Sirente, Velino and Duchessa mountains (2785)
Italy, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Sirente, Velino e Montagne della Duchessa
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.1833, Longitude: 13.4500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 500 to 2486
Area of KBA (km2): 749.32452
Protected area coverage (%): 90.61
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountain area in the central Apennines, including Monte Velino, Monte Sirente and Montagne della Duchessa. The main habitats are extensive broadleaved forests (Fagus), alpine grasslands and rocky areas. The main land-uses are nature conservation, cultivation, stock-rearing, and tourism.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: An important site for birds of prey and mountain species.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (35%) | forestry (7%) | hunting (4%) | nature conservation and research (95%) | tourism/recreation (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 37 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 3 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 17 | |
| Forest | 29 | |
| Shrubland | 14 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat is uncontrolled touristic development, although illegal hunting is also important at Montagne della Duchessa. Some or all of the site is covered by a management plan. Projects by the National Forestry Department (CFS), that manages the area, include: introduction of Gyps fulvus; reintroduction of Corvus corax; studies on raptor populations; reintroduction of red deer Cervus elaphus.