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Fauna

The Lessinia Park boasts an extremely rich and fascinating array of wildlife. On the uplands and in the valleys of the plateau, most typical alpine species are well represented, with some reaching the southernmost limits of their distribution range in Italy. In recent decades—thanks in part to the establishment of the Protected Area—many species have experienced significant population growth and territorial expansion. The area’s ecological importance is confirmed by the presence of three sites in the European ecological network “Natura 2000”: the Sites of Community Interest (SIC) “Monti Lessini - Cascate di Molina,” “Monti Lessini - Ponte di Veja e Vajo della Marciora,” and “Monti Lessini – Pasubio – Piccole Dolomiti Vicentine.” The latter two are also designated as Special Protection Areas (ZPS).

 

The most interesting areas from a faunal perspective include the Giazza Forest, the Upper Vajo dell’Anguilla and the Folignani, Corno d’Aquilio, and the steep wooded slopes overlooking the Adige Valley. Attentive hikers in these zones may observe various vertebrates, particularly large mammals and many birds that either nest in spring or pass through in large numbers during migration.

 

In rocky areas at the upper limit of tree vegetation, the Alpine Chamois can be spotted. This species, originating from the nearby Trentino region, has been permanently established in the area since the early 1990s, with a current population of over 300 individuals. The Roe Deer inhabits forested areas interspersed with clearings and shrub-rich zones. The Red Deer, elusive despite its large size, mainly occupies the wooded slopes above the Adige Valley and the Folignani Forest. The Wild Boar, a non-native species introduced in the past for hunting purposes, takes refuge in the gorges of the Adige Valley and in the more rugged ravines.

 

Of exceptional scientific interest is the recent recolonization by the Wolf, marked by the extraordinary event of a pair forming between an Italian wolf female and a male from the Dinaric-Balkan population. Reports of Brown Bears, though still infrequent, are becoming more common—these are dispersing individuals from the nearby Trentino population, which was reinforced between 1999 and 2002 with ten bears from Slovenia through the EU “Life Ursus” project aimed at preventing the species’ extinction in the Central Alps. Also noteworthy is the well-established presence of the Crested Porcupine, an unmistakable rodent of North African origin covered in long black and white quills, which inhabits the lower-elevation deciduous forests.

 

The Alpine Marmot, reintroduced in the mid-1990s, is now present in significant numbers and can be easily spotted from April to October in alpine meadows and among rocks in high-altitude pastures. In mixed forests of deciduous and coniferous trees, one may see the agile Red Squirrel darting from branch to branch in search of food. Many other mammal species, though relatively common, often go unnoticed due to their small size and nocturnal habits; these include the Weasel, Beech Marten, Pine Marten, Badger, Fox, European Hare, and numerous small mammals (Hedgehog, Mole, various Shrews, Dormice, Voles, Mice, and Rats). Several bat species also dwell or find refuge in the region’s many karst caves, some of which host large breeding colonies and are considered among the most important sites in the region.

 

Birds are certainly the most commonly encountered vertebrates in the Park, both due to their numbers and their distinctive songs. Among mountain galliformes, the unmistakable call of the Black Grouse can be heard in spring, especially in the Park’s eastern sector; rarer and more localized are the Hazel Grouse, the impressive Capercaillie, and the Rock Partridge. Among diurnal birds of prey, the most thrilling encounter is surely with the Golden Eagle; a resident pair nests in the Giazza Forest. In summer, the Short-toed Snake Eagle, a large raptor specializing in reptiles, can be seen. The Peregrine Falcon, a powerful falcon with long pointed wings, is present with numerous pairs nesting on steep rock faces in the main valley incisions. In high-altitude meadows, the Kestrel is commonly seen hovering with arched wings and a fanned tail as it scans for insects and small rodents. During spring and summer, the Black Kite can be observed gliding with slow, rhythmic wingbeats over the Adige Valley’s forests and alpine meadows; more common are the Sparrowhawk and the Common Buzzard, while the Northern Goshawk is less frequent and localized. In late August and early September, numerous Honey Buzzards pass through the area on their southward migration.

 

Among nocturnal birds of prey, notable species include the Eagle Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl, Pygmy Owl, and Scops Owl. More common are the Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, and Little Owl. Also present, though very rare, is the Corncrake, a migratory rail species among the most protected in Europe. Among woodpeckers, recent sightings of the rare Grey-headed Woodpecker are noteworthy; the Black Woodpecker is localized in older mixed beech and fir forests, while the more frequent and colorful Great Spotted Woodpecker can also be seen at lower elevations, alongside the Green Woodpecker and the Wryneck.

 

Among the corvids, the confiding Alpine Chough, the imposing Raven, and the widespread Hooded Crow are easily observed in open areas. In the woods, the noisy Eurasian Jay and the less common Nutcracker are present. The alpine meadows with scattered rocks are home to the Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush. At higher altitudes, near steep cliffs, one may observe the aerial acrobatics of the Common Swift, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin, House Martin, and, with some luck, the rare Wallcreeper. Along the Fraselle and Chiampo streams and in the Breonio stream, the uncommon White-throated Dipper and the elegant Grey Wagtail nest.

 

In winter, high pastures are frequented by the Alpine Accentor and the Snow Finch, coming from the nearby Carega and Baldo massifs. Notably, Lessinia is the only known wintering site in the entire Alpine chain for the rare Snow Bunting, a small Arctic songbird. Every year, this draws numerous birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from afar to the renowned hotspot of Bocca di Selva. Many other birds can be observed in the Park, including: Wood Pigeon, Cuckoo, Skylark, Barn Swallow, Tree Pipit, White Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Northern Wheatear, Black Redstart, Common Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Ring Ouzel, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Crested Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Red-backed Shrike, Starling, Italian Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Cirl Bunting, and many more.

 

In the cool waters of the Fraselle and Chiampo streams and in the Breonio stream, the Brown Trout is present. Among amphibians found in moist and shaded environments are the Fire Salamander, Alpine Newt, Common Toad, and the European Common Frog. Among reptiles in drier, rockier areas, the most frequent are the Common Wall Lizard, Green Lizard, Aesculapian Snake, Smooth Snake, Adder, and the Common European Viper; the Slow Worm and the Grass Snake prefer cooler, damper locations. Lastly, the invertebrate population is rich and diverse, with many species of great scientific interest, particularly among cave-dwelling fauna and arthropods. Worth mentioning is Italaphaenops dimaioi, an endemic cave beetle considered the largest of its kind in the world, reaching 15 mm in length.

 

(Source: Regional Natural Park of Lessinia Archive)

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