Riserva naturale Pantaniello, State nature reserve in Barrea, Italy
Riserva naturale Pantaniello is a protected area with a small glacial lake situated at 1818 meters elevation within the Chiarano Sparvera forest. The reserve covers roughly 2 hectares and is fed by three natural springs that flow year-round.
The ministry designated this area as a protected reserve in 1972 to preserve the rare glacial lake and its surrounding ecosystem. This protection aimed to safeguard the fragile environment at this high elevation.
The water sources supported shepherds who moved their flocks along traditional routes through the region for centuries. Visitors can still sense how this pastoral way of life shaped the land.
Visiting the area requires good physical fitness due to the elevation and mountainous terrain. Bring weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear, as conditions can change quickly at this height.
The lake is home to Gammarus lacustris, a crustacean species from the glacial period found in few other European waters. These tiny creatures offer evidence of the region's ancient climate and geological past.
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