Aosta Valley Research Articles

Application of the ClassyFarm checklist as measurement tool to evaluate the welfare of cattle kept in tie-stalls in Aosta valley

The growing sensitivity of consumers about animal welfare and the awareness of its impact on food security and safety recently influenced international policies and law scenario. To response to these needs, in 2018, the Italian Ministry of Health commissioned the development of a system named ClassyFarm able to categorizes the level of risk arising from farm animal welfare. The experts involved in the project provided specific checklists to analyze different animal species and housing system. The developed welfare measurement protocols consist of both resource-based and animal-based measures and are divided into three areas: (Area A) “Farm management and staff training”, Area B) “Housing and equipment”, (Area C) “Animal-based measures”. The aim of this study was to measure welfare conditions in cattle herds reared in the Aosta Valley through the ClassyFarm checklist for tie-stall dairy cattle. The scores (%) for each area of assessment were divided into three classes (insufficient, acceptable, and optimal) while the total Animal Welfare Score (AWS), obtained by summing the scores of the 3 areas, was divided into five classes. The total AWS showed the majority of the farm included in good to optimal result.

Analysis of the Recharge Area of the Perrot Spring (Aosta Valley) Using a Hydrochemical and Isotopic Approach

The Perrot Spring (1300 m a.s.l.), located to the right of the Chalamy valley in the Monte Avic Natural Park (Valle d’Aosta, Italy), is an important source of drinking water for the municipality of Champdepraz. This spring is located on a large slope characterised by the presence of a Quaternary cover of various origins (glacial, glaciolacustrine, and landslide) above the bedrock (essentially serpentinite referred to the Zermatt–Saas Zone, Penninic Domain). Water emerges at the contact between the landslide bodies and impermeable or semi-permeable glaciolacustrine deposits. The aim of this study is to define the processes and recharge zones of this spring. The analysis of the data revealed the presence of two contributions to the Perrot Spring input: a spring thaw contribution defined by a small increase in flow and an autumn contribution from rainwater infiltration. The low average temperature and low variation of the annual temperature (4.8–6.5 °C) suggest a sufficiently deep flow circuit. Chemical analyses showed a groundwater chemistry consistent with the regional geology: the hydrochemical facies is calcium–magnesium bicarbonate and isotopic analyses (δ2H and δ18O) of rainfall and spring water suggested a recharge altitude of about 2100 m a.s.l. In conclusion, this study makes it possible to recognize the water inputs to the spring discharge and to delineate its recharge area, which can be proposed to implement strategies to protect the resource.

P307 "REAL WORLD" EVALUATION OF LONG–TERM OUTCOMES RELATED TO FIRST AND SECOND GENERATION BIORESORBABLE AVASCULAR SCAFFOLDS

Abstract Introduction The studies currently available in the literature support worse outcomes in first generation bioresorbable scaffold (Absorb; Abbott USA) compared to second generation devices (Magmaris; Biotronik CHF); the proposed retrospective study aims to analyze and compare long–term adverse events in the two groups and to estimate any predictors. Methods and Results 236 consecutive cases selected between 2012 and 2018 from the hemodynamic registers of the Aosta valley health authority (VdA) and subjected to an average follow–up of 72.0 months, the composite endopint (Mortality, Target Lesion Revascularization, Target Vessel Myocardial Infarction, Stent Thrombosis) involved 38 patients (16.1%) in the Absorb group and 7 subjects (9.1%) treated with the Magmaris stent (p=0.058), with a lower number of ST and TVMI in the second group. The total mortality rate was very low in both populations, and it appears to be linked mainly to non–cardiac causes. The duration of DAPT seems to confirm a protective role against adverse events (HR 0.79; p = 0.14). Conclusions The results obtained, with the limitations related to the low sample size and the nature of the study, confirm the lower long–term complication rate of new generation stents compared to first generation stents. Prolonging DAPT appears to be a reasonable choice in subjects treated with resorbable stents.

Vertical profile of the clear-sky aerosol direct radiative effect in an Alpine valley, by the synergy of ground-based measurements and radiative transfer simulations

Atmospheric aerosols play an important role in Earth’s radiative balance, directly interacting with solar radiation or influencing cloud formation and properties. In order to assess their radiative impact, it is necessary to accurately characterise their optical properties, together with their spatial and vertical distribution. The information on aerosol vertical profile is often scarce, in particular in mountainous, complex terrains. This study presents the first attempt to evaluate the shortwave aerosol direct radiative effect in the Aosta Valley, a mountainous region in the Northwestern Italian Alps. Ground-based, remote sensing instruments (a sky radiometer and an Automated Lidar Ceilometer) are used to derive two descriptions of the aerosol properties and vertical distribution: a first, more accurate description, which includes the whole spectral information about the aerosol extinction coefficient, phase function and single scattering albedo; a second, more approximate one, which only relies on spectrally constant values of aerosol single scattering albedo and asymmetry factor. This information is used as input for radiative transfer simulations, which allow to estimate, in cloudless conditions, the shortwave aerosol direct radiative effect and the vertical profile of the instantaneous heating rates in the lower layers of the atmosphere. The simulations obtained with the two descriptions do not differ significantly: they highlight a strong surface dimming (between − 25 and − 50 W m− 2) due to the presence of aerosol, with a considerable radiative absorption inside the atmospheric column (around + 30 W m− 2), and an overall small cooling effect for the Earth-atmospheric system. The absorption of solar radiation within the atmospheric column due to aerosol leads to instantaneous heating rates up to 1.5 K day− 1 in the tropospheric layers below 6 km a.s.l. These results show that, in some conditions, the shortwave aerosol direct radiative effect can be considerable even in this Alpine environment, usually considered as relatively pristine (yearly average PM10 concentration about 20 μg m− 3).

Beef quality in two autochthonous Valdostana breeds fattened in alpine transhumance: effect of lowland finishing and meat ageing

European consumers demand locally produced meat, preferably from regional breeds, but meat quality is unknown. Heifers from two dual-purpose breeds, Valdostana Chestnut (VC) and Valdostana Red Pied (VR), autochthonous to the Aosta valley, were compared with Piedmontese (PI), a beef breed. Fourteen VC and VR each grazed high alpine pastures, and ten PI received fresh grass in a lowland barn. In each group, the heavier half of the animals were slaughtered after the grass-feeding period. All others received hay and concentrate for another 48 days. Properties of the carcase and the longissimus thoracis (LT) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles (aged 7 or 28 days) were determined. Sensory analysis of the LT and BF muscles was performed by 10 trained panellists and 53 consumers, respectively. The VC and VR grew faster than the PI, but dressing percentages and conformation scores were inferior. The LT was perceived as less tender from the VC and VR compared to the PI, and shear force and insoluble collagen were also higher. Finishing accentuated the problem for VC and did not improve carcase and meat quality otherwise. Prolonged ageing did not render the beef more tender. Compared to the LT, the BF was more resistant to factors of influence in quality. Consumers perceived long-aged beef to be preferable and comparably inexpensive for its quality. No other factor influenced sensory impression. In conclusion, the LT and, less so, the BF from the autochthonous breeds were not fully competitive in quality with those of the beef breed. HIGHLIGHTS Grass-fed autochthonous Valdostana breeds were compared with Piedmontese cattle. Valdostana heifers performed better but were inferior in dressing percentage and carcase conformation. The beef from the Valdostana breeds was less tender than that from the Piedmontese.

Debris-flow Indicator for an early warning system in the Aosta valley region

Aosta Valley, an Alpine region in north-western Italy, has an early warning system (EWS) that issues hydrogeological alerts based on hydrological modelling and rainfall thresholds that identify the possibility of shallow landslides being triggered in different areas of the region. The high headwater catchments are characterized by the presence of permafrost and glacial sediments, and they are frequently prone to debris flows. The summer debris flows are initiated by short-duration, high-intensity rainstorms, which are associated with high meteorological uncertainty; therefore, they are not always detected by the early warning system of shallow landslides. In this study, the hydro-meteorological and permafrost conditions related to the debris-flow events from 2013 to 2018 are investigated in order to determine the variables affecting the triggering of debris flows. Debris-Flow Indicator (DFI), an early warning system specific for debris flows, was developed using recorded air temperatures, thunderstorm alerts and forecast rainfall. Two alert levels of the DFI were defined by two thresholds (S1 and S2) of the freezing level determined from performance metrics. The performance of the DFI was then studied with a back-analysis from 2013 to 2019, using observed air temperatures and forecast rainfalls. This analysis showed that the experimental implementation of the DFI in the EWS of the Aosta Valley region resulted in detecting most of the events with some false alerts (for the lower threshold, S1) or detecting only major events, but without generating false alerts (for the higher threshold, S2). Consequently, the DFI can be applied for issuing debris-flow alerts for large areas in mountain regions based only on meteorological data and forecast.

Global warming and skiing: analysis of the future of skiing in the Aosta valley

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of global warming and climate change on skiing by assessing the costs that ski resorts would have to bear to address the lack of snow. In this way, new development models can be hypothesized for the regional economy in the Aosta Valley, territory located in the West Alps, whose economy is largely based on winter tourism.Design/methodology/approachStarting with a literature review regarding global warming and its effects on the Alps, a methodology of analysis has been implemented to assess the relative weaknesses of ski resorts. Additional costs in adaptation strategies have been considered in the light of a major choice ski resorts must face: investing or not. For this analysis, four scenarios of global warming have been taken into consideration.FindingsThe lack of snow due to a rise in temperatures will have a big impact on regional ski resorts and will seriously threaten the economy of small lateral valleys. In this scenario, it is important to think about reorganizing the regional ski supply by focusing on stations with better economic results and those strategically well located. In this way, we can safeguard winter tourism in the region and preserve skiing by concentrating costs only in those resorts that are also able to bear new cost adaptation strategies.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is its estimation of the future impact of a rise in the average temperature in regional ski resorts. This impact is assessed in relation to concerns about the reduction of the skiing area and the new costs that ski companies will need to bear. The paper also proposes a new model for the reorganization of the ski supply in the Aosta Valley.

The main determinants of iodine in cows' milk in Switzerland are farm type, season and teat dipping.

Milk and dairy products are important iodine sources and contribute about 30-40 % of total iodine in the Swiss diet. Information about variation in milk iodine concentration (MIC) in Switzerland is limited. We examined MIC and its potential determinants in milk from organic and conventional farms. We collected bulk milk samples at 3-month intervals over 1 year from thirty-two farms throughout Switzerland and Aosta valley, North-West Italy. We sampled all feed components including tap water, collected information on farm characteristics, feeding and teat disinfection practices by questionnaire and estimated the cows' winter and summer iodine intake. Iodine in milk and feed components was measured using inductively coupled plasma MS. The overall median MIC was 87 (range 5-371) µg/l. In multivariate analysis, predictors of MIC were as follows: (1) farm type: median MIC from organic and conventional farms was 55 and 93 µg/l (P=0·022); (2) season: 53, 97 and 101 µg/l in September, December and March (P<0·002); and (3) teat dipping: 97 µg/l with v. 56 µg/l without (P=0·028). In conclusion, MIC varied widely between farms because of diverse farming practices that result in large differences in dairy cow exposure to iodine via ingestion or skin application. Standardisation of MIC is potentially achievable by controlling these iodine exposures. In order for milk to be a stable iodine source all year round, dietary iodine could be added at a set level to one feed component whose intake is regular and controllable, such as the mineral supplement, and by limiting the use of iodine-containing teat disinfectants.

Geology of the Saint-Marcel valley metaophiolites (Northwestern Alps, Italy)

ABSTRACTThe geological map of the Saint-Marcel valley at the scale of 1:20,000 illustrates the tectonic setting of metaophiolites from the southern Aosta Valley, in the Italian side of the Western Alpine belt. The map highlights the sharp contact between the metaophiolitic basement and its metasedimentary cover, which mainly consists of quartzites, marbles, and calcschists. In spite of the Alpine tectonics, this contact is regarded as deriving from the original oceanic crust/sediments interface. Metaophiolites mostly consist of metabasalts hosting Fe–Cu sulphide mineralisations, characterised by high-pressure metamorphic imprint. These rocks likely represent the shallowest portion of the Tethyan oceanic lithosphere created near the axis of the slow-spreading ridge where hydrothermal fluid circulation was active. Selected key-sections through metasediments reveal a consistent internal lithostratigraphy, in spite of the pervasive metamorphic and tectonic reworking acting during the Alpine evolution. Metasediments reflect various sedimentation episodes starting from pelagic and proximal settings to the onset of the orogenic stage. The Saint-Marcel valley metasediments thus reflect a changing in the sedimentation environments through time and space during the overall geologic evolution.

Modelling Deposition and Erosion rates with RadioNuclides (MODERN) – Part 1: A new conversion model to derive soil redistribution rates from inventories of fallout radionuclides

The measurement of fallout radionuclides (FRN) has become one of the most commonly used tools to quantify sediment erosion or depositional processes. The conversion of FRN inventories into soil erosion and deposition rates is done with a variety of models, which suitability is dependent on the selected FRN, soil cultivation (ploughed or unploughed) and movement (erosion or deposition). The authors propose a new conversion model, which can be easily and comprehensively used for different FRN, land uses and soil redistribution processes. The new model MODERN (Modelling Deposition and Erosion rates with RadioNuclides) considers the precise depth distribution of any FRN at the reference site, and allows adapting it for any specific site conditions. MODERN adaptability and performance in converting different FRN inventories is discussed for a theoretical case as well as for two already published case studies i.e. a 137Cs study in an alpine and unploughed area in the Aosta valley (Italy) and a 210Pbex study on a ploughed area located in the Transylvanian Plain (Romania). The tests highlight a highly significant correspondence (i.e. correlation factor of 0.91) between the results of MODERN and the published results of other models currently used by the FRN scientific community (i.e. the Profile Distribution Model and the Mass Balance Model). The development and the cost free accessibility of MODERN (see modern.umweltgeo.unibas.ch) will ensure the promotion of wider application of FRNs for tracing soil erosion and sedimentation.

Conflict and Identity in Valgrisenche

Although Valgrisenche, a side valley of the Aosta Valley, is considered to be a poor and isolated valley consisting of stones and rocks, its inhabitants are widely known to have considerable wealth. This contradiction is due to the historical trials and tribulations of the area. In particular, the presence of the Col du Mont, which provided easy passage to Tarentaise, encouraged the development of trade that, during the Middle Ages, granted the valley a measure of wealth. By contrast, numerous conflicts since the 16th century caused the progressive closure of Valgrisenche. The valley became an important military target because of its location, which allowed invaders from France to avoid the bottleneck of the Pierre Taillee that encloses the upper part of the Aosta Valley. This article highlights the times of closure and describes the fortifications that marked the different historical periods. In particular, it demonstrates how the decisions of the War Department, which for 50 years prevented the construction of a motor road, led to a delay in the tourist development of Valgrisenche.

Progetto CARG – Foglio N.070 "Monte Cervino"

The Monte Cervino sheet (070) of the Geological Map of Italy, scale 1:50.000 (CARG Project - ISPRA), covers the high mountains of the Pennine Alps from the northern flank of the middle Aosta valley (423 km2) to the southern Valais (149 km2). This is a key area of the western Alps due to the birth and development of geological studies on Alpine tectonics, and is dominated by the Austroalpine-Penninic collisional wedge, a fossil subduction complex of continental and oceanic nappes. The Italian part of the sheet was surveyed on a scale of 1:10.000: the Italian working group was coordinated by Giorgio V. Dal Piaz and was composed of Andrea Bistacchi, Nicola Bistacchi, Giorgio V. Dal Piaz, Giovanni Dal Piaz, Matteo Massironi, Bruno Monopoli, Alessio Schiavo e Giovanni Toffolon, and also greatly benefited from collaboration by Leonsevero Passeri and Gloria Ciarapica. The Swiss part of the sheet was prepared at 1:50.000 scale, thanks to Yves Gouffon (swisstopo) and based on the Chanrion-Mont Velan (Burri et al., 1998) and Matterhorn sheets (Bucher et al., 2004) of the Geologischer Atlas der Schweiz, scale 1:25.000. The geological dataset (1:10.000, 1:25.000 and 1:50.000) has been implemented and validated in GIS environment by Land Technology & Services S.r.L under the supervision G.V. Dal Piaz and with the responsibility of the Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta. Starting from geometric primitives and alphanumeric attributes of Data Base at 1:50.000, LTS with the collaboration of La Nuova Lito S.n.c, made the cartographic layout and letterpress of the sheet and notes.

Biodiversity of grapevines ( Vitis vinifera L.) grown in the Aosta Valley

The PCR-based DNA microsatellite analysis has been applied to define genetic relationships among 19 most representative grapevine cultivars in the Aosta valley. Eighteen varieties grown nearby, in the Savoy (France), Valais (Switzerland) and Piedmont (Italy) regions, were also analysed, to verify the correlations with the Aosta cultivars inferred by the analysis of synonyms and/or morphology. Results were obtained by analysing 12 DNA microsatellite loci. High biodiversity has been recorded amongst the analysed grapevines. In some cases cultivars known with different names in the Valley and in the nearby regions displayed the same SSR allele size, proving the occurrence of synonyms. In other case, identical denominations did not correspond with the genomic identity.

Augustus' Power from the Stars and the Foundation of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum

Augustus' propaganda founded the ruler's power on a series of references to the sky: Caesar's comet, which helped to establish the divine nature of kingship, the completion of the calendar's reform celebrated in the Campus Martius' meridian, and Augustus' association with Capricorn, the zodiacal sign of the winter solstice. Various forms of proof derived from texts, works of art and numismatics show the key role of such a ‘power from the stars’. We present here new archaeological and archaeoastronomical evidence coming from Augusta Praetoria Salassorum (modern Aosta), founded around 25 bc after the victory of Augustus' army on the Salassi. An emergency excavation along the Aosta's Roman walls has brought to light, on a corner of one of the towers, an in situ block which carries several reliefs — including a plough and a spade — apparently related to the town's foundation ritual. As a consequence, we carried out a complete analysis of the original urban plan of Aosta and of its relationship with the sky and the landscape, taking into account the complex natural horizon of the Alps in which Aosta's valley is nested. The results show that the town was oriented in such a way as to pinpoint Augustus' ‘cognitive’ relationship with the ‘cosmic’ signs of renewal.

An improved species distribution model for Scots pine and downy oak under future climate change in the NW Italian Alps

Warming will induce an upward displacement of Scots pine, but this can be partially mitigated by maintaining a more intense land use. Scots pine is currently declining in most inner alpine sectors of southern Europe. The relative contribution of climate, land use change, and disturbances on the decline is poorly understood. What will be the future distribution of the species? Is vegetation shifting toward oak-dominated forests? What is the role of extreme drought years? The aims of the study were to determine drivers of current distribution of Scots pine and downy oak in Aosta valley (SW Alps), to extrapolate species distribution models to year 2080 (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A1B), and to assess the correlation between pine vitality after the extreme droughts of 2003 and 2006, and modeled longterm vegetation changes. Ensemble distribution models were created using climate, topography, soil, competition, natural disturbances, and land use. Species presence was derived from a regional forest inventory. Pine response to drought of 2003–2006 was assessed by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) differencing and correlated to modeled cover change between 2080 and present. Scots pine and downy oak were more likely to occur under higher climatic aridity. Scots pine was also associated to higher wildfire frequency, land use intensity, and lack of competition. In a warming scenario, pine experienced an elevational displacement. This was partially counteracted if no land abandonment was hypothesized. Downy oak cover increased in all scenarios. Short- and long-term drought responses of pine were unrelated. Warming will induce an upward displacement of pine, but this can be partially mitigated by maintaining a more intense land use. The drought-induced decline in pine vitality after extreme years did not overlap to the modeled species response under climate warming; responses to short-term drought must be more thoroughly understood in order to predict community shifts.

Geological map of the Mount Avic massif (Western Alps Ophiolites)

The Mount Avic massif consists of serpentinized peridotite exposed in the southern Aosta valley (Northwestern Alps), covering an area of ca. 180 km2. The 1:10,000 scale geological map is located in the southern portion of the massif, where serpentinite is in contact with ophiolitic rocks pertaining to the Piemonte Zone, which represents the fossil Mesozoic Tethyan ocean. Southwards, ophiolites are overthrusted by the continental-derived Austroalpine Mont Glacier unit. Serpentinite consists of antigorite, magnetite, and coarse grained Ti-clinohumite, olivine, and diopside, which are reminiscent of the original mantle texture. Rodingitic mafic dykes are intruded within serpentinite; other mafic rocks, consisting of (not rodingitized) metagabbro and metabasalt with relict eclogitic minerals, occur as tectonic slices associated with serpentinite, calcschist and sulphide-rich epidosite. The map gives detailed and updated information on the structure and lithostratigraphy of the Mount Avic ophiolites, providing an insight to the mantle-crust transition of the Tethyan oceanic lithosphere.

Cases of bed bug (Cimex lectularius) infestations in Northwest Italy.

CBed bugs (Cimex lectularius) have been a common problem for humans for at least 3,500years and in Europe their presence was endemic until the end of World War II, when infestations began to decrease. However, since the beginning of the 21st century new cases of infestations have been reported in developed countries. Many theories have been put forward to explain this change of direction, but none has been scientifically proven. The aim of this study is to provide some reports of bed bug infestations in Northern Italy (Liguria, Piedmont and Aosta valley regions) and a brief summary about their identification, clinical significance, bioecology and control. From 2008 to date, 17 bed bug infestations were identified in Northwest Italy. Knowledge about the presence and distribution of bed bugs in Italy is scanty, prior to this work only 2 studies reported the comeback of these arthropods in the Italian territory; further investigations would be necessary to better understand the current situation.

Slope stabilization in difficult conditions: the case study of a debris slide in NW Italian Alps

A case study of a debris slide (estimated volume of about 35,000 m3) is described in this paper. This slide occurred in April 2009 in the North Western Italian Alps (Aosta valley) and damaged the SR25 road along the Valgrisenche valley. Ground investigations started with severe safety and logistic issues being posed. Given the need to open as soon as possible the road, the design of the landslide stabilization works was carried out using a “design as you go” approach. The stabilization measures were conceived to be flexible in order to allow for changes and integration during construction, in line with the progressive refinement of the geological–geotechnical slope model being developed. Back analysis by means of the limit equilibrium method (LEM) and the finite element method (FEM) was used. Groundwater level rise following heavy rainfall and spring snow melting was found to be the main cause of the debris slide. The stabilization works were designed by using both the LEM and FEM methods. The stability conditions of the engineered slope were assessed based on the available performance monitoring data.

The interacting ecological effects of large-scale disturbances and salvage logging on montane spruce forest regeneration in the western European Alps

Insect outbreaks and wind storms are the most common natural disturbances affecting the northern slopes of montane Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) forests in the European Alps. The combined effects on stand dynamics, including tree regeneration, of these natural disturbances and an anthropogenic (i.e., salvage logging) disturbance were studied to assess the role of post-disturbance management practices. The study areas were in two adjacent inner valleys of the Aosta Valley Autonomous Region (western Italian Alps). Les Combes study area experienced an insect (Lymantria monacha L.) outbreak that affected 91ha in 1984–1990, while a wind storm impacted 70ha in the other valley (Parriod study area) in 1990. Salvage logging took place in both study areas 2years after the natural disturbance occurrence (i.e., in 1991–1992 in Les Combes, and in 1992–1993 in Parriod), and only dead trees were salvaged. Site characteristics, overstory and understory trees, and coarse woody debris (CWD) data were collected during the summer of 2010 in 90plots randomly distributed within disturbed portions and in control stands of the two study areas. The variability of natural regeneration structure and composition in relation to environment, forest structure, type of disturbance, and salvage logging were analyzed by univariate (i.e., ANOVA and correlations) and multivariate (i.e., MRPP, PCA, and RDA) analyses. Regeneration structure and composition were clearly different for the two disturbance types. Individuals originated mainly from seed after the insect outbreak, while an important role was played by advance regeneration in the windthrow area. Regeneration was more abundant and rich in shade tolerant species (i.e., Abies alba Mill.) after the insect outbreak, while Larix decidua Mill. and light demanding broadleaves were dominant after the windthrow. The two major factors influencing post-disturbance regeneration were the amount of the residual overstory and the amount and distribution of CWD. The presence of residual forest patches facilitated regeneration establishment by reducing herb and shrub competition, and regulating the light that penetrates to the ground. Woodpiles had a negative influence on regeneration in terms of abundance and also influenced composition. On the contrary, scattered CWD facilitated the establishment of new individuals by reducing competition with herbs and shrubs, reducing the impact of browsing, and improving substrate moisture, especially for Norway spruce.

Ski-pistes are ecological barriers to forest small mammals

From the beginning of the last century, the expansion of the ski industry has significantly altered alpine environments. The aim of this research was to study the impacts of forest ski-pistes on small mammals by assessing (1) whether ski-pistes were used or avoided and (2) whether they acted as ecological barriers to local movements. Two ski-developed valleys of the Western Italian Alps were considered. Most of the fieldwork occurred in the Sessera valley (Piedmont); a minor part was carried out in the Ayas valley (Aosta valley). In the main study site, three capture–mark–recapture studies on core species were carried out to assess habitat use (one study) and the capability of crossing ski-pistes (two studies: spontaneous crossing and individual translocation). Two radiotracking surveys of the most vagile species, the fat dormouse, were carried out to locate home ranges and resting sites in relation to ski-pistes. In the habitat use experiment, virtually all individuals (245 out of 249) were captured outside the ski-piste. In the spontaneous crossing test, recaptures of marked individuals showed that they moved on one side of the ski-piste only and never crossed it. However, in translocation experiments, 18.6 % of translocated individuals were able to cross the ski-piste and come back to the original forest patch. Fat dormice maintained home ranges on one side of the ski-piste and they never crossed it. Resting sites were mostly underground, between rocks, in boulders and in rocky crevices, never in the ski-piste. Our study clearly suggests that forest ski-pistes represent habitat loss and are ecological, semi-permeable barriers to small mammals. To mitigate habitat loss and make movements between forest patches easier, a possible management intervention could be maintaining a partial shrub cover or adding woody debris, both relatively easy methods for ski areas to implement in order to maintain small mammal communities.