Lago di Loppio

Summary

An extensive marshland area in the valley between the Monte Bondone and Monte Baldo mountain groups. Until the 1950s, the area was occupied by Lake Loppio, which was later drained during the construction of the tunnel connecting the Adige River and Lake Garda. Within the reserve, the small island of Sant’Andrea hosts an archaeological site containing evidence dating from prehistory through the Late Antique and Medieval periods, up to the First World War.

Description

On the floor of the former lake basin, a rich vegetation of wet and marshy meadows has now developed, among which the white willow is gradually spreading. It is a biotope of vital importance for the reproduction of many amphibian and reptile species. The site is also highly important for the nesting, stopover, and/or wintering of protected bird species, species in severe decline, and/or species with a localized distribution in the Alps. The Reserve is also a Special Area of Conservation and is one of the protected areas forming the Monte Baldo Local Nature Park.