On the tracks of animal traces: presence indicators

The presence of an animal species in any given area can be indirectly inferred by finding its footprints or "traces".

Some animals are present in the Park in only a limited number of specimens, while others may be more numerous but are so elusive in their behaviour that they are very hard to see.

Animals leave many footprints or "traces" that depend on their habits and behaviour.

We can tell if a species of animal is present in our territory by finding:

·         footprints or other signs of movement

·         dens, nests. and sleeping spots

·         remains of food and signs left by the animal's search for food

·         tufts of fur or feather stuck to branches and bushes

·         droppings

·         scratches, stripped bark, and other signs left on trees

Le impronte

• Per orma si intende l’impronta lasciata sul terreno (fango, sabbia, brina, neve) da una singola zampa.

• Per traccia si intende l’insieme delle orme di tutte le zampe dell’animale. La posizione diversa delle orme nella traccia indica l’andatura dell’animale: passo, trotto, corsa, salto.

• Per pista si intende la successione delle tracce lasciate lungo un percorso dall’animale nei suoi spostamenti.