Ventura has undertaken since 2018 an engaging journey related to monitoring the Apennine Wolf (Canis lupus italicus).
In close collaboration with the Piedmont Apennine Protected Areas Authority, we are dedicated to monitoring using phototraps and collecting biological samples for genetic analysis. Since September 2021, we have expanded our activities to information and ecotourism.
This excursion focuses on the natural expansion of the wolf in the Alexandrian Apennines, between Piedmont and Liguria, a crucial point for the return of the species to the entire Alpine range.
During the experience, we will address the challenges of human-wolf coexistence, highlighting the importance of the species' ecological role. The wolf is not only a biological reality but also a complex cultural reality, interwoven with stories, legends and interpretations over the years.
The proposed activities will enable the group or family to identify and recognize the signs of the wolf's presence, understand the dynamics of its expansion in Italy, become familiar with monitoring and data collection techniques, and learn about the history of the species in the province of Alessandria and surrounding areas from the decade of the 1990s to the present.
Included in the experience
1) Guided hike along a route considered suitable both for safety reasons and for the special importance of the data collected in that area, these are precisely official Lifewolfalps.eu transects.
2) Stops at points of interest
- Marking sites
- Refuge Bank
- Phototrap placement site
- Stops in case of track detection
3) Final Briefing with powerpoint presentation, slides and some of the most significant videos obtained from the phototraps used in monitoring. We will go on to define the characteristic traits of the Apennine Wolf and analyze the current situation of the packs present. The presentation will take place at the Cartosio municipal library premises, with restrooms, chairs and tables available.
Activities by A.S.D. La Ventura - Steward LIFE WOLFALPS EU project
GAE guides: Alessio Zunino | Davide Pelizza
The price of the experience is per guide (max. 25 people)
Duration : 4 hours (including stops)
Trail length : 7.80 km approx.
Height difference: 320 m
Difficulty: E (hiking) - easy and well-marked trail
Cai Trail - Bank Shelter - Cartosio (AL)
The experience is available in the following months September, October, November, March, April, May and June
Meet at Piazza Terracini in Cartosio (AL)
Free packed lunch or reserve your lunch here at the Cacciatori Restaurant in Cartosio (AL)
Comfortable hiking clothing, hiking or gym shoes suitable on dirt trails are recommended
In case of bad weather the hike will be cancelled and postponed to a date to be agreed upon with the participants
In case of snow, possibility to adapt the day "Snowshoeing on the Wolf Trails," with snowshoe rental at La Ventura.
The experience is adaptable according to the needs of the group. For any information or inquiries you may contact us at 3393374571.