NCI 2024
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    Mammals Birds Amphibians Reptiles Myxini – Hagfishes Petromyz' – Lampreys Sharks & rays Animals Holocep' – Chimaeras Ray-finned fishes Dipneusti – Lungfish Gastropoda – Snails & slugs Coelac' – Coelacanths Insecta – Insects / bugs Arachnida – Spiders & scorpions Malacostraca – Malacostracans Diplopoda – Millipedes Bivalvia – Marine molluscs Cephalopoda – Squids & octopuses Chilopoda – Centipedes Pycnogonida – Sea spiders Merostomata – Horseshoe crabs More Classes
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    Italy is noted for its exceptional biodiversity, boasting the highest number and density of both animal and plant species in the European Union, along with a significant rate of endemism. This biodiversity is largely attributed to Italy’s varied biogeographic regions: the Alpine, Continental, and Mediterranean regions. These regions encompass the mountain ranges of the Alps and the Apennines, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, the plains of northern Italy, and the extensive Italian peninsula with its Mediterranean climate and a long coastline of about 7,400 km (4,598 miles) along the Mediterranean Sea.

    With over 57,000 recorded species, Italy accounts for more than a third of all European fauna, a richness that stems from its diverse geographical landscape that includes mountains, plains, and extensive coastlines.

    Score Rank Change
    Total Score – NCI 2024 56.3 77 N/A
    Land Management 49 120 N/A
    Protected Areas (Terrestrial) 72 74 N/A
    Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 54 88 N/A
    Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 52 95 N/A
    Protected Areas (Marine) 36 39 N/A
    Pristine Habitat (Converted Land) 72 163 N/A
    Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution) 45 58 N/A
    Sustainable Pesticide Use 11 131 N/A
    Threats to Biodiversity 57 134 N/A
    Threatened Species (Terrestrial) 72 157 N/A
    Threatened Species (Marine) 41 117 N/A
    Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas 100 1 N/A
    Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas 100 1 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial) 30 88 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Marine) 0 10 N/A
    Depleted Fisheries 0 39 N/A
    Fishery Pressure in the High Seas 100 64 N/A
    Invasive Species Pressure 72 154 N/A
    Capacity and Governance 66 63 N/A
    Total Management Cost 92 115 N/A
    Conservation Culturomics 38 118 N/A
    Conservation Legislation 58 27 N/A
    Ratification of CBD 100 1 N/A
    Ratification of CITES 100 1 N/A
    Political Stability and Absence of Violence 50 63 N/A
    Control of Corruption 60 46 N/A
    Government Effectiveness 58 53 N/A
    Future Trends 53 32 N/A
    Climate Change Mitigation 53 32 N/A

    Four pillars elaborated:

    Land Management

     Italy boasts 22 national parks that span over 1 million hectares (10,000 km²) , covering 5% of the national territory. Additionally, 50 Italian wetland sites have gained international recognition, meriting inclusion on the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands list. The Nature 2000 Network encompasses 20.5% of Italy’s national surface. Italian forests, which are crucial for landscape aesthetics, biodiversity, environmental stability, and economic benefits, cover about 10 million hectares (100,000 km²) —30% of the national area and 5% of Europe’s total forested area. From 2000 to 2005, these forested areas expanded by approximately 100,000 hectares (1,000 km²) annually, mainly due to the conversion from agricultural land use. Along the Italian peninsula, 23 protected marine areas and 2 marine parks protect around 200,432 hectares (20,043 km²) of sea and over 700 km (435 miles) of coastline.

    Threats to Biodiversity

     In Italy, ecosystem changes largely stem from human activities such as pollution from surface runoff, habitat fragmentation, and the use of chemicals. Mismanagement in forestry and agriculture, urbanization, and the abandonment of pastoral activities contribute to the decline of semi-natural habitats. These factors, along with infrastructure development and the cultivation of alien species, pose major threats to habitats important to the European Union. Intentional fires also significantly impact habitat conservation. Direct harvesting remains a considerable threat to plant species and, to a lesser extent, animal species, despite existing regulations.

    In marine environments, fish mortality is the most significant threat to species, followed by pollution and ecosystem changes. Similarly, pollution and ecosystem alterations are the leading dangers to marine habitats. Italy has identified around 3,000 land alien species, including 1,645 animal and 1,400 plant species, alongside 156 freshwater and 726 marine species. While not all alien species are harmful, invasive ones, particularly vertebrates and invertebrates affecting human health, can cause local extinctions and are a looming threat, especially to fish populations.

    Capacity and Governance

     Italy has established a robust framework for biodiversity conservation through various laws and policies, guided by the Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea. Key legislation includes the Framework Law on Protected Areas and the Law for Sea Protection, alongside the establishment of Areas of Ecological Protection. The implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBS) involves multiple stakeholders, facilitated by the National Biodiversity Committee and supported by the National Biodiversity Observatory. Financial mechanisms for biodiversity are also in place, including the Natural Capital Committee under Law 221/2015, which pushes for the integration of environmental accounting and the elimination of harmful incentives to biodiversity by 2020.

    Italy also actively participates in EU funding programs, allocating significant resources to biodiversity conservation through various EU funds such as the ERDF and EAFRD, emphasizing the protection of natural resources and promoting sustainable tourism in natural areas. This comprehensive approach underlines Italy’s commitment to preserving its biodiversity and enhancing environmental sustainability.

    Future Trends

     The Italian government has launched the National Biodiversity Strategy 2030, outlining guidelines for conserving, protecting, and enhancing the nation’s biodiversity and ecosystems, rich in diverse plant and animal species. This strategy aligns with the global ambition to restore and protect all ecosystems by 2050, involving concrete local actions. To implement this, the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security has established an internal committee responsible for managing the project. This committee will oversee and promote various initiatives, acts, measures, and technical/scientific documentation, which will be reviewed by Italy’s State-Regions Conference, the entity tasked with implementing and updating the strategy. A comprehensive review set for 2026 will assess the strategy’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments based on the achievements and evolving conditions.


    Biodiversity

    The Alpine region in northern Italy, which includes the Italian Alps and the Dolomites, is characterized by high-altitude environments with glaciers, alpine meadows, and coniferous forests. This region is home to species such as the Alpine ibex, chamois, and marmot. The forests support a variety of wildlife, including the brown bear, lynx, and golden eagle. Plant life in the alpine regions includes numerous endemic species adapted to the harsh mountain conditions.

    The Mediterranean coastlines and islands of Italy, including regions like Sicily, Sardinia, and the Tuscan Archipelago, are characterized by their unique coastal and marine ecosystems. The coastal areas are home to various species of seabirds, including the Audouin’s gull and the Mediterranean shag. The marine environments are rich in biodiversity, with species such as the loggerhead sea turtle, bottlenose dolphin, and numerous types of fish and invertebrates. The seagrass beds and coral reefs are particularly important for marine life.

    In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Italy only):


    Species
    (World rank)    		 Threatened % Threatened Endemic % Endemic
    Mammals 128 (#90) 8 6.3% 4 3.1%
    Birds 352 (#101) 17 4.8%
    Reptiles 62 (#114) 4 6.5% 4 6.5%
    Amphibians 46 (#61) 9 19.6% 12 26.1%
    Fishes 627 (#94) 76 12.1% 10 1.6%
    Plants 6,095 (#51) 102 1.7% 93 1.5%

    Go To 2024 National Nature Conservation Index Main Page

    Italy

    Where nature’s palette meets cultural tapestry

    Score:

    56.3 / 100

    Rank:

    77 / 180