Aspromonte National Park Research Articles

Calliphora rohdendorfi (Grunin, 1966) (Diptera: Calliphoridae): a new blow fly in the Italian fauna detected in Calabrian Apennines

Within the family Calliphoridae, the genus Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, includes species of medical, veterinary and forensic relevance. This study reports for the first time the presence of Calliphora rohdendorfi (Grunin, 1966) in the Italian territory, namely in Calabrian Apennines (Southern Italy). The adults of the species were captured by bait bottle and yellow pan traps within a monitoring project of Diptera Brachycera involving Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte (Aspromonte National Park), Parco Nazionale della Sila (Sila National Park) and Parco Naturale Regionale delle Serre (Natural Regional Park of Serre), between 2018 and 2021. Calliphora rohdendorfi was identified on detailed morphological bases of both sexes. This was the first description of the general morphology of the female and its terminalia through digital photographs acquired by stereomicroscopy. The species was captured in pine and beech forests at an altitude between 1010 and 1820 m a.s.l. in shaded mountain areas. Prior to the finding in Southern Italy, this species showed an unusually disjointed distribution in Caucasus, Germany and Poland, thus the presence of C. rohdendorfi in Calabrian Apennines provides new and interesting data that require further investigation, because the species could play a role as flower visitor, pollinator and forensic indicator.

A new Hoplia Illiger, 1803 from Calabria, southern Italy (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Hopliini)

Hoplia asprumuntiana Patacchiola, Fabbriciani, Boschin & Biscaccianti, new species from Aspromonte National Park (Calabria, southern Italy) is described and illustrated. The new species is compared with the two apparently most closely related species, namely H. maremmana Leo, Liberto, Rattu & Sechi, 2010 and H. meridiana Uliana, Liberto & Leo, 2017. The differences between H. asprumuntiana new species and the other Hoplia Illiger, 1803 occurring in the southern Apennine are also discussed, chiefly regarding H. paganettii Müller, 1907 described from Aspromonte. Some remarks on ecology and phenology of adults are also reported.

Presence of the endangered saproxylic species Cucujus haematodes (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) in Aspromonte National Park (Southern Italy)

The knowledge of the ecological preferences of threatened species is critical to all conservation programs. Analyses of habitats and ecological parameters of species are necessary to predict future distribution and responses to climate change. Cucujus haematodes Erichson, 1845 (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) is a threatened obligate saproxylic species, listed in the IUCN European Red List of Saproxylic Beetles. After a few decades of apparent absence, the species was recently found in Calabria (Southern Italy) in some good quality biotopes of the Sila National Park in association with Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1763) and Cucujus tulliae Bonacci, Mazzei, Horák & Brandmayr, 2012 (Coleoptera: Cucujidae). Field surveys carried out from 2014 to 2020 in Aspromonte National Park (Calabria) revealed large populations of C. haematodes. Larvae of C. haematodes were collected from under the bark of dead trees in 11 sampling areas within Aspromonte National Park. The presence of larvae of C. haematodes on the non-autochthonous conifer Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco (Pinales: Pinaceae) was also reported for the first time in Italy.

Effects of Gap Size and Cardinal Directions on Natural Regeneration, Growth Dynamics of Trees outside the Gaps and Soil Properties in European Beech Forests of Southern Italy

The present study was focused on how cardinal directions inside gaps of different sizes (small, 200 m2; medium, 400 m2; and large, 600 m2) can affect soil characteristics and tree regeneration. Additionally, the effects of gap size on the growth dynamics of trees outside the gaps were evaluated. The study was carried out in a European beech stand located in Aspromonte National Park (Southern Apennines, Calabria, Italy). Microclimatic variables, physical, chemical, and biochemical soil properties, natural regeneration density, and growth trees outside the gaps density of natural regeneration were assessed. This study provided evidence for an important effect of cardinal points on micro-environmental parameter variability, nutrient cycle, physic-chemical soil properties, water availability, and biological processes such as trees growth and regeneration. The European beech natural regeneration was most abundant in the south part of the gaps. Thus, we can state that cardinal points affect the trees natural regeneration in a species-specific manner. The new microclimatic conditions due to the gap opening had positive effects on the tree growth located along the gap edge, especially in the trees sampled on the edges of the medium gaps. On the contrary, the trees located in the forest recorded a productivity coherent with the period prior the gap opening. In medium-sized gaps, the combination and interaction of microclimatic and soil parameters (humification and mineralization process and microbial activity) created the best conditions for beech natural regeneration and favored an increase in the productivity of the trees at the edge of the gaps.

NEW RECORDS OF SEED BEETLES (CHRYSOMELIDAE BRUCHINAE) OF THE ASPROMONTE NATIONAL PARK; A STUDY IN THE CALABRIAN APENNINES, ITALY

In this note original data on the Bruchids of the Aspromonte National Park are reported. The specimens examined were surprisingly found within the field activities for a project aimed to deepen the saproxylic coleopteran fauna of the Aspromonte National Park (Calabrian Apennines, Italy), in three different agroforestry systems dominated by chestnut. Out of a total of 134 specimens 129 have been identified as belonging to 3 genera and 14 species, namely: Paleoachantoscelides gilvus (Gyllenhal, 1839), Bruchidius dispar (Gyllenhal, 1833), Bruchidius murinus (Boheman, 1829), Bruchidius olivaceus (Germar, 1824), Bruchidius seminarius (Linnaeus, 1767), Bruchidius tibialis (Boheman, 1829), Bruchidius varius (Olivier, 1795), Bruchidius imbricornis (Panzer, 1795), Bruchidius pygmaeus (Boheman, 1833), Bruchidius trifolii (Motschulsky, 1873), Bruchus brachialis Fahraeus, 1839, Bruchus pisorum (Linnaeus, 1758), Bruchus rufipes Herbst, 1783, Bruchus viciae.

Comparison between Demand and Supply of Some Ecosystem Services in National Parks: A Spatial Analysis Conducted Using Italian Case Studies

In recent decades, modeling approaches of ecosystem services (ES) have been used extensively at the international level, providing useful tools during the decision-making process by integrating both physical and economic information, thus improving its management. The relationship between supply and demand may impact social welfare: for example, a deficit in ES could negatively influence demand (either potential or effective). For this reason, the relational study between supply and demand is necessary for the sustainable management of natural resources; particularly since the demand for some ES must be fulfilled not only on a local scale but also globally (as in the case of regulatory ES). This paper proposes an ES analysis framework that links the flow of services (supply) generated by the interaction between natural, human and social capital with consumption (demand) connected to potential beneficiaries. Specifically, we analyze three ES: Forage production, regulation of local climate (PM10), and carbon sequestration in three national parks (Aspromonte National Park, Circeo National Park, and Appennino Tosco Emiliano National Park). The use of synthetic (biophysical) indicators, on a spatial basis, made it possible to quantify the supply and demand of specific catchments with the aim of accounting for the surplus/deficit through the calculation of the ES supply and demand ratio (ESDR). In fact, sustainable land management requires a balance between supply and demand in relation to the different needs of the stakeholders and local community. The relationship between supply and demand of ES can help identify resource use trade-offs, thus rendering the achievement of management and protection objectives more efficient. Lastly, through the use of monetary coefficients, it was possible to calculate the benefits of increasing the awareness of public decision-makers of ES’s value and the importance of implementing integrated strategies for environmental protection and enhancement.

Diversity of saproxylic beetle communities in chestnut agroforestry systems

Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) has been exploited over the centuries for different uses. Nowadays, chestnut is mostly managed as coppice or orchard, creating a matrix of different forest structures. In particular, saproxylic species may provide information to correlate forest naturalness with stand structure. In this study, we evaluated how different management methods might influence the diversity of beetles hosted in chestnut agroforestry systems. Three management options were considered: young and mature coppice stands, and the traditional fruit orchard. Microhabitats occurring on veteran trees were also surveyed to investigate their effect on saproxylic communities, in the fruit orchard. The study area is located in Southern Italy, Aspromonte National Park, where Coleoptera were collected using window flight traps and the stand structural traits were also quantified. In the fruit orchard, a census of the occurring microhabitats was also realized. We used the following diversity indeces (α-diversity) to assess the state of conservation of the analysed forests: (i) Shannon Index; (ii) Margalef’s Richness index; (iii) Equitability index; (iv) Dominance index. Results revealed that forest management have a fundamental role in influencing the diversity of Coleoptera communities and saproxylic beetles. A lower species richness was observed in the mature coppice in comparison with the young coppice and fruit orchard. Nevertheless, these agroforestry systems, reflecting differentiated structural traits, allowed the development of highly specialized and threatened species (34.3% included in IUCN risk categories), with important contribution to conservation of biodiversity in the rural landscape. Finally, the abundance and diversity of microhabitats in the traditional fruit orchard had positive effects on many saproxylic beetle families. These beetle communities, particularly saproxylic species, can be used as excellent bioindicators in actively managed agroforestry systems, suggesting sustainable forest management options for chestnut, while the conservation of veteran trees rich in microhabitats can be considered fundamental for preserving many endangered insects.

How the South was won: current and potential range expansion of the crested porcupine in Southern Italy

Since the 1970s, the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata has expanded its range into Northern regions in Italy, where it was historically absent, helped by climatic change, legal protection, and forest re-expansion. In the past 10 years, a remarkable range expansion has also been observed in the southernmost Italian regions. The aim of our work was to summarize the distribution of this species in Southern Italy and assess potential range expansion under multiple future scenarios of global warming. We collected 1783 occurrence records of the crested porcupine through ad-hoc web pages, online platforms, and some data directly collected by authors (N = 976 occurrences between 1998 and 2008; N = 807 between 2008 and 2019). A remarkable increase in porcupine records occurred in Lucania, Campania, and Apulia regions, in Southern Italy, mostly along the coastlines. Species distribution models showed that porcupine presence is associated with warm temperatures and an intermediate level of precipitation. Although land-cover showed lower importance compared to climate, the species was positively associated with forests and negatively associated with agricultural, grasslands and shrublands, and urban landscapes. Model projections suggested that future global warming can improve suitability for porcupines in the Apennine ridge, including the Southern Calabria and the Aspromonte National Park. However, increase in drought and urbanization may reduce the habitat suitability for the crested porcupine in the Salento peninsula, limiting the success of the range expansion by this large rodent, and in Eastern Calabria, wih possible range contractions along the Tyrrhenian coast.

From Degradation to the Regeneration of Territorial Heritage. An Eco-Systemic Vision for the Promotion of the Natural, Urban and Landscape Capital of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria

The results of the research conducted on the subject of regeneration of areas of land suffering degradation were presented, studied and analyzed to establish “families” of causes and effects, to forecast lines of action commensurate with the reversibility of the damage. The area in question is the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria covering the entire territory of the former province and including the Aspromonte National Park. The methods of direct observation and critical interpretation of the phenomena, in terms of extension and incidence, are aimed at advancing a protocol of interventions for the definition, evaluation and implementation of regeneration prospects through experimental pilot laboratories for University-Region coordination. Of particular interest was the role of prevention for areas that are used improperly with the consequent loss of habitat quality, limitations of the effectiveness of ecosystem services, for those environments that express values integrated from a cultural, naturalistic point of view, identity and are subject to risks of fragmentation that endanger ecological connectivity.

Does Thinning Intensity Affect Wood Quality? An Analysis of Calabrian Pine in Southern Italy Using a Non-Destructive Acoustic Method

In the middle of XIX century, Calabrian pine was planted in southern Italy to increase the forest cover in mountainous areas. Many of these forest stands were never managed, since they were considered non-profitable for wood production. Therefore, in order to promote timber value, it is fundamental to study, more deeply, the characteristics and management options for this species. The acoustic technologies applied to predict the mechanical and physical properties of timber are well-established practices in forest research. In this study, we hypothesized that the tree stand density could influence the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEd) and, therefore, the future wood quality. We specifically aimed to verify if different management options, when applied, could influence the timber quality of Calabrian pine growing in similar environmental conditions. The study was conducted in the Aspromonte National Park (Calabria, Southern Italy). We derived the MOEd values from data obtained by the acoustic velocity measured through the TreeSonic™ timer. Calabrian pine trees were selected in stands where different intensities of thinning were applied eleven years before this study began (no thinning, thinning 25%, thinning 50%, and thinning 75%). The percentage refers to the number of trees cut with respect to the total number of occurring trees. The analyses were conducted on a total of 804 trees (201 trees for each intensity of thinning). A strong positive correlation was observed between the acoustic velocity, the thinning treatments and diameter at breast height (DBH). The thinning realized at 25% induced better tree wood quality. We also analyzed the best predictors for MOEd estimation, using variables easily measurable in the field, such as tree diameter, tree height, or their transformations (number of trees per hectare, basal area per hectare). We provide, here, a useful tool for predicting the wood stiffness in relation to stand parameters easily measurable in forest inventories.

Balkan marsh frogs Pelophylax kurtmuelleri (Gayda, 1940) introduced in the Aspromonte National Park, southern Italy

Balkan marsh frogs Pelophylax kurtmuelleri (Gayda, 1940) introduced in the Aspromonte National Park, southern Italy

Environmental Resources Conservation through Sustainable Forest Management

Between XVIII and XX centuries, the forest resources in Calabria region (southern Italy) were intensively exploited and only political strengths, relatively recent, led to a re-establishment of forest cover. Thanks to these actions, from 1957 to 1980, reforestation and forest recovery activities interested 153.000ha and forest cover increased by 32%, with a consequent reduction of the erosion processes in mountainous areas. In the present study we analysed three monospecific conifer stands, reforested 50 years ago, in the Aspromonte National Park, dominated by calabrian pine, Monterey pine and silver fir, respectively. The long-term effects of the reforestation and the management implications were evaluatedin relation to the enhancement of the environmental resources of a modern Metropolitan city. All the reforested stands were highly productive. However, the lack of management often induced tree diseases and downfall, then loss of timber quality. Reforestation activities accomplished importance goals: (1) soil conservation; (2) timber production and (3) consequent socio-economic and employment advantages. However, in order to fulfil the long-term effects of such benefits, and to to enhance such resources within a Metropolitan city, is fundamental that forest policies should pay more attention to the management (holistic and sustainable), restoration and ecological stability of reforested stands, together with a constant monitoring of these reforested stands. Finally, reforested stands across all the Metropolitan areas play an important role in hydrological protection, water storage, but also for timber production.

Post-release habitats’ selection of Capreolus capreolus italicus (Festa, 1925) in a protected area in southern Italy

The purpose of this study was to analyze the post-release behavior of individuals of Capreolus capreolus italicus (Festa 1925) and to evaluate the influence of environmental and vegetation characteristics on habitat selection by monitored animals. With these aims, 14 individuals of roe deer (a sample of 75 animals released in total), differentiated by age and sex, were caught in areas of southern Tuscany (central Italy) and released in suitable areas of the Aspromonte National Park (Calabria, southern Italy). Each animal was monitored by GPS-GSM tracking radio collar (Vectronics ®) with frequency of location ranging from 30 minutes (in the first month) to 6 hours (later), and covering a period ranging from 90 to 563 days. Each fix, reported in a GIS environment, was analyzed to get information on habitat selection performed by tracked animals. Data collection implemented forest area, herbaceous resources characterization and the evaluation of possible visual refuge offered to the animals by the environment, to assess the effect of these attributes on the selection of grounds. Results showed that the choice of a particular habitat is highly correlated with forests’ characteristics, the areas covered by conifers and with height of crown insertion between 1 and 2 m, generally with absence of regeneration, being clearly preferred. Most attended herbaceous areas are those with a high presence of grasses and with a high pastoral value. Visual refuge affects also remarkably the selection of habitats by animals. The study showed that the observed parameters can provide a good basis for the validation of the model used for the feasibility study and to identify the optimal characteristics of the areas for future releases.

Challenges and Opportunities for Assessing Cultural Landscape: An Ecomuseum for Cultural-Based Local Development

This study arises from applied research in regional contexts combined with a deep analysis of cultural landscape potential for socio-cultural and economic local development. In addition, it starts from a careful critical reflection on traditional governance models of naturalistic contexts located on the sidelines of metropolitan suburbs in delay development. It is aimed at deepening the theoretical recognition of the identifying characteristics of the Aspromonte National Park as an inseparable reality and to the definition of rurality as an important tourist attraction and as endogenous development. Moreover the paper present a summary of a pilot project for the definition, assessment and implementation of a model of Ecomuseum of the Cultural Landscape, through the identification of homogeneous territorial areas in which to conduct experimentation and implementation of management models able to trigger processes of exploitation and growth of the Aspromonte area thanks to an innovative strategic planning focused on the community involvement and heritage enhancement.

Caratterizzazione della necromassa in cedui di castagno (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Aspromonte

This research aimed to provide further qualitative and quantitative information on the presence of dead wood in the forests of Southern Italy. Investigations were made in two unmanaged chestnut coppices, 40 and 45 years old, growing in the Aspromonte National Park (Southern Italy). The volume of standing dead trees and of coarse woody debris ranged between 14.8 and 30.9 m3/ha and between 6.7 and 28.1 m3/ha, respectively. The overall carbon stored in dead wood ranged between 5.9 and 16.5 Mg C/ha.

A Garden or a Laboratory? Conflicting Views about Nature Preservation and Local Development in the Aspromonte National Park, Italy

Natural parks are important institutions for the preservation of natural environments, biodiversity, and sometimes historical sites. In many cases, though, tensions can arise between parks and local communities who live and make their living in the area. This is the case of the Aspromonte National Park (ANP), established in an area with a considerable human presence in a context of social marginalization and economic backwardness. In this context there is a difficult balance between nature preservation and socio-economic development. The case of ANP shows an interesting attempt to find this balance, with initiatives discussed and agreed with local communities, projects for the recovery and the enhancement of local culture, and the promotion of innovative practices of sustainable development. The recent history of the ANP confirms that a natural park, beyond the preservation of natural sites, can encourage sustainable development even in economically backward areas. At the same time it highlights what kinds of conflicts can arise between different stakeholders. Finally, it shows that the involvement of the communities and the creation of networks are essential for a sustainable development strategy in a protected area.

Osservazioni preliminari sulla necromassa in popolamenti di pino laricio nel Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte

Abstract: Coarse Woody Debris and Standing Dead Tress are considered relevant ecological elements for soil and biodiversity conservation and for the ecosystem functionality. Investigations have been carried out in natural and artificial stands of Calabrian pine (Pinus laricio Poiret) in the Aspromonte National Park (Italy). The volume of Standing Dead Trees is of 1.4-22.0 m3 ha-1. The volume of Coarse Woody Debris is of 1.4-23.0 m3 ha-1. The combine volume of CWD and SDT (14.8 m3 ha-1) reaches the values suggested for forests in Germany and France. The C stored in dead wood is of 3.3 Mg C ha-1. Observations on the dead wood management in natural and artificial stands are here made.