Foreste Casentinesi National Park Research Articles

No country for native crayfish: importance of crustaceans in the diet of native and alien Northern raccoons

The Northern raccoon Procyon lotor is a native mesocarnivore of North America which has been introduced to many Eurasian countries, where invasive populations currently occur. Regarding Italy, the species is present in Lombardy and in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park (Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna). In this work, we conducted a review on food habits of the Northern raccoon both in the native and in the introduced ranges, and we firstly reported the evidence on the impact of this species on native crayfish in Central Italy. We retrieved 18 papers published between 1932 and 2020, 14 from the native range and four from the invasive range. We analysed the frequency of occurrence of nine food categories (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, crustaceans, fruits, and others). After fruits, crustaceans (where available) were the main food items detected in raccoon scats (up to 60% of the total diet, in the frequency of occurrence). In September 2019, we detected a total of 37 dead adult freshwater white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex in Central Italy, with evident signs of predation by the Northern raccoon. The local population of Northern raccoon is fast expanding its range, whereas the local population of A. pallipes complex is declining. This crayfish species is protected by national and international laws. Thus, a monitoring program involving all stakeholders and institutions dealing with in environmental management, aiming at removing all raccoons currently present in this area of Central Italy, should be carried out in the short term to limit the potential impacts exerted by the fast-spreading of this invasive mammal.

Do Coniferous Plantations Have an Importance for Biodiversity Conservation? Bats as Indicators in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park

Do Coniferous Plantations Have an Importance for Biodiversity Conservation? Bats as Indicators in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park

Time is running out! Rapid range expansion of the invasive northern raccoon in central Italy

Abstract The northern raccoon, Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758), is listed among the invasive alien species of European Union concern. Therefore, an updated monitoring of its distribution is required to design and address management actions. As to Italy, the raccoon has been reported with an established population only in northern regions. In this note, we report a new established raccoon population along the Apennine ridge in central Italy and we estimate the range expansion from 2015 to 2018 both through the minimum convex polygon (MCP) and the kernel estimates. Furthermore, we propose the management actions to limit negative impacts in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park and its surroundings.

Among rewilding mountains: grassland conservation and abandoned settlements in the Northern Apennines

ABSTRACTDue to agricultural abandonment and the urban preference for ‘wilderness’ over ‘rural’ areas, abandoned settlements and rewilding grasslands are often the last traces of agriculture in today’s protected areas of the Northern Apennines. However, since the late 1990s, an increasing number of policy makers have appreciated these spatial manifestations of the nature/culture gestalt and developed projects to conserve the last grasslands in rewilding protected areas. Does the land cover reflect these changing attitudes? Using the Foreste Casentinesi National Park as our case in point, we aim to (1) detect land cover changes during 1990–2001 and 2001–2010; (2) analyse change trajectories; and (3) reveal potential discrepancies between the conservation of biodiversity and rural built heritage. Our results show that grassland loss dominated 1990–2001, whereas grassland maintenance/restoration can be observed for 2001–2010. However, the decadence of the rural built heritage seems to continue.

Are available vegetation data suitable for assessing plant diversity? A study case in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park (Italy)

This paper aimed to analyze potentials and shortcomings of existing vegetation data collected in an Italian National Park (Foreste Casentinesi NP) to: (1) assess coarse scale patterns of species diversity, and (2) set up a habitat monitoring system. We generated a specifically designed georeferenced dataset by assembling all available forest vegetation data, and then we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of data by sample-based accumulation and rarefaction curves. The analyses were performed on data gathered from the year 1934 to 2007. This broad temporal range may provide valuable information about processes occurring over a longer period than the majority of the published resurvey studies. Our study revealed an uneven distribution of the records both in time and space, corroborating the view that this type of data is inappropriate to analyze trends of plant diversity at coarse scale. However, especially the oldest records of the dataset represent a valuable source of information about long-term plant diversity changes, if used in resurvey studies designed with proper techniques. Detecting the directions of vegetation, or habitat, dynamics is crucial for addressing effective conservation actions.

Molecular identification of imported red wood ant populations in the Campigna Biogenetic Nature Reserve (Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Italy)

During the second half of the XIX century, several species of red wood ants (Formica rufa group) were used as biological control agents and introduced to the Italian Apennine mountains where they were formerly absent. Among these, Formica lugubris was the most widely introduced alien species. In 1996, however, a taxonomic revision defined two sibling species, F. lugubris and F. paralugubris, each with distinct ecological and behavioural characteristics that differently affect their spatial distribution. The first one can be both monodomous and polydomous with a low number of interlinked nests, and it is obliged to mate by nuptial flight. Conversely, F. paralugubris is usually unicolonial, with a considerable portion of intranest mates. Discrimination between the two species using morphological characters is possible but requires considerable taxonomic expertise. Restriction analysis, whereby presence/absence of a BamHI site in the mitochondrial DNA COI gene results in different restriction profiles, provides an alternative efficient method to unambiguously distinguish F. lugubris from F. paralugubris. We applied this method to identify ant species introduced to several locations in the Campigna Forest of the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park, one of the Italian locations mostly affected by alien ant introductions. This area has considerable ecological relevance. Given the potential impact of ants on native arthropod communities, it is of the most importance to identify which species has been introduced. Contrary to previous assumptions, results of our analysis clearly show that only F. paralugubris is present in the National park.

Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus Altobello, 1921) and molecular detection of taeniids in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Northern Italian Apennines.

After centuries of massive decline, the recovery of the wolf (Canis lupus italicus) in Italy is a typical conservation success story. To learn more about the possible role of parasites in the wolves' individual and population health and conservation we used non-invasive molecular approaches on fecal samples to identify individual wolves, pack membership, and the taeniids present, some of which are zoonotic. A total of 130 specimens belonging to 54 wolves from eight packs were collected and examined. Taeniid eggs were isolated using a sieving/flotation technique, and the species level was identified by PCR (gene target: 12S rRNA and nad1). Taeniid prevalence was 40.7% for Taenia hydatigena, 22.2% for T. krabbei, 1.8% for T. polyachanta and 5.5% for Echinococcus granulosus. The prevalence of E. granulosus is discussed. Our results show that the taeniid fauna found in wolves from the Foreste Casentinesi National Park is comparable to that described for other domestic and wild Italian canids and provides insights into the wolves’ diet and their relationship with the environment.

Non-invasive monitoring of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris Schreber, 1777): comparative analysis of three different monitoring techniques and evaluation of their integration

The European wildcat is threatened by habitat fragmentation, illegal or incidental killings and hybridization with free-ranging domestic cats. Conservation projects should be based on a sound knowledge of the patterns of wildcat distribution, population size and dynamics. However, this information is scanty, mainly because of the species’ elusive behaviour. In this study, we tested the efficiency of a protocol that integrates the use of non-invasive genetic identifications and camera trapping for wildcat monitoring. The field work was carried out in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, a protected area in the central Italian Apennines, where wildcat presence has been recently ascertained. DNA samples were extracted from scats collected during the survey and hair tufts trapped by valerian-treated sticks. Individual genotypes were identified using 10 autosomal microsatellites, mtDNA and Y chromosome markers. Additionally, we obtained 30-s long video clips from 20 camera trap stations associated to the hair traps. Our results confirmed the presence of wildcats in the study area. We identified six to nine wildcat individuals (respectively from non-invasive genetic sampling and camera trapping survey). Some of these showed anomalous coat colour patterns (one) or genetic signatures of hybridization (three). We further identified five domestic cats that were sharing parts of wildcats’ territories. We found individual variations in the response to valerian lure. We compared and evaluated the pros and cons of these monitoring methods. We concluded that, if used simultaneously, these methods may considerably increase the efficiency of wildcat detection and the quality of collected data.

Scientific analyses beyond the excavation: studies for a non invasive preliminary approach

Domo is an archaeological site located in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, near the town of Bibbiena, in the province of Arezzo (Tuscany). Since the ’80, investigations at Domo have revealed a Roman domus with a Roman baths complex. Unfortunately, the rich stratigraphy was almost completely lost during the first excavations. Since 2008 the archaeological site was reopened by Archeodomani s.a.s., a company that deals with promotion of cultural heritage, and it is still under summer excavation campaigns. In the future perspective to try and solve doubts about the site phase sequence of the Roman baths complex, not easy to understand now for several use modifications of the different areas, we developed an analytical method that could allow a large scale investigation limiting the sampling. In this paper, we present the preliminary results obtained for mortar, both from the walls and from the binding of cocciopesto, with XRD (X Ray Diffraction) and ED-XRF (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence) analysis on ground samples. XRD analysis was performed at ICVBC-CNR and the diffraction data (Cu–Ka, 1.5418 A) were collected on a J-J Panalytical X’Pert PRO spectrometer. Grounded samples were placed in aluminium sample holder or dusted on frosted glass sample holder, depending on sample amount. XRF measurements were performed at Physics Department of Milan University using a portable EDXRF spectrometer (Assing Lithos 3000) exploiting polychromatic radiation from a Mo anode X-ray tube. Both analyses were performed after preliminary observation of the samples by stereo-microscope and the results obtained through XRF and XRD were compared to get more complete information about samples. Data were also submitted to multivariate analysis (Hierarchical Clustering) to get material classification. The comparison between the classification obtained and archaeological interpretation is still in progress; the collection of analytical data will go on in future excavation campaigns. The complete overview will be part of a project to promote the archaeological site through an online portal.

L’ecologia del Picchio Nero, Dryocopus Martius, nelle foreste casentinesi come chiave per la possibile espansione della specie nell'Appennino

Ecological mathematical models are useful tools to define geographic distribution and ecological features of species, playing a fundamental role in defining conservation policies. Through the various methods we can use, recently, those which work with only-presence-data are growing in popularity and particularly MaxEnt. The recent colonization of Foreste Casentinesi National Park by Black Woodpecker represent a very interesting study-case to show how this method work, analysing possible evolution of an expansion process that is still evolving.

Birds as indicators of recent environmental changes in the Apennines (Foreste Casentinesi National Park, central Italy)

Starting from a data‐set of 175 point counts (5 min duration) repeated twice a year from 1992 to 2002 in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park (Apennines, central Italy), the trends of species and of some selected ecological and phenological guilds were analysed. Among the 61 testable species, a significant increase (linear or quadratic regressions) involved 15 species, whereas 8 decreased. No significant trend was found for the remaining 38 species. The bark feeders guild, as well as tree‐cavity nesters and ground feeders showed an increase, whereas foliage feeders and ground nesters showed no significant changes. Short‐distance migrants and residents showed an increase, whereas long‐distance migrants showed no change. The overall picture obtained from these data fits well the habitat changes occurring in the study area: i) ageing of woods (with a remarkable increase in the proportion of mature stands in the study period); ii) afforestation of pastures and farmland, a long‐term process that started at least 150 years ago. These processes are widespread in the Mediterranean mountains, and it is therefore possible that the situation in the Foreste Casentinesi could have some general meaning, though the lack of regional bird monitoring programs impedes reliable comparisons.

Two distinct patterns of spatial behaviour of female roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in a mountainous habitat

The home range dynamics of eleven roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) females were studied from 1995 to 1999 in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, northern Apennines, Tuscany, Italy. The study area is mountainous with almost complete forest cover (95%) and snow usually falls from late October to April. Data were collected with radio-tracking techniques: the annual and bimonthly home range, the overlap percentages of the Kernel home range of consecutive periods and of the same period in different years, and the linear distance between centres of home ranges were calculated and analysed. The first analysis showed two spatial behaviours: stationary and roaming. Roaming females had larger home ranges than stationary ones, and this difference was particularly apparent during winter. Furthermore, different behavioural patterns were found within the roaming roe deer: (i) winter altitudinal migration outside the summer home range; (ii) summer long-distance migration towards birthing and mating areas. The birth period and snow cover during winter are the most important factors influencing female spatial behaviour in this roe deer population.

Quantitative data on the red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) population in the province of Forlì-Cesena

Abstract The census of Red deer bucks during the rutting season was used in order to acquire quantitative data on the Red deer population inhabiting the northern part of the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. The census was conducted in September-October 1997 during the hours of highest rutting activity from a set of hearing points by recording the number and direction of ruts. The rutting range, extending over an area of about 11800 ha, was divided into two sectors covered by 31 and 30 hearing points respectively. A total of 77 bucks in sector 1 and 83 in sector 2 was recorded. From these figures we estimated a total population of 870 individuals and a density of 7.3 deers/kmq , comparable to the one recorded in the southern (Tuscan) part of the Park.

Preliminary data on the density and structure of a fallow deer ( Cervus dama ) population in the Foreste Casentinesi M. Falterona and Campigna National Park

Abstract In a sample area covering 1200 ha located in the northern part of the Foreste Casentinesi National Park a survey was conducted in 1996 and 1997 on the Fallow deer ( Cervus dama ) population. The survey was conducted during the rutting period. The censusing method is an adaptation of the Lincoln Index estimation where the capture, marking and recapture process was replaced by individual observations in lekking areas. Since the stay of the bucks in a territory is not uniform, due to the high level of variability of the reproductive strategies, the mixing of the bucks improves the reliability of the method. The estimate of the total population was 189, the sex ratio was 1:1 and the yearlings/adults ratio was 1:2.2.

Wolf food habits and wild ungulate availability in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Italy

Authors investigated wolf Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758 food habitats in northern Apenines by examining 240 scats collected between 1988 and 1992. In the same area authors also estimated densities of the most common wild ungulates.

Aphyllophorales Della Riserva Naturale Integrale di Sasso Fratino (Forlì), Italia

Abstract The author deals with the results of a research on the presence of Aphyllophorales in Sasso Fratino Forest, an Integral Natural Reserve, inside the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. The research started in 1987 and till now 171 wood-inhabiting species have been collected. Some of them are new to the Italian mycoflora: Antrodiella fissiliformis, Ceriporia alachuana, Laeticorticium meridioroseum, Parvobasidium cretatum, Pycnoporellus fulgens, while some other must be considered very rare species in Italy: Ganoderma carnosum, Lobulicium occultum, Stereum insignitum, Trechispora echynocystis.