Riserva Regionale Lanca di Gerole

Site number ​SPA IT20A0402
Administration ​Regione Lombardia
Total area ​1.179 ha
Biogeographical region ​Continental
Website
Standard data form​
 
General characteristics

The SPA "Lanca of Gerole" is located in the south-east of the province of Cremona, in the flood plain of the Po and is one of the best examples of this geographical area, being characterized by the presence of the active rod of the main Italian river and three concentric paleoalvei with different evolutionary stage. The SIC IT20A0013 and a nature reserve too coincide with portions of this SPA. The areas are also included in the Regional Ecological Network, in the Provincial Ecological Network, in PLIS "Flood Plain of the Po" and, in terms of hunting, as identified in the Repopulation and Capture Area and partly as Oasis for Wildlife Protection. 

Habitat types and species of major interest

There are humid environments, with aquatic and marsh herbaceous areas , and rich in rare species and hydric woods.

For the faunistic aspect, the site plays an exceptional role with a rich and fine faunistic collection, in a relatively small area. The area is important for birds, especially during wintering and migration, when it hosts the most substantial contingent of wintering waterfowl found along the Po in Cremona. With regard to the mammal fauna, it hosts the main groups of species that have recently re-colonized this part of the plain like the roe deer and red squirrels. One of the most important faunal group consists in the herpetofauna represented by a few entities of value, such as the endemic spadefoot toad, frog Lataste and terrapin. For this reason, this system has been recognized as a wetland area Herpetology of National Importance (AREN ITA009L0M0002).

 

Site protection status and impacts

​The conservation status of habitats is generally satisfactory, but for the wildlife species, the status varies from species to species; the most problematic aspects relate to relict populations of herpetofauna.

Use

​The site is accessible only through a sparse and discontinuous network of farm roads. 

 

Other study sites LIFE+ Making good Natura