ITALY ~ Abruzzo National Park ~

... Wonderful surprise... a fantastic new Italian National Park thanks to postcard friends Gian Luca and Raffaella♥... Italy’s second-oldest national park is also one of the most mountainous areas rich in wildlife and biodiversity in the Apennines... the sighting of wild animals in the Park is a unique event...  thanks to its long history, it receives more visitors than other parks... around two million annually... Big Thanks once more Gian Luca&Raffaella !! (✿ ♥‿♥)

The National Park Abruzzo was established in 1923 and is located in the heart of the central Apennines between the Abruzzi, Lazio and Molise on an area of (±) 440 km2.

The scenery is characterized by mountain chains (with peaks that rise to over 2000 m altitude), karst phenomena, rivers (including the Sangro River), streams and filled with narrow gorges and wide valleys. Also home to a number of picturesque villages.

More than 60 species of mammals, 300 birds and 40 species of reptiles, not to mention the wide variety of insects and invertebrates live in the park. The symbol of the Park is the Marsican Brown Bear, which represented, until recently, an endangered species. At present, this danger seems to have been averted, thanks to the punctual protection activity of the Park Board.

Stamps:

Poste Italiane - Self Adhesive
(Issued 01-07-2010)

Italian Squares
(Issued 02-07-2016)