Bolle and Parco del Piano di Magadino - route 1

The area of Piano and Bolle di Magadino contains a large number of marshes, amphibian breeding sites and floodplain zones of national importance. The focal point is the Bolle di Magadino, one of the few examples in Europe where the transition between aquatic and terrestrial environments is still largely natural and where thousands of birds of countless species pass every year during their journeys between Africa and Europe. Due to its naturalistic importance, this area has been protected since 1979 by a cantonal protection ordinance, is part of the international Ramsar Convention on wetlands, and is considered an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International and the European Union.

The Bolle host more than half of Ticino's populations of kingfisher, little bittern, and reed warbler. With due caution, it is also possible to observe the golden oriole, turtle dove, and little owl. Between April and June, listening to the songs of green frogs and pool frogs is a spectacle. The waters are highly appreciated by fish species and populations of pond turtles, river crayfish, and grass snakes. Numerous dragonfly species are also present (including rare ones).

Discover many other "Discovering biodiversity" walks in the printed guide. Information: www.a-pro.ch