DOLOMITES - Annexes 2-8 - Provincia di Udine

NOMINATION OF THE DOLOMITES FOR INSCRIPTION ON THE WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE LIST UNESCO
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The return of large predators to the Dolomite region (Ursus arctos).
The restocking of the alpine brown bear on the Parco delle Dolomiti del Brenta was supported by
international interventions and fundings (EU) on the basis of specific LIFE projects. It is opening
interesting consolidation and expansion perspectives of the species’ areale, involving several provinces
and fitting in with the population dynamics observable and quantifiable on an international level
(Austria, Slovenia). This is an ecological process which, similarly to the spontaneous one regarding
lynxes, cannot be compared with those taking place in other areas of earth, for both the rarity of the
species, which is unique and typical of this region of the world, and because of the ecosystem, environmental
and social peculiarity of the Dolomites’ area. This may also apply to the lammergeyer,
which has been reintroduced in adjacent areas (Alti Tauri), but which has been seen many times in
the Dolomites, where the quantity of ungulates is such as to qualify its habitat as meeting its needs.
In general, the entire fauna is transforming, with an increase, for example, in the number of all species
of birds of prey. Also a reasonable number of vegetable species included in the red list seems to
be recovering significantly, however this perspective requires confirmation and respect for the most
vulnerable habitats, specially the damp ones. These are phenomena of re-naturalization, in countertendency
as compared to other areas of earth where, unfortunately, the dynamics are opposite.