Marmots live almost exclusively above the tree

Many rodents such as voles live underground. Marmots live almost exclusively above the tree line as high as 2,700 m (8,900 ft). They hibernate in larg

e groups to provide warmth,[84] and can be found in all areas of the Alps, in large colonies they build beneath the alpine pastures.[9] Golden eagles and bearded vultures are the largest birds to be found in the Alps; they nest high on rocky ledges and can be found at a

ltitudes of 2,400 m (7,900 ft). The most common bird is the alpine chough which can be found scavenging at climber’s huts or at the Jungfraujoch, a high altitude tourist destination.[85]

The alpine Apollo butterfly has adapted to alpine conditions.

Reptiles such as adders and vipers live up to the snow line; because they cannot bear the cold temperatures they hibernate underground and soak up

the warmth on rocky ledges.[86] The high-altitude Alpine salamanders have adapted to living above the snow line by giving birth to fully developed young rather than laying eggs. Brown trout can be found in the streams up to the snow line.[86] Molluscs such as the wood snail live up the snow line. Popularly gathered as food, the snails are now protected.[87]