The Local Switzerland

Stoat named Switzerland’s animal of the year

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 09:54:03 +0100

The stoat, or short-tailed weasel, has been chosen by Swiss nature organization Pro Natura as its animal of 2018.

Swiss glacier collapses after hundreds evacuated

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 16:47:43 +0200

Part of the Swiss alpine glacier Trift in the country's south collapsed on Sunday, but caused no damage or casualties and residents evacuated from the area can return home, police in Valais canton said.

Human-Neanderthal mating was rare: study

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:17:00 +0200

Scientists have shown that modern humans have some traces of genes from Neanderthals, but a study out on Monday suggests that any breeding between the two was most likely a rare event.

Bear sighted in popular Engadine region

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:25:00 +0200

A brown bear has been recently spotted in the mountains of the Canton Graubünden, the easternmost region in Switzerland, reports say.

Lunar eclipse expected to be seen in Switzerland

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:24:00 +0200

The phenomenon is expected to occur the night of June 15 and will be visible across Switzerland, weather permitting.

'Miracle plant' found at record altitude

Wed, 25 May 2011 13:18:00 +0200

A flowering plant has been found at analtitude of above 4,505 metres (14,780 feet) on the central Swiss alps – a European record, Basel University said on Tuesday.

Beavers buzzing in Bernese waters

Mon, 16 May 2011 13:08:00 +0200

An influx of beavers is causing trouble in the Bern area, with their constant digging posing a threat to buildings and trees.

Stinking flower to attract hundreds in Basel

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:17:03 +0200

A gigantic specimen of the world’s largest - and most malodorous - flowering plant is expected to bloom this week in Basel.

Half of Swiss bats have malaria

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:59:00 +0100

Half of some species of bats in Switzerland carry malaria, a new study has shown, in research that could help in the search for treatments for the disease.