Accurate information
The Val Grande National Park announces the launch of an advanced wildlife monitoring project, with particular attention to large carnivores present in the areaThe initiative stems from the need to provide reliable scientific data, counter fake news, and offer concrete answers to farmers and the local community. Through the use of radio collars, in collaboration with the Carabinieri Forestali (Forestry Police), the Park intends to launch a program to collect precise information on the presence and movements of wolves and bears. To date, genetic studies confirm the presence of only one bear in Val Grande, but the project will allow for further study and more precise data on the composition and movements of the fauna.
Countering fake news
"What we as a Park want to implement is a project that will allow us to monitor the packs' situation and address the concerns of residents and farmers. Radio-collaring some wolves and the present bear would mean being able to provide reliable data, counter unfounded rumors, and at the same time contribute to scientific research," says Luigi Spadone, President of Val Grande Park. The project, inspired by experiences already implemented in other Italian parks, will require time and commitment, given the complexity of capturing and releasing animals with monitoring devices. However, it represents a fundamental tool for addressing an issue that has gained significant media attention in recent months, partly due to fake news and cases of predation.
A presence that generates discussions
"This is neither an immediate nor a definitive solution, but a concrete step to support struggling farmers and provide transparent answers to the population. It's a long, but necessary, process: if we don't start, we'll get nowhere," concludes Luigi Spadone, President of the Val Grande Park. "As a Park, we have a duty to promote biodiversity and monitor wildlife populations. The presence of large predators sparks discussion, but our goal remains monitoring and management, to understand species dynamics and prevent the damage they can cause. Val Grande's high biodiversity is an asset, but it must be managed in balance with human activities," emphasizes Michele Zanelli, Director of the Val Grande Park.
Genetic analysis
"Active management of large carnivores is more than just monitoring: it means collecting objective, genetic, and scientific data to provide concrete answers and disprove instrumental or unfounded claims. Today, thanks to genetic analysis, we know for certain that only one bear is present in Val Grande. If new evidence emerges in the future, we will be the first to communicate it. Transparency and scientific accuracy remain our priority," emphasizes Cristina Movalli, a technician at the Val Grande National Park. "Our actions are geared towards management that minimizes risks and pursues maximum transparency. Radio-collaring some specimens, complementing our regular monitoring activities, will allow us to better verify the presence and behavior of the fauna, avoiding fueling unfounded speculation. Our response aims to be concrete and based on scientific data, thus strengthening the credibility of the work carried out and simultaneously protecting citizens and the territory," states Andrea Baldi, Colonel Commander of the Carabinieri Forestali. A project is currently being finalized and will be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security to obtain the necessary authorizations.
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