Description
It is more properly a 'low' type of peat bog, the origin of which is caused by the large quantity of resurgence water that occupied the area and was later invaded by marsh vegetation, which formed the peat deposit on which the protected area is now set.
The more hygrophilous portion of the peat bog is articulated in at least three natural structures with different degrees of humidity that succeed each other in space according to the water balance.
One can recognise less humid grasslands with Molinia caerulea, Calluna vulgaris and Gagea fistulosa; moderately humid grasslands with Allium sibiricum; and a more humid zone in which the situation is complicated by puddles and sphagnum gibbons.
The puddles are often carpeted with brown mosses and Utricularia minor (a submerged insectivorous plant).
Two other insectivorous species are found in areas of denuded peat: Drosera rotundifolia and Pinguicola alpina.
The entire wettest portion of the peat bog is therefore rich in environmental micro-situations that vary with a continuous gradient from fairly dry areas to true miniature lakes, and from fast-flowing to practically still waters.
On the higher and more inclined areas of the Tonale basin, a green alder (Alnus viridis) shrubland has established itself.
On this area of great environmental value, roads, buildings, ski slopes and even an airport runway have been built. Where such artefacts have been erected, the peat bog has obviously been irreparably destroyed.
Studies
- research on vertebrate fauna