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Impacts of Changing Livestock Farming Practices on the Biocultural Heritage and Landscape Configuration of Italian Anti-Apennine

Author

Listed:
  • Riccardo Primi

    (Department of Agriculture and Forestry Science (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Paolo Viola

    (Department of Agriculture and Forestry Science (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Carlo Maria Rossi

    (Department of Agriculture and Forestry Science (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Stefano Ripert

    (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Food (DiAAA), University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy)

  • Maria Nicolina Ripa

    (Department of Agriculture and Forestry Science (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Raffaello Spina

    (Department of Agriculture and Forestry Science (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Bruno Ronchi

    (Department of Agriculture and Forestry Science (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

Abstract
This research article focuses on the evolution of a Mediterranean landscapes and the intricate interplay between natural and human-induced processes in the context of the Italian Anti-Apennine mountains. The study employs a multi-temporal approach to analyze changes in land use and landscape ecology, livestock activities, and agro-pastoral practices over seven decades. We noted a 18% decrease in animal units, particularly in goat and pig farming, accompanied by a 10% reduction in horse populations. Farmers’ adaptation strategies involve increasing animals per farm, aligning with broader agricultural trends toward intensification and specialization. In parallel, we observed a 22% reduction in grassland surfaces juxtaposed with an overall 15% increase in woodlands and shrublands, a 13% decreasing trend in habitat edge, and an overall 18% increase in patches aggregation at the landscape scale. The decline in anthropogenic pressures linked to depopulation triggered secondary successions, resulting in a 25% increase in homogeneous closed woodlands. These landscape alterations contribute to a 19% decrease in ecosystem heterogeneity and complexity, favoring ecological connectivity for forest-linked species but posing challenges for open meadow species. This, coupled with the loss of biocultural heritage, including traditional settlements dating back to the Bronze Age and Roman times, as well as pastoral traditions and knowledge, underscores the need to rethink future development strategies with a focus on retaining younger generations and preventing the loss of crucial ecosystem services.

Suggested Citation

  • Riccardo Primi & Paolo Viola & Carlo Maria Rossi & Stefano Ripert & Maria Nicolina Ripa & Raffaello Spina & Bruno Ronchi, 2024. "Impacts of Changing Livestock Farming Practices on the Biocultural Heritage and Landscape Configuration of Italian Anti-Apennine," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-27, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:2:p:243-:d:1340062
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Brunella Arru & Roberto Furesi & Fabio A. Madau & Pietro Pulina, 2021. "Economic performance of agritourism: an analysis of farms located in a less favoured area in Italy," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 9(1), pages 1-21, December.
    2. Maria Bruna Zolin & Andrea Pastore & Martina Mazzarolo, 2020. "Common agricultural policy and sustainable management of areas with natural handicaps. The Veneto Region case study," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(8), pages 7587-7605, December.
    3. Silvia Sivini & Annamaria Vitale, 2023. "Multifunctional and Agroecological Agriculture as Pathways of Generational Renewal in Italian Rural Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-17, March.
    4. Rebecca Montrasio & Silvana Mattiello & Martina Zucaro & Dino Genovese & Luca Battaglini, 2020. "The Perception of Ecosystem Services of Mountain Farming and of a Local Cheese: An Analysis for the Touristic Valorization of an Inner Alpine Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-17, September.
    5. Xiaoyu Niu & Yunfeng Hu & Lin Zhen & Yiming Wang & Huimin Yan, 2022. "Analysis of the Future Evolution of Biocapacity and Landscape Characteristics in the Agro-Pastoral Zone of Northern China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-19, December.
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