While wetlands characterized the valley area of Liechtenstein in earlier centuries, semi-dry meadows spread out on the lower, sun-exposed slopes. Other than a few remnants, such as in Elltal or on Senne-Zepfel in Balzers, they have vanished, since their cultivation has been intensified or they have been built over. Many of the species that lived in these habitats found a refuge on the Rhine Dam. On the interior (water) side of the Rhine Dam, and on parts of the exterior side, a band of semi-dry grassland stretches from Balzers to Ruggell, harboring a rich diversity of fauna. The stone chat has become the characteristic species of the Rhine Dam; it appeared in our region for the first time 20 years ago. Among the 45 butterfly species documented on the Rhine Dam, rare and attractive species such as the Apollo, the silver-washed fritillary, the lesser purple emperor, and the white admiral can be found.

One of 45 butterfly species on the
Rhine Dam: the Apollo butterfly