Gran Paradiso National Park
The Valsavarenche is entirely in the Gran Paradiso national park,
which also includes the two lateral valleys of Cogne and Rhêmes
connected to Eaux Rousses by the Alta Via N° 2.
It is the most important oasis of flora and fauna of Europe, comprising
55,875 hectares of which 35,000 approx. in Valdostano territory;
with the adjacent French Vanoise National Park the total area constitutes
the biggest protected reserve of Western Europe and has 500 Kms.
of pathways.
It was a hunting reserve of the Royal Savoia family from 1821 until
1922 when it was ceded to the Italian State who made it a national
park: thereby saving rare plants and fauna among which the royal
eagle, the white partridge, the variable hare, ermine, grouse, chamois,
marmot and the rock goat. Specimens of the last have been used to
repopulate faunal areas of the whole alpine arc. Four thousand rock
goat and seven thousand chamois now live in this park. One can say
that the flora comprises all the European mountain species such
as, alpine androecium, gentianella, saxifrage, anemone, genepi,
edelweiss, primula, yarrow and the extremely rare limnaea borealis.
Rules to be observed in the park are clearly visible on frequent
notice boards along the paths. They request civil behaviour and
are unnecessary for the experienced excursionists.
<< back
|
