Municipalities
Geographical size
Human population
Number of livestock farmers
Livestock farming systems
Wild large carnivore species
Wolf population
Bear population
SOCIOECONOMIC CONTEXT
PNALM, established in 1923, is one of Italy’s oldest national parks. It serves as the core area for the critically endangered Marsican brown bear population and was one of the last refuges for the Apennine grey wolf until the species was given legal protection was in the 1970s, enabling it to recolonise the Italian peninsula.
The park’s landscape is dominated by beech forests (Fagus sylvatica), covering about 60% of its total area, alongside high-altitude grasslands, including meadows and clearings, that account for 30% of PNALM. These grasslands are characteristic of upper mountain zones, such as ridges and summits, typically found at 1,900-2,000 metres. Seasonal grazing is shaped by long, snowy winters and short, dry summers, although recent decades have seen drastic shifts in both seasons.
The Sagittario and Alto Sangro Valleys are part of the inner areas of the Abruzzo Region, which are located far from major urban centres and essential services, such as healthcare, education, and transport. The areas face challenges including population decline, limited job opportunities, and weaker infrastructure. Despite this, they retain significant cultural, natural, and landscape value, which partially translates into seasonal tourism.
FARMING CONTEXT
Traditional sheep farming with interregional, seasonal transhumance has largely disappeared within the last century. The ancient routes (tratturi) between the Puglia and Abruzzo regions are abandoned, with only a few farmers continuing seasonal transport. Most now practise localised mountain transhumance over short distances.
Livestock farming includes sheep, goats, cattle and horses. Livestock guarding dogs are used less than in the past, and some farmers leave free-ranging livestock unattended at high-altitude summer pastures. Local sheep breeds have largely been replaced by non-native ones, and mixed breeds selected by farmers for dual purpose. Cattle farming predominantly relies on Limousine (meat) and Pezzata Rossa (milk). Most farms are small, family-owned operations.
- In the Province of L’Aquila, the total number of cattle and sheep/goat farms has declined despite an increase in the total number of animals.
- The study area has 223 sheep and goat farms, managing 2,442 goats and 10,248 sheep, with a small number of mixed production farms (12%) holding the majority of livestock (57%).
- The same area supports 201 cattle farms, managing 5,700 cattle, predominantly focused on meat production (65% of farms, 86% of cattle).
PNALM provides compensation payments for damage caused by wolves and bears within both the core area and the external protection zone (ZPE). Through an agreement with the Abruzzo Region, compensation has been extended to selected municipalities outside the park boundaries. However, previous research has highlighted the need to account for non-economic costs and benefits to foster greater tolerance among landholders towards large carnivores.
Main Challenges:
- Herbivore grazing is reportedly making hay and cereal production unsustainable for farming practices in an area that is not particularly productive itself.
- Perceived loss of local farming identity and traditional land uses, driven by external socio-economic factors such as the Common Agricultural Policy, population decline, and local authorities.
- Lack of cohesion and cooperation amongst farmers.
LOCAL CONFLICT ASSOCIATED WITH LARGE CARNIVORES
Number of attacks:
Between 2018 and 2024, livestock attacks resulted in an average of €282,000 in annual economic damage. In 2024 alone, compensation payments reached €287,013. Within the park, wolves were responsible for 59% of cases (379 incidents), bears for 29% (189 incidents), and other species for the remaining 13%. The Sagittario and Alto Sangro Valleys were particularly affected, accounting for nearly half of all compensated damage (€970,600) across 2,231 incidents, with wolves responsible for around 60% of cases and 67% of the economic damage.
Social conflict:
- Relationships between farmers and authorities have deteriorated, as have relationships amongst farmers themselves.
- A sense of resignation exists concerning the decline and possible disappearance of livestock farming in the area.
- The compensation system, though relatively efficient within the park, is perceived as insufficient. Some farmers even see this as an encouragement not to take preventive measures.
- Non-lethal measures, such as guard dogs and electric fencing are mainly used around farms but have declined at high-altitude pastures and tourist areas.
- Large carnivores entering human-inhabited spaces, including towns and private properties, even during the day.
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