The return of the large carnivore
In recent years, the presence of the wolf (Canis lupus italicus) has been increasingly documented in the Mantua plain, a tangible sign of a natural recolonization process affecting much of Lombardy. This large carnivore, once extinct in the Po Valley, is rapidly reconquering its ancient territories, thanks in part to the ecological function of the river basins, including the Mincio River, which serve as a link between the Apennines and the Alps.
A monitoring to know and protect
Il Mincio Park, in line with its goal of protecting biodiversity, has launched a species monitoring program to collect up-to-date data on the presence, movements, and habits of this species in the protected area and surrounding areas. The initiative has specific objectives: to understand the species, assess its distribution and use of space, identify passageways, and prevent potential conflicts with human activities, particularly agriculture and livestock farming.
A non-invasive and continuous field work
Monitoring takes place within the boundaries of the Park, the nature reserves, and along the main river corridors. Camera traps are placed at strategic points, such as trails, riverbanks, and lowland forests, to non-invasively document the animals' passage. At the same time, the Park's technical staff collects tracks and signs of presence, which are then analyzed and georeferenced to identify the areas of greatest presence. Activities are conducted year-round, with particular intensity during the winter months, when the terrain and environmental conditions favor the detection of signs of presence. The collected data is then processed to produce presence maps and land-use models, essential tools for effective wildlife management and ecological planning.
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