A (pre)historical legacy
During the Quaternary period, the Italian territory was not completely ice-covered, allowing the local flora and fauna to live on, unlike other regions (especially the center and north) of the continent. On the other hand, in the mountains, the retreat of the great glaciers left a relict glacial fauna. Then, in a context of temperate, cool semi-continental and Mediterranean climates, from the Alpine peaks to the coasts, passing through the plain of the Po, Northern Italy has been lucky enough to preserve a superior natural diversity for a long time. According to theIstituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), the state agency working for environmental protection and richness, a large number of endemic species live in isolated high mountains, between the lower reliefs.
The flora of northern Italy
Today, one fifth of the territory is still covered by forests. The Alpine areas (Maritime and Apuan Alps) are still heavily forested with red and white fir, larch, Scots pine and umbrella pine. In the Apennines, the coniferous forests are retreating, the silver fir and the beech are resisting. In the National Park of the Casentinesi Forest, Mount Falterona and Campigna, the large beech trees maintain an intact ecosystem.
The Mediterranean coniferous woods are often composed of three species of pine, Aleppo, Cembro and Maritime, the latter growing only in Liguria and Tuscany. The coastal pine forests, on the Tyrrhenian side and in Emilia Romagna, have been planted by man but are well integrated into the environment. These woods are home to other tree species, such as the holm oak or the wild fig tree. The Mediterranean vegetation extends beyond its climatic zone, with the scrubland developing as far as the large pre-Alpine lakes. In the forest reserve of the Po Delta, the Mesola wood is composed mainly of holm oaks, even though it is located in an area with a temperate climate, cold and wet in the winter season.
In the scrubland, every year, wild flowers and aromatic plants return, orchids, dwarf irises, thyme, oregano, savory, sage, rosemary, peppermint, etc. The Basilico Genovese is a species imported from southern Asia, Iran and the Middle East. Known since ancient times, it has adapted well to the Mediterranean climate, its strong winter light and sea breeze. The traditions of Italian farmers around this plant are preserved on the Tyrrhenian side of Liguria and the watershed. This plant blessed by the gods has a natural park entirely dedicated to it and a protected designation at European level (PDO).
Italian fauna, many endemic species
Northern Italy preserves a beautiful animal biodiversity. Thanks to the presence of lakes, rivers, caves and mountains, there are many endemic invertebrate species. Many insects, especially the beetle family, have formed new species. Emilia-Romagna is an important wintering area for many species and is the preferred region for migratory birds. East of Ferrara, in the Po delta, an old sugar factory has been reclaimed by nature and has become the Oasi naturalistica Garzaia di Codigoro, integrated into the Natura 2000 network as a Special Protection Area. This lake area of about 8 hectares, abundant with acacias, poplars, willows and shrubs, hosts various species of herons (little egrets, night herons, grey herons, great whites). Every year, at the beginning of March, the birds return in groups to breed. Having been surveyed for the first time in 1981 by researchers from the University of Pavia, the Oasis appeared to be one of the most important colonies in Italy with about 500 nests. Nesting is constantly increasing, because the waters of the recovery canals and the vast rice fields are rich in food resources (fish, amphibians, rodents, aquatic snakes, insects). Thanks to a watchtower and webcams, visitors can observe the birds without disturbing them, from courtship to nesting. The fishing falcon has also established itself here as well as other birds living near water (the cuckoo and the river nightingale for example).
Wetlands are a treasure trove of biodiversity. The good quality of these environments is linked to the fate of many animal species. In the rivers, lakes and ponds live a lot of freshwater fish, trout, eels, tench, sturgeon, pike, lavaret, char. The amphibians also have many endemic species, such as the spotted salamander (black with yellow spots), located east of Genova, the geo-tritons, members of the Plethodontidae family, the blind proteus, which looks more like a fish than an amphibian. Podarcis lizards have different species, such as saurians for example.
In the case of mammals, although we note the presence of small and medium-sized species (rodents, insectivores, badgers, wild rabbits, hares, bats, etc.), many species of large animals have disappeared or have retreated to areas in retreat or inaccessible to populations. This is particularly the case along the Ticino, where several wild animal species live; the brown bear, for example, is present in small numbers in Abruzzo, Lazio and in some Alpine regions.
Conversely, populations of wild boar, ibex, fallow deer or horses are so abundant that they impact agriculture or the ecosystem. The wolf, the golden jackal, the porcupine and the fox are expanding rapidly after alarming situations. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Apennine wolf was considered almost extinct. Since its reintroduction, it has recolonized almost its entire range. It is estimated that there are between 1,200 and 2,600 wolves in Italy, of which 100 to 150 are in the Italian Alps (compared to 300 to 400 in France). This difference in proportion has often been put forward by French pro-wolves to affirm the possible cohabitation between the predator and the breeders. But in recent years, their increase and especially their more numerous attacks on livestock have pushed the government to consider a culling plan (5%); in addition, about 300 wolves are killed each year in Italy by poachers. The State Forestry Corps is watching over the situation but lacks the means. Poaching, even if it has decreased significantly, causes serious damage to biodiversity, especially when directed against migratory birds or large predators. In autumn 2022, two first attacks of wolves on humans were reported in northern Italy, without causing any casualties. Pro- and anti-hunting activists have not finished clashing over wolf regulation.
Biodiversity in danger
Although there are many endemic species in Italy, their conservation status is almost always compromised. Hence the absolute necessity of nature reserves. The first national park was created in 1923. Currently, the official list of protected areas includes 22, 8 of which are in northern Italy, and many regional nature parks. A good average, but not enough to stem the threat of human activities on biodiversity.
The high Alpine mountains have been coppiced or deforested for intensive forestry. Those that have not been reforested are subject to severe erosion. It has become almost impossible to find large Mediterranean evergreen woods, as they are exploited to produce firewood and charcoal. The deforestation of fertile areas, mainly due to the gradual abandonment of traditional mountain cultivation, has had a negative impact on certain animal species, such as birds. Monoculture is highly detrimental to grey partridges and shrikes that prefer "permaculture" environments. Other human interventions impact the ecological balance. The most serious is the loss of habitat, mainly due to urban and infrastructural expansion, anarchic construction, which affects the valleys and coastal areas, the peri-urban coastline or the dunes, which are razed to build hard. Slash-and-burn cultivation, in order to transform wooded land into pasture, or forest fires mainly affect coastal areas. The passage of fire on vegetation and less vagile animals (turtles, snails) causes the degradation and then the desertification of the land.
For the aquatic fauna, the alteration of fresh water courses, the extraction of sand and gravel, the excessive construction on the banks, the dams are harmful, especially for the marble trout of the pre-Alpine rivers. Among the most threatened species are the sturgeon and the lamprey, once common in the Po. In the Po River, the introduction of exotic species (catfish, carassin, wels catfish) is one of the main causes of species extinction. Today, the introduced species, when they have acclimatized, often take precedence over the local species, sometimes to the point of extinction.
At sea, Posidonia meadows, which are important for the ecological balance of coastal areas, are regressing in the face of port construction and other works at sea. Illegal coastal trawling, incorrect anchoring, introduction of invasive algae on the Ligurian and Tuscan coasts are a real problem. Illegal fishing, overfishing, with trawls beyond 50 m depth - the reproduction area of fish - is still rampant, and the capture of juvenile individuals is a serious threat to fish. This is one of the causes that have led to the depletion of bluefin tuna and eel.
Pollution is also one of the reasons for biodiversity loss. In aquatic environments, the discharge of organic substances modifies the environment and can result in the death of species. Not to mention the toxic chemicals that destroy insect species.
Let's end on a note of optimism. While there are many endangered birds in Italy, the decline in hunting and poaching and the successful reintroduction and protection of rare species is promising. At sea, the Pelagos Agreement signed by France, Italy and the Principality of Monaco (November 25, 1999) is trying to fulfill its promises. Indeed, in the 1980s, it was observed that a relatively large and diversified population of marine mammals frequented the Corso-Liguro-Provençal basin. By creating a sanctuary for cetaceans, the aim was to establish harmonized actions between the three countries for the protection of their habitats against any disturbance (pollution, noise, accidental captures and injuries, etc.). But for this to happen, it is necessary to negotiate with whale watching, which is so popular in the area and generates large amounts of money for the operators. It should eventually be better regulated.
