Riserva naturale provinciale Lago di Loppio

Loppio Lake (Provincial Nature Reserve)

Quality and importance: environment of remarkable interest, with rests of natural vegetation along the shores and extended phenomena  of colonization by the pioneer species on the lake bottom (made of lake clays) of the ancient lake basin. It is a biotope of vital importance for the reproduction of many amphibian and reptile species. The site is furthermore significant for the nesting, the stop and/or overwintering of protected or endangered bird species, and/or localized distribution on the Alps.

Vulnerability: high risk of further anthropization in the surroundings of the site, especially due to the road network.

Types of priority habitats of community interest (Annex I of the Habitat directive): 6110 - Rupicolous calcareous or basophilic grasslands of the Alysso-Sedion albi.
6210 - Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (important orchid sites)
7210 - Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae.

Bird species subjected to special conservation measures (Annex I of the "Birds" directive): Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Hen Harrier, red-backed shrike, Black Kite, European honey buzzard, grey-headed woodpecker

Animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation needs the designation of special conservation areas (Annex II of the Habitat directive): Amphibians: Yellow-bellied toad
Invertebrates: stag beetle