The Pointe de Chalune

5 points of interest

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  Dogs in natural areas

  Naturally, we'd love to see our dogs roaming freely in the wild. However, the impact of this unrestrained roaming has an adverse impact on wildlife. Their presence and their smell all negatively impact the environment. In Haute-Savoie, dogs are prohibited in nature reserves, except in the Contamines-Montjoie and Roc de Chère nature reserves on Lake Annecy, where they may accompany you as long as they are kept on a leash. The guard dogs present in the mountain pastures to protect the herds may perceive your dog as a threat. To avoid any awkward situations, please do not bring your dog onto the mountain pastures.
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  Herd guard dogs, or “Patous”

  The role of herd guard dogs (often known as patous, the name of the breed) is to protect herds from predators (wolves, lynx, dogs, etc.), day and night, on mountain pastures or closer to villages. They are often used in large numbers, particularly to deal with packs of wolves. HOW DOGS BEHAVE: 1. They sprint and approach to identify any threat. 2. They bark to warn and dissuade. BEHAVIOUR YOU SHOULD ADOPT WHEN MEETING A DOG: 1. Go around the herd without running, staying as far from it as possible 2. Signal to the dog by speaking calmly so as not to startle the dog. If the dog approaches, stop, do not stare into its eyes, hide your walking sticks (any aggression will amplify the aggressive behaviour of these dogs). Remember, these dogs are not trained to attack on sight but rather to deter.
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  Identifying birds of prey mid-flight

  Birds of prey are active during the day. There are four key factors in identifying a bird of prey: - Its size (in relation to other birds or to the terrain) - Its silhouette, particularly its tail: the common buzzard has a short tail with a rounded tip, while the red kite has a V-shaped tail. - Colour: the bearded vulture's light-coloured belly can be recognised from afar. - Behaviour: a vulture rarely flies alone; there are often 3 to 100 birds flying together in a flock, circling around their prey. The observation spot, the habitat and the season can also influence the identification of the species. Grab your binoculars!
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  Fauna

  The Golden Eagle

  It's a predator, armed for the hunt! Thanks to its large, wide wings, it glides high into the sky in search of prey. Its exceptional eyesight spots marmots (its favourite meal), hares, foxes or ptarmigan, and sometimes even young chamois or ibex! Its prominent eyebrow arch acts as a sun shield when it swoops down to snatch its prey. It is equipped with talons for grabbing and a powerful, hooked sharp beak for tearing flesh.
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  Small patrimony

  A mountain to share: Natura 2000 area

  The Roc d'Enfer area has been classified as a wildlife reserve since 1958 and a Natura 2000 area since 2006. The aim of Natura 2000 is to bring together and balance human activities and the protection of biodiversity. Like here, on this very site, where iconic species such as the Eurasian pygmy owl and rare species of flora like the famous Cypripedium calceolus (lady’s slipper orchid) can be found. Let's enjoy the mountain flowers without picking them, let's walk on the signposted trails and avoid trampling the natural environment around us, let's close the gates to the pastures to respect the work of the shepherds. Nature is our common home, a living space for wildlife and biodiversity as well as a working space. Every gesture counts, no matter how small, so spread the word to your neighbour!