THE MOST REPRESENTATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA OF ITALY - BIOLOGY - 2025

The flora and fauna of Italy is scarce. Unlike other nearby European countries, there are not many animal or plant species. A very small part of the territory occupied by Italy is usable for agricultural and livestock uses.

The main activities related to the field have to do with wine and oil. As for the fauna, there are few native species of Italy.

Most significant animal species inhabit the Alpine region. There are predatory birds, reptiles and bears.

In general, there is no vegetation or fauna characteristic of the country, but rather species that are also found in other countries.

The 5 most representative animals of Italy

1- The bear

Its habitat is in the mountainous areas of the Alps. Formerly his presence was much greater than now. It is currently in danger of extinction.

2- the wolf

Like the bear, it inhabits the alpine regions in greater numbers than the plantigrades. It adapts well to low temperatures and adverse weather conditions in winter.

Mythology says that a she-wolf named Luperna suckled two twins, Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome, the capital of Italy.

3- Birds of prey

Among the alpine species are raptors. There are vultures, hawks, buzzards and kites.

They are birds that feed on other animals in their ecosystem using their ability to fly.

Likewise, vultures take advantage of extreme weather conditions to feed on the remains of other dead species due to the cold.

4- The scorpion

The species of scorpion exists in Italy is almost harmless to humans. It has hardly any venom and its sting is similar to that of a bee.

It is located in southern Italy and Sardinia, in humid areas with hot climates. Its body is black, and the legs and stinger are yellow.

5- Lizards, snakes and vipers

These three species are found in wooded and humid areas. As for vipers, there are records in Italy of up to three different subtypes.

Their preferred habitat is mountainous areas or hills, and they can be seen when weather conditions are warm.

The 5 most representative plants in Italy

1- The olive trees

The olive tree is one of the most common plants in Italy. The production of oil from this is one of the main sources of income and wealth in the country.

They are located throughout the south of the country, in most of the island territory of Sardinia and the Mediterranean shores of the center of the country.

2- The fig tree

The fig tree is a fruit tree that grows in much of the territory of Italy. Although its presence is not as remarkable as that of the olive tree, it is more heterogeneous as it is found both in the north and in the center and south of the peninsula.

3- The lemon trees

Another typically Mediterranean fruit tree. Lemon is used in Italian cuisine and also in the production of limoncello, a very typical alcoholic drink of the country, commercialized inside and outside of Italy.

4- Chestnuts and oaks

Along with cypress trees, they are the most common trees in the Apennine Mountains region. The floral landscape in that area is similar to that of other Central European countries.

5-

They are characteristic of mountainous areas at higher altitudes.

References

1. "The country where the lemon tree blooms", Helena Atlee. (2017).
2. Animals in Italy, on Spaghetti Traveler, spaghettitraveller.com
3. "History of the Italian Agricultural Landscape", Emilio Sereni. (1997).
4. "Lemons into Limoncello: from loss to personal renaissance with the zest of Italy", Raeleen D'Agostino Mautner. (2013).
5. "Landscapes and Landforms of Italy", Mauro Marchetti and Mauro Soldati. (2017).