//THE ASINARA NATIONAL PARK: PROTECTING RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES Valentina Pani 3DB (Linguistico- spagnolo)

THE ASINARA NATIONAL PARK: PROTECTING RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES Valentina Pani 3DB (Linguistico- spagnolo)

di | 2024-03-19T22:36:09+01:00 19-3-2024 22:36|Alboscuole|0 Commenti
The Asinara National Park is home to approximately 80 species of terrestrial wild vertebrates, many of which are extremely rare and of great scientific interest. The former prison areas that were once used to house inmates are now utilized as wildlife observation posts. They contribute to protecting natural habitats, ecosystems and most importantly the safeguarding of endangered species.  These observatories are based on scientific research of animal species present on the island, such as mouflons, hares and equids. Studies are also conducted on the interrelationships between introduced allochthonous species, such as wild boar, pigs, wild cats, goats and magpies. Particular attention is paid to the local fauna, such as birds, mammals and native herbaceous vegetation. The main objective of these observatories remains, however, the preservation and protection of the original biodiversity of the island ecosystem. This island is home to numerous scientific activities, including ornithological banding. This practice involves capturing various bird specimens belonging to different species using specially designed nets. Subsequently, a numbered metal ring is applied to each individual bird to monitor their migratory movements and identify them in the event of any future capture. Ornithological banding represents a fundamental tool for studying bird migration routes and reproductive habits, providing valuable information to researchers on the ecology and biology of these species. One of the most important mammals on the island is the white donkey, the emblem and symbol of the island itself, which has lived among the bushes, pastures and rocks of Asinara Island for centuries. Very likely, all the donkeys present on the island descend from ancient, abandoned farms, which led to the feralization of these animals. Stories that trace the origin of the donkeys of Asinara to the shipwreck of an Egyptian ship heading for French ports should be considered more as legends. It is simply a matter of the descendants of the grey donkeys once bred by the island’s inhabitants, in which the gene for albinism seems to prevail. It is an endemic species of Asinara Island and according to some scholars it could also be at the origin of the name of the island itself. On the island, a census is also carried out of the donkey population. In fact, there is a sizable population of donkeys that are divided into two distinct sub-groups according to their coat colour – one grey and the other albino. In August, a census was conducted to determine the number of albino-coloured donkeys. The method used to carry out the census is a full count of the population under study in order to obtain complete and accurate data on the numbers of white donkeys present on the island. Not only donkeys, but also mouflons underwent the same census procedure. Mouflons exhibit crepuscular or diurnal habits. Consequently, during extreme hours such as dawn and dusk they are engaged in grazing. The census was conducted from advantageous observation points where it is easy to monitor dawn and dusk. Observers were able to count individuals emerging to feed at these times to estimate population sizes. Regular censuses allow trends in numbers to be tracked and help conservation efforts for these species. Among the reptiles found on the island of Asinara is the common tortoise, an indigenous species widespread in our country and in other countries in Southern Europe. The Sardinian subspecies has larger dimensions compared to that of the other Italian regions, with the female able to reach 24 cm in length, while the male does not exceed 18 cm. The skin of the Sardinian subspecies also presents differences as it is generally darker compared to others. The wall lizard is also an indigenous species found in the Mediterranean area. It is a reptile with peculiar characteristics as it has a shape similar to a snake but is equipped with legs, two in the middle of the body and two posteriors. It can reach a length of 40 centimeters and has the ability to detach its tail from the rest of the body in case of capture in order to guarantee survival. It feeds predominantly on insects and mollusks. It is a viviparous species that gives birth to fully formed little ones able to survive autonomously. Therefore, the Island of Asinara possesses a rich biodiversity which is a precious resource that should be sustainably protected for future generations to enjoy. As environmental stewards, we must work to conserve endangered plants and animals, preserve fragile ecosystems, and curb activities that damage the natural world. Through responsible stewardship and international cooperation, we can safeguard the variety of life on Earth and all the benefits it provides to humanity.