Gang way for birds in Fondotoce
Scientific ringing
The study center of Fondotoce carry on a wide program of scientific research, aimed to study the birds’ populations during their movement between the nesting and wintering quarters. The center also works in order to systematically deepen the scientific knowledge on the avifauna of the basin of the Lago Maggiore.
The station is part of one large network of capture and ringing centers wide scattered to cover of the migration routes, from the far north of Europe until the trans-Saharan regions in Africa. The center of Fondotoce works in close connection with its analogous natural reserve of Bolle di Magadino in Canton Ticino (Switzerland).
The station, realized within INTERREG II program between Italy and Helvetic Confederation, works using a floating footbridge that crosses the reed thicket, on which 300 meters of nets for the capture of the avifauna are posed. The capture of the avifauna is done for monitoring the many species that attend this environment.
The floatation of the footbridge depends from the characteristics of the hydrological basin of Lago Maggiore; in some periods of study, in fact, the lake passes from a low regimen to that of flood, with high variations of level.
Activity of the ringing station
The scientific activity in Fondotoce begun in 1992 and, starting from 2001 with the installation of the footbridge, acquires a key role in the international setting.
The social value of the research center has the triple dimension of scientific research, naturalistic spreading and environmental protection.
The researchers offers to schools, associations and public an interesting didactic program based on ornithology with some lessons in the open air where to study wild life and know better this fragile environment.
Volunteers
In the following periods the Research Center is open for volunteers. Volunteers will stay in the center for a week (from Saturday to Saturday), help the researchers, visit the natural reserve and learn something about wet land management:
- beginning of April - end of May
- beginning of August - end of October
The Park will offer the lodging, while board and travelling expenses are up to volunteers.
Peolple can visit the ringing station in guided excursions in English and German.
| More about Fondotoce Natural Reserve | |
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| Ornithology | |
| More about LAGO MAGGIORE NATURAL PARKS | |
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This page has been updated on November 20th, 2009 |