Wild landscapes without animals are like museums without their curators—empty, incomplete, devoid of life. This is why we are committed to protecting endangered species, ensuring their survival and supporting their expansion. A thriving ecosystem depends on the presence of its key species, and by restoring balance, we help nature reclaim its full vitality.
Italy boasts the highest biodiversity in Europe, and the Central Apennines, with their diverse geomorphology and climate, are home to an extraordinary variety of habitats and species, many of them endemic. However, this rich natural heritage faces numerous threats.
Wildlife in the Central Apennines is at risk from poaching, poisoning, road accidents, habitat fragmentation, and human disturbance. For some species, these dangers are so severe that their very survival hangs in the balance. The Marsican brown bear, for example, has such a small population that the loss of just a few individuals could jeopardize the entire species.
Rewilding in the Central Apennines means taking concrete action to reduce human impact on biodiversity. This involves intensive fieldwork, awareness campaigns, environmental education for local communities, and collaborations with public and private organizations that share our goals.
We raise funds for conservation projects and develop a long-term vision to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, promoting nature-based solutions that ensure a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
At Rewilding Apennines, we monitor and protect a wide range of species, from the smallest insects to large predators. However, some species receive our highest attention—those that play a crucial role in maintaining nature’s delicate balance and serve as indicators of healthy, functioning ecosystems.
Our key species include:
♦ The Marsican brown bear – The great predator, a symbol of the wild heart of the Apennines.
♦ The griffon vulture – A vital link in the circle of life, nature’s essential scavenger responsible for organic matter recycling.
♦ The native white-clawed crayfish – A resilient guardian of our rivers, a precious indicator of their health.
Much of our work focuses on protecting these species because safeguarding them means securing the future of entire ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Beyond our work with key species, Rewilding Apennines is committed to the monitoring and conservation of a wide range of wildlife. We pay special attention to amphibians, one of the most threatened groups globally, and closely follow the natural return of emblematic species in the Central Apennines—such as the otter, supporting its presence through targeted conservation efforts.
We also focus on species that can generate conflicts with human activities, like the wolf, implementing prevention strategies to foster harmonious coexistence. Additionally, we dedicate resources to the study and protection of elusive, hard-to-monitor species, such as the wildcat.
Our approach to nature conservation:
♦ Rewilding actions – From small interventions to large-scale projects, we enhance habitats to support the presence, expansion, and spontaneous return of species.
♦ Restocking and reintroductions – For species at high risk of extinction or those wiped out from the Apennines due to human impact, we evaluate restocking or reintroduction programs.
♦ Reducing mortality risks – Even simple solutions can have a huge impact: amphibian underpasses, securing dangerous structures like water collection tanks, and other interventions significantly reduce wildlife mortality.
♦ Communication and awareness – Coexistence with wildlife is a cultural challenge. Through education and dialogue, we work to build a future where people and nature thrive together.
