News from the Italian Parks
80 griffon vultures in Campo Imperatore keep the "Praterie" clean
In the last few days, those happening to be in Campo Imperatore have been able to observe something unique and fascinating, although slightly visceral: 80 griffon vultures eating the carcass of a cow, that had died of natural causes.
The sighting was reported, and all the competent authorities were alerted: the Park Scientific Service, the Office for Biodiversity at the State Forestry Corps of Castel di Sangro (focal point for "Progetto Grifone"), and the State Forestry Corps of L'Aquila, responsible for the area of Campo Imperatore.
For those caring about biodiversity and the Park (which, through the LIFE Praterie project, aims at preserving the natural balance of high-altitude pasturelands) this is very good news, as it means that griffon vultures have started again to play their fundamental role in the ecological cycle, acting as "sweepers" and keeping pastures clean from carcasses.
