Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise

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A view of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise.

The Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise (National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, often abbreviated to Abruzzo National Park) is an Italian national park founded in 1923. The majority of the park is located in the Abruzzo region though it is not constrained by regional boundaries and also includes territory in Lazio and Molise. The park headquarters are in Pescasseroli in the Province of L'Aquila.

The oldest in the Apennines, with an important role in the preservation of species such as the Italian Wolf, chamois and Marsican Brown Bear, the park is around two thirds beech forest though many other trees grow in the area including the Silver Birch and Black and Mountain pines. Other characteristic fauna of the park are roe deer, wild boar and the White-backed Woodpecker.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Animals
4 Birds
5 Plants
6 Municipalities
7 Activities
8 External links
9 References

[edit] History

The idea for the Abruzzo National Park arose in the years following World War I when the municipality of Opi leased 5 square kilometres of land to a private federation with the aim of protecting flora and fauna. Over the next few years the territory of the park expanded into neighbouring municipalities until it covered around 120 km² by 1923, when protection was enshrined in law. A period of intense activity followed and the park had further expanded to around 300 km² when it was abolished by the Fascist government in 1933.

Re-establishment of the park in 1950 coincided with a period of financial difficulty, followed by a building boom which saw more than 12,000 trees felled for the construction of houses, roads and ski tracks. A reorganisation of the park management at the end of the sixties heralded better times and by 1976 further expansion, to 400 km², followed at the request of villages in neighbouring Molise, that were convinced by the economic benefits of the park. Today, at 500 km², the area of the park is 100 times larger than the original reserve.

[edit] Geography

The highest mountain peaks within the park are Mount Petroso (2247 m) and Mount Marsicano (2242 m). The Sangro River rises, near the Devil's Pass, and runs south-east through the artificial Lago di Barrea before leaving the park and turning to the north-east. Other rivers in the park are the Giovenco and the Melfa. Also of note is the lake at Scanno.

[edit] Animals

In wildlife terms, the main attractions of the park are the Marsican Brown Bear and the Italian Wolf. While official figures report 70-100 bears in this genetically isolated population, the declining population is actually estimated at closer to 30^[1] . The shift from local agriculture to development in Abruzzo (including a controversial proposed ski resort) and poaching, threaten the remaining small population^[2]. While Wolves were once rarer (as low as 40), numbers have reportedly rebounded in recent years ^[3].

In greater numbers, though no easier to spot, are red and roe deer, and the reintroduced wild boar, which live in the thicker areas of the forest. Other reclusive inhabitants of the forest include the polecat, the badger, the otter and the marten. Higher, above the forest, chamois live alone or in small groups.

Animals that are easier to see include foxes, hares, weasels, moles, hedgehogs. Dormice and squirrels are also quite frequently seen.

[edit] Birds

Many birds of prey inhabit the park. Most notable amongst them is the golden eagle which, despite living in the more inaccessible regions, can often be seen soaring over central areas of the park in search of prey such as small mammals or even sick, young chamois. Other raptors that reside within the park include goshawks, peregrines, buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks. Less visible, but perhaps more audible, to the nighttime visitor are several species of owl.

The number of resident bird species is too great to list, and more still are migratory visitors, but some of the more interesting are the jay, the hoopoe, and the white-backed and green woodpeckers. Near water courses visitors can see dippers, wagtails and elegant grey herons. In the higher mountains are alpine choughs, snow finches, northern wheatear and rock partridges.

[edit] Plants

The flora of the park is rich and interesting. A comprehensive list of plants would extend to more than 2,000 species without including lichens, algae or fungi. Flowers present in the area include gentian, primrose, cyclamen, violets and the lily. The most well-known flower of the Park is the rare lady's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), a yellow and black orchid.

The predominant tree of the park is the beech which covers 60% of the area, generally grows at 900-1800 m altitude and provides a stunning display of colour throughout the whole year. Other notable trees are the Black Pine, the Mountain Pine and the Silver Birch.