loppio

The geologist Antonio Stoppani (1824–1891) described it as follows: “I do not believe there is a more picturesque Alpine lake than Lake Loppio. While landslides shaped its shoreline into a series of peninsulas, inlets, and jagged promontories, they also raised rocky islands in the middle, which have become groves of trees, their bases loosely encircled by lake reeds.” This complex topography, rich in numerous ecological niches, has attracted various botanists over the years who have dedicated themselves to studying its flora.

Lake Loppio represents one of the most important natural areas in the Local Nature Park, not only for its rich fauna but also because it is home to vulnerable species found in few other sites in Trentino. The now-permanent presence of water within this protected area allows various amphibian species to reproduce. Every spring, some of these species undertake massive migrations involving several hundred, if not thousands, of individuals driven by the need to lay their eggs in the water. The most striking migratory phenomenon is that of the common toad, which in March descends en masse from the wooded slopes into the lake after traveling as far as several kilometers. At the start of the migration, males are much more numerous since they are the first to begin migrating; then, as the days go by, the percentage of females gradually increases. This site is infamous for the numerous incidents in which toads are struck by vehicles while crossing State Road No. 240, which also creates road safety issues. For these reasons, the Autonomous Province of Trento has installed a series of tunnels and permanent barriers for both the outbound and return migrations, allowing the toads to pass safely under the bike path and the state highway.

From June to October, the newly hatched toads—which have just completed their metamorphosis—leave the pond to colonize the surrounding area, where they will spend the winter.

The wetland is also home to the Italian tree frog, the agile frog, and the Alpine newt; however, the area is particularly enriched by the presence of the rare spotted newt—found in only two other locations in Trentino—and the yellow-bellied toad, which is threatened at both the local and European levels. The amphibian community is further enriched by the presence of the fire-bellied newt in the woods.

The body of water also attracts snakes such as the grass snake and the tessellated water snake, as well as year-round waterfowl like the moorhen, the coot, the mallard, and the gray heron. Bats also frequent this wetland, such as Daubenton’s bat, which loves to hunt over bodies of water, often flying just skimming the surface.

This protected area is also an important stopover site for migratory birds. Numerous species stop in the wetland to replenish the fat reserves they need to continue their migratory flight to nesting areas in central and northern Europe. Among the most common species that stop here before continuing their journey are the great reed warbler, the common reed warbler, the common reed bunting, the greater reed bunting, the stonechat, the greenish warbler, and the common reed warbler. Other species stop to nest, such as the blackcap, the nightingale, and the lesser whitethroat.

Striking and colorful butterflies belonging to the Nymphalidae family frequent forested areas thanks to the presence of poplars and willows, on which their caterpillars feed. Notable examples include Apatura iris, Apatura ilia, Nymphalis anthiopa, Nymphalis polychloros, and the rather rare and endangered Limenitis populi. This Natura 2000 site serves as a hunting ground for several birds of prey that nest in the surrounding wooded and rocky areas. The most frequently observed species is the black kite, present from late March through July. The peregrine falcon soars high above the wetland in search of resident birds and migratory birds stopping over. At night, the area is also visited by the eagle owl, which can prey on large birds such as the gray heron.