Biodiversity numbers in Italy
The first NBFC report on Italian biodiversity
Italy is one of the Mediterranean countries most rich in biodiversity – yet 68 percent of its ecosystems are not in good condition. Protecting biodiversity is a priority for our country, both because of a moral duty to future generations and because of the tangible economic and social value it provides.
The First Annual Report of NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), presented at the National Biodiversity Forum, held in Palermo May 20-22, 2024 describes the current situation, emphasizes the importance of adopting an integrated approach to protecting biodiversity, recognizes the interconnection between human health, ecosystem health, and planetary health (One Health), and highlights how biodiversity conservation is not only about protected areas, but must extend to all environmental contexts, including urban areas.
To reverse the trend of biodiversity loss, the report proposes a series of strategic actions involving every sector of society. In this scenario, NBFC, with nearly 2,000 researchers, is a scientific reference point for biodiversity conservation, monitoring, restoration and enhancement.
Italy, guardian of Mediterranean biodiversity
Few people know that Italy is a giant of biodiversity. Located at the crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean, it is home to more than 61,000 animal species and more than 10,000 plant species; this makes it the country with the highest biodiversity in Europe. This incredible natural heritage stems from the variety of its territory: two imposing mountain ranges, the Alps and Apennines, vast hills and plateaus, the great plain of the Po, rivers and valleys rich in life, more than 7,500 kilometers of coastline and an archipelago of islands large and small.
Italy’s diverse terrain makes the country a unique refuge for thousands of species.
+61,000
Animal species
+10,000
Plant species
+61,000
Animal species
+10,000
Plant species
Few people know that Italy is a giant of biodiversity. Located at the crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean, it is home to more than 61,000 animal species and more than 10,000 plant species; this makes it the country with the highest biodiversity in Europe. This incredible natural heritage stems from the variety of its territory: two imposing mountain ranges, the Alps and Apennines, vast hills and plateaus, the great plain of the Po, rivers and valleys rich in life, more than 7,500 kilometers of coastline and an archipelago of islands large and small.
Italy’s diverse terrain makes the country a unique refuge for thousands of species.
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
3 million hectares
of terrestrial protected areas
Protected natural spaces to preserve ecosystems, flora and fauna. Promote biodiversity and combat climate change.
9,8%
of the Italian territory
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
3 million hectares
of terrestrial protected areas
Protected natural spaces to preserve ecosystems, flora and fauna. Promote biodiversity and combat climate change.
9,8%
of the Italian territory
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
3 million hectares
of terrestrial protected areas
Protected natural spaces to preserve ecosystems, flora and fauna. Promote biodiversity and combat climate change.
9,8%
of the Italian territory
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
658 kilometers
of protected coastlines
Protected sections of shoreline to defend marine and coastal habitats. They limit erosion, the impact of human activities, and support endangered species.
8,8%
of the Italian coasts
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
658 kilometers
of protected coastlines
Protected sections of shoreline to defend marine and coastal habitats. They limit erosion, the impact of human activities, and support endangered species.
8,8%
of the Italian coasts
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
658 kilometers
of protected coastlines
Protected sections of shoreline to defend marine and coastal habitats. They limit erosion, the impact of human activities, and support endangered species.
8,8%
of the Italian coasts
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
2.85 million hectares
of marine protected areas
Safeguarded sea areas to protect coral reefs, seabeds and vulnerable marine species. They regulate fishing, tourism and human activities.
18,4%
of the Italian coasts
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
2.85 million hectares
of marine protected areas
Safeguarded sea areas to protect coral reefs, seabeds and vulnerable marine species. They regulate fishing, tourism and human activities.
18,4%
of the Italian coasts
871
Total protected areas
Protected areas are territories protected to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. They may include national parks, nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Percentage values represent a restatement based on a comparison of the report’s data with the total extents of Italy’s national territory, coastline and territorial waters according to official sources.
2.85 million hectares
of marine protected areas
Safeguarded sea areas to protect coral reefs, seabeds and vulnerable marine species. They regulate fishing, tourism and human activities.
18,4%
of the Italian coasts
Nature’s strongholds: where biodiversity is law
Not all protected areas are the same. In Italy, national parks and marine protected areas enjoy special protection regulated by specific regulations that ensure their conservation.
The 24 national parks, spread across mountains, forests and volcanic landscapes, cover 1.6 million hectares and are managed with targeted protection plans. The 31 marine protected areas, on the other hand, guard the seabed and rare species along our coasts, regulating activities such as fishing and tourism to preserve underwater ecosystems.
Here nature is not only protected, but constrained by laws that ensure its survival.
24
National parks
These are state-protected natural areas of land and sea that preserve valuable ecosystems, landscapes and geological formations.
source: https://www.mase.gov.it/
1.6 million hectares
of National Parks
From Alpine peaks to southern coastlines, Italy’s national parks protect unique and precious environments. Some span vast mountainous areas, such as Gran Paradiso and Stelvio, while others guard volcanic landscapes, such as Pantelleria.
31
Marine protected areas
source: https://www.mase.gov.it/
Marine protected areas: refuges for underwater life
Marine protected areas stretch along Italy’s coasts to protect the seabed and rare species. From Portofino to the Egadi Islands, these sanctuaries of the sea not only protect biodiversity but also encourage sustainable activities such as responsible tourism and regulated fishing.
A sea of biodiversity: marine ecosystems in Italy
Italy’s marine ecosystems are among the richest in the Mediterranean: they provide shelter for numerous species and play a key role in preserving the ecological balance.
In addition to hosting extraordinary biodiversity, these habitats regulate climate and protect coastlines from erosion. However, they are increasingly threatened by human activities, pollution and climate change. Protecting them means not only safeguarding nature, but also ensuring essential benefits for coastal communities and our future.
394
Are the habitats in the different bathymetric belts
What is a bathymetric band?
276
habitats of high conservation value
Their protection is critical to protecting marine biodiversity and should be considered a priority in the creation of new marine protected areas and sustainable marine management.
A bathymetric belt is an area of the seafloor classified according to water depth. Each belt hosts different ecosystems, from shallow coastal waters to oceanic depths.
A landscape of life: the terrestrial ecosystems of Italy
From lush forests to high peaks, from alpine grasslands to wetlands, Italy’s terrestrial ecosystems are a mosaic of biodiversity. Each environment is home to specialized plant and animal species and contributes to climate stability, air quality and soil protection.
85
types of terrestrial ecosystems
- 30 deciduous hardwood forests
- 4 evergreen deciduous forests
- 10 coniferous forests
- 8 herbaceous ecosystems
- 8 shrub ecosystems
- 3 Psammophilic ecosystems
- 4 Rocky ecosystems and glaciers
- 4 freshwater hygrophilous ecosystems
- 3 Coastal alo-hygrophilous ecosystems.
- 8 hydrophytic ecosystems
- 3 brackish water ecosystems
Courtesy of Fabrizio Stefani
Deciduous broadleaf forests
Temperate zone forests, characterized by trees that lose their leaves in autumn and renew them in spring. They grow in areas with abundant rainfall and well-defined seasons, with cool winters and mild summers. Examples are oak and beech forests.
Flavio Vallenari – iStock – Standard License
Broadleaf evergreen forests
Mediterranean forests characterized by dense, woody vegetation composed of trees that do not lose their leaves in winter. They develop in areas sheltered from the direct influence of the sea, such as ilex groves, and provide essential habitats for many species.
Courtesy of Fabrizio Stefani
Coniferous forests
Mountain forests characterized by needle-leaved trees adapted to harsh, dry winters and short, cool summers.They have a simple structure and are home to species such as larch and pine forests, which are essential for soil stability and alpine biodiversity.
andhal – iStock – Standard License
Herbaceous ecosystems
Environments characterized by the predominance of herbaceous vegetation, without significant tree cover. They can be maintained by grazing, poor soils, or extreme climatic conditions, such as high alpine altitudes or semi-arid areas. A typical example is alpine grasslands.
tella_db – iStock – Standard license
Shrub ecosystems
Environments dominated by shrub species, adapted to harsh conditions such as poor soils, summer drought or constant winds. They are found in diverse climatic settings, from alpine shrublands to Mediterranean, and play a key role in soil protection and biodiversity.
AscentXmedia – iStock – Standard License
Psammophilic ecosystems
Environments typical of sandy soils where water and nutrients filter rapidly, creating water-scarce and nutrient-poor conditions. They are exposed to strong evaporation, wind and salt spray, factors that affect vegetation adapted to these extreme habitats.
Krivi_AZ – iStock – Standard license
Rocky ecosystems and glaciers
Extreme environments with little or no soil, where harsh climatic conditions and exposure to the elements limit life. Despite their apparent aridity, they harbor highly adapted species.
carstenbrandt- iStock – Standard license
Freshwater hygrophilous ecosystems
Environments with soils that are constantly wet or subject to periodic flooding that encourage the growth of species adapted to an abundance of water. Examples of this are sedges, which are typical of wetlands.
AnaMOMarques – iStock – Standard License
Coastal alo-hygrophilic ecosystems.
Coastal wetland environments with high salinity and periodically flooded soils that host species highly adapted to these extreme conditions. A typical example is saltcedar, which is critical to the balance of coastal wetlands.
Tirex – iStock – Standard license
Hydrophytic ecosystems
Freshwater environments, both running and stagnant, where the constant presence of water influences vegetation and fauna. Species composition varies with climate and water movement, creating unique habitats rich in biodiversity.
operofilm – iStock – Standard license
Ecosystems of brackish waters
Coastal environments with little exposure to storm surges, typical of temperate and polar zones. They can be stable, emergent or submerged, harboring species adapted to salinity variation and dynamic conditions between land and sea.
A mosaic of plants: plant biodiversity in Italy
Italy is one of the richest countries for plant biodiversity in Europe with more than 8,200 species and subspecies of native plants. This extraordinary variety is the result of a complex territory that ranges from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean coasts, hosting 279 types of natural vegetation.
However, Italy’s flora is increasingly threatened by factors such as climate change, land consumption and invasive species. To ensure its survival, it is essential to invest in the conservation and restoration of habitats, supporting them with scientific research and shared commitment between institutions and citizens.
8,241
native plant species and subspecies
Henrik_L – iStock – Standard license
Lycophytes
Ancient vascular plants equipped with specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients. They reproduce by spores and have small, narrow leaves (microphylls). They are among the earliest plants to appear on Earth and are found today mainly in moist, shady environments.
Alberto Masnovo – iStock – Standard License
Gymnosperms
Naked-seeded vascular plants, that is, with ovules not enclosed in a fruit but exposed to the air and pollinated by the wind. They include conifers such as pines and firs, and are among the oldest plants on Earth.
Mathias Pabst – iStock – Standard License
Ferns
Vascular plants, equipped with water- and nutrient-carrying tissues, which reproduce by spores. They are characterized by large, articulated leaves (macrophylls), often spirally arranged when young. They grow in moist, shady environments, from tropical forests to temperate zones.
Vincenzo Volonterio- iStock – Standard license
Angiosperms
Flowering vascular plants capable of producing seeds enclosed in a protective structure called a carpel (which will give rise to the fruit). They are the most widespread group of plants on Earth: they include species ranging from trees to flowers to plants cultivated for food.
279 types of natural vegetation
255
foresters
Forests and woodlands with tall trees, such as oak, beech, and pine forests.
45
shrubby and herbaceous
Low vegetation such as Mediterranean scrub, pastures and alpine grasslands.
4
costs
Beach and dune vegetation, resistant to wind, salt and drought.
5
aquatic
Vegetation of freshwater and brackish water environments, such as marshes and lagoons.
279 types of natural vegetation
255
foresters
Forests and woodlands with tall trees, such as oak, beech, and pine forests.
45
shrubby and herbaceous
Low vegetation such as Mediterranean scrub, pastures and alpine grasslands.
4
costs
Beach and dune vegetation, resistant to wind, salt and drought.
5
aquatic
Vegetation of freshwater and brackish water environments, such as marshes and lagoons.
279 types of natural vegetation
255
foresters
Forests and woodlands with tall trees, such as oak, beech, and pine forests.
45
shrubby and herbaceous
Low vegetation such as Mediterranean scrub, pastures and alpine grasslands.
4
costs
Beach and dune vegetation, resistant to wind, salt and drought.
5
aquatic
Vegetation of freshwater and brackish water environments, such as marshes and lagoons.
Plant species at risk: a fragile heritage
Italy is a hotspot of plant biodiversity, but many species are at risk of extinction due to environmental changes, human activities and invasive species. To monitor this crisis, the Italian Botanical Society (SBI) assessed the conservation status of 2,500 taxa of the national flora.
2,500 flora taxa
assessed for extinction risk
What is a taxon?
-
590 entities
Are considered endangered
-
54 entities
Are already extinct on the territory of Italy
A taxon (plural taxa) is a group of organisms united by shared characteristics, used to classify biodiversity.
2,500 flora taxa
assessed for extinction risk
What is a taxon?
-
590 entities
Are considered endangered
-
54 entities
Are already extinct on the territory of Italy
A taxon (plural taxa) is a group of organisms united by shared characteristics, used to classify biodiversity.
1,702
are the endemic plant species in Italy
What is an endemic species?
-
300 entities
of these species are threatened
An endemic species is a plant or animal that lives exclusively in a specific geographic area and does not occur naturally anywhere else.
1,702
are the endemic plant species in Italy
-
300 entities
of these species are threatened
An endemic species is a plant or animal that lives exclusively in a specific geographic area and does not occur naturally anywhere else.
Exotic species: between coexistence and risk to biodiversity
Italy is home to 10,023 plant species, but not all of them are native to the territory. Among them, 1,782 are exotic species introduced intentionally or accidentally by humans. Some of them integrate smoothly into ecosystems, while others compete with native plants, putting local biodiversity at risk.
10,023
total plant species in Italy
-
1,782
exotic species
Introduced intentionally or accidentally by humans,
they are a threat to local biodiversity. They compete
with native plants and alter natural ecosystems.
Animal biodiversity in Italy: a unique heritage
With more than 61,000 animal species, Italy is among the European countries with the greatest wildlife biodiversity. From Alpine peaks to Mediterranean coasts, via rivers and lakes, every environment is home to an extraordinary variety of animals many of which are endemic, that is, found only in our territory.
61,000
animal species in Italy
-
including 38,500
insects
The country is one of the areas with the richest entomological biodiversity in the Mediterranean. This diversity is a key component of ecosystems and contributes to essential ecological processes such as pollination, decomposition of organic matter and natural pest control.
Exotic species: between coexistence and risk to biodiversity
A significant number of species are endangered. Among terrestrial and freshwater fauna, 20 percent are endemic or subendemic, meaning that many of these species are found only in Italy or in very restricted areas.
Terrestrial and freshwater fauna
-
20%Is endemic or subendemic
Amphibians and freshwater fish: sentinels of ecosystems
Some groups show particularly high rates of endemism: 31 percent of amphibians are endemic and 18.3 percent of freshwater bony fish are exclusive to Italy.
Freshwater amphibians and fish are key indicators of environmental health. Their presence (or disappearance) signals alterations in ecosystems often linked to human activities.
Amphibians
Extremely sensitive to climate change, pollution and habitat destruction. Their life cycle, which depends on both water and land, makes them doubly vulnerable.
-
31%is endemic
Freshwater fish
They live in closed and fragmented environments, such as rivers and lakes, which are easily altered by pollution, stream detour and the introduction of invasive species.
-
18.3 percentis endemic
Threats to biodiversity: endangered species, habitats, and ecosystems
In recent decades, Italy’s biodiversity has come under increasing pressures that threaten species, habitats and entire ecosystems. Therise of invasive exotic species, loss of natural habitats and land consumption are profoundly altering its ecological balance.
+96%
That’s the increase in invasive exotic species in Italy over the past 30 years
-
Invasive species on the rise
Over the past 30 years, the number of invasive exotic species in Italy has increased dramatically. These species, introduced accidentally or voluntarily, compete with native fauna and flora, endangering natural ecosystems.
Threats to biodiversity, from individual species to habitats
Data collected by NBFC paint a troubling picture: species on the brink of extinction and increasingly degraded habitats.
But biodiversity is not a lost battle. With targeted conservation and restoration interventions, we can not only stop this drift, but also reverse it, restoring
their vitality and ability to regenerate.
Habitats of Community Interest
l’89%
Is in suboptimal state of preservation
Ecosystems
68%
is in danger
Species
30%
Is at risk of extinction
Threats to biodiversity, from individual species to habitats
Data collected by NBFC paint a troubling picture: species on the brink of extinction and increasingly degraded habitats.
But biodiversity is not a lost battle. With targeted conservation and restoration interventions, we can not only stop this drift, but also reverse it, restoring
their vitality and ability to regenerate.
Habitats of Community Interest
l’89%
Is in suboptimal state of preservation
Ecosystems
68%
is in danger
Species
30%
Is at risk of extinction
Threats to biodiversity, from individual species to habitats
Data collected by NBFC paint a troubling picture: species on the brink of extinction and increasingly degraded habitats.
But biodiversity is not a lost battle. With targeted conservation and restoration interventions, we can not only stop this drift, but also reverse it, restoring
their vitality and ability to regenerate.
Habitats of Community Interest
89%
Is in suboptimal state of preservation
Ecosystems
68%
is in danger
Species
30%
Is at risk of extinction
Land consumption: an invisible but constant threat
Over the past 15 years, 1,150 sq. km. of soil has been consumed in Italy, an area equal to an entire city. This process is advancing at an alarming rate: 2.4 m² of soil is lost every second. Cementification and uncontrolled urbanization reduce the space available for nature, fragmenting habitats and putting biodiversity at risk.
1,150 km²
of soil consumed in 15 years
This visualization represents a graphical reworking of data contained in the First Report of the National Biodiversity Future Center. All data presented are from the original report, except where otherwise noted. For some items, context data from official national sources were used in order to contextualize the biodiversity information. Please refer to the full report for complete data and collection methodologies.