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Acoustics technology & AI are battling environmental threats in three "Oasis" sites in Italy

Home to the highest numbers and densities of animal and plant species within the European Union plus very high rates of endemism, Italy is as rich in biodiversity as it is in history, art, and culture.

Despite this richness, the Mediterranean nation hasn't escaped a major threat affecting biodiversity on a global scale: human activity. Ranging from sprawling urbanization that consumes, fragments, and degrades habitats to activities like illegal logging and poaching, Italy's highly varied ecosystems are at risk.

Many endemic species – those only found in Italy – face an uncertain future, including mammals like the vulnerable Italian wolf and critically endangered Marsican brown bear. At the same time, an alarming 29.7% of the nation's vascular flora is risk of extinction.