Wild Italy
From the Dolomites to the Mediterranean: a look at the secret wild side of “Bella Italia".
From the Alps to Tuscany
Winter in north Italy: ice and snow rule over the Dolomites for months on end – only specialists can live up here in the high mountains: like the Ibex, for example. Hardly any other animal can climb so efficiently and scale the steepest slopes so elegantly. Even Ibex, however, descend to lower regions when the ice and snow are lying – the risk of falling is simply too high in winter. When an animal does succumb to the conditions, the Golden Eagle takes advantage. The ‘King of the Skies’ becomes a scavenger in winter, when he can’t catch prey himself - and he has to share, whether he likes it or not, as ravens and crows are quick to the scene of death. As soon as spring arrives, huge amounts of melt water plummet down from the Dolomites into the valley, feeding streams and rivers across north Italy – including the Po. At the Adriatic coast, Italy’s longest river joins the Mediterranean and forms a vast delta. In the 1980’s, salt-works were in operation here; today however the area is a paradise for birds. The protected delta magically attracts rare water birds like the Purple Heron, and even Greater Flamingos. South of the Italian Alps sprawls one of the most recognizable cultural landscapes on earth: Tuscany. A mild climate, olive groves, vineyards and small woods shape this region – and whoever looks a little closer can also discover Tuscany’s wild side. At the top of an old oak tree, two Stag Beetles clash for the favours of a lady; and on a blooming meadow, a tortoise munches on some fresh flowers - totally at peace.
From Sardinia to Abruzzo
For many people, Sardinia is THE Mediterranean dream island: clichés like crystal-clear water and picturesque coastlines are reality here. Wild horses inhabit the vast unpopulated plateaux of Gesturi. In the adjacent high regions lies the kingdom of the imposing Mouflon. The curved horns of the male come in handy when battling over the females during rutting season. A breathtaking underwater world is hidden beneath the crystal clear water surrounding the island. Colourful fish, corals and sea snails live down here - as well as the basking shark! He can grow up to ten metres long, but he’s completely harmless: with his huge mouth he only fishes microorganisms from the water. Sicily, off the coast at the tip of Italy’s ‘boot’, is the largest island in the Mediterranean. The island’s most famous landmark is already visible from far-off: Etna, at 3340 metres the highest active volcano in Europe. Only 40 kilometres away another volcano looms high: Stromboli, which lies in the middle of the sea. It spews lava and fire at virtually minute intervals. From ancient times on, humans have feared the volcanoes of south Italy. Even today, there are 2500 year-old temple grounds still standing on Sicily. These days nature is re-claiming the age-old buildings – Mason bees and lizards inhabit the cracks and crevices, while lush flower meadows surround the ancient pillars. Abruzzo, lying level with Rome, is the wild heart of southern Italy. The rugged, uninhabited mountain world with its unspoilt beech forests make Abruzzo something special: this is Italy from its unfamiliar side! The inaccessible slopes are the territory of the extremely rare Apennine chamois. During rutting, the bucks engage in breakneck chases among the rocks.
