Riserva naturale Bosco Pantano di Policoro, Regional nature reserve in Basilicata, Italy.
Riserva naturale Bosco Pantano di Policoro is a protected woodland in southern Italy that stretches across a significant expanse near the coast of Basilicata. The terrain features a mix of humid forest types with ancient trees and winding riverbanks that create natural corridors through the landscape.
The reserve was officially protected in 1999 to safeguard forest that once covered a much larger territory. Decades of drainage and land modification had already transformed what remained by the time the protection was established.
The forest serves as a living reminder of the landscape that has shaped the region for generations. Visitors can sense how deeply this woodland connects the local community to their natural environment and heritage.
The reserve welcomes visitors on self-guided walks along established paths, though some trails can be muddy during wet seasons. Spring and autumn are ideal visiting periods when temperatures are comfortable and wildlife activity is most visible.
The woodland harbors an extraordinary variety of insect species that depend on humid forest ecosystems to survive. This exceptional biodiversity makes it a destination that draws researchers and nature enthusiasts interested in lesser-studied aspects of the local ecology.
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