The wild heart of Italy

The Central Apennines boast an incredible diversity of ecosystems, making them a haven for wildlife. From ancient beech forests to open hillsides and alpine grasslands, these landscapes are home to a rich variety of species.

The Central Apennines | Italy 🇮🇹

Who would have imagined that wild wolves and majestic Marsican brown bears could be observed in their natural habitats, just 90 minutes from the “Eternal City” of Rome?

As Italy’s second-largest mountain range, the Apennines stretch for hundreds of kilometres, running along the country’s main axis from north to south.

Towering beech forests - many of them centuries old and among the oldest in Europe - blanket the mountain slopes. Within these ancient woods, red deer, roe deer, and wild boar roam freely. These herbivores, along with semi-wild herds of horses and cattle, form the primary prey base for wolves. In fact, some areas of the Apennines have the highest wolf densities in Europe.

The most iconic resident of these mountain forests, however, is the Marsican brown bear. This endemic subspecies is unique to the region and serves as a symbol of the Apennines' untamed beauty.

Rewilding vision

The Central Apennines have become a true biodiversity hotspot, offering real wilderness in the heart of bustling Italy, just 1.5 hours from Rome. This majestic mountain range, with limestone peaks soaring to nearly 3,000 metres, is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

Hidden within its dramatic landscapes are caves, deep canyons, some of Europe’s oldest beech forests, and diverse grasslands. These habitats are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Marsican brown bear, grey wolf, Apennine chamois, red deer, golden eagle, vultures, and a remarkable collection of endemic species.

© Wildlife Adventures Italy

The Central Apennines offer a unique opportunity to experience Mediterranean wilderness at its finest - a captivating blend of natural beauty and wildlife in Italy’s wild heart.

Do you want to know more about Rewilding Europe's efforts to make the Central Apennines a wilder place?

Visit RewildingEurope.com