of Man, but if you are careful,
you will be rewarded with glimpses of sanglier (wild boar), otters, and
beavers. Large flocks of sheep become quite playful as they are sent up
to the higher slopes for the summer (the transhumance takes place in
early June), free to roam over tasty pastures and wild open
places.
Birdlife is one of the
highlights of the region. Penquin-suited dippers stand out against
the snowy river banks in winter as wagtails bob up and down.
Overhead, lonely birds of prey, such as golden eagles, buzzards and
red kites circle the skies, and may swoop through a group of majestic
griffon vultures as they cruise the heavens, or cling to the cliff
faces. Busy crag martins share the river with the many herons, and
lesser, greater and green woodpeckers flit through the wooded
valleys.
Such abundant foodsource
gives rise to a multitude of insect life. Butterflies abound in the
spring, giving way to less delicate crickets and praying mantis in
the autumn. Reptiles such as green lizards and snakes (including
several species of viper) scurry away, and on a wet night, you may be
rewarded with a golden salamander the size of a dinner
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