Italian forest fauna after Vaia storm: Native and non-native vertebrates

Abstract

Over the last five years, alpine forests have suffered severe damage due to the action of storm Vaia and to the subsequent invasions of bark beetles, mainly Ips typographus Linnaeus. Furthermore, the ecosystems are menaced by the increasing presence of both herbivores and carnivores (such as wolves, bears and wild boars). At least a decade is expected to pass before a new grassy or fruticose cover grows for deer and other wild grazers in these storm-stricken areas, also hit by the consequences of tree removal processes. In the meantime, wolves and other carnivores will largely benefit from the presence of herbivores, as long as a rich and new or reinvigorated vegetation is available to the latter.