Italian Alpine ecosystems face rapid warming, threatening marmots, chamois and alpine flora

Record temperature anomalies measured by ARPA Lombardia at stations such as Vallaccia (2,660 m) and Passo Marinelli (3,032 m) show the Italian Alps warming up to three degrees above historic averages. Researchers from the Stelvio National Park, led by Luca Pedrotti, report that the heat is pushing alpine flora to higher elevations and disrupting wildlife balances.

The warming has halved chamois numbers in some areas, endangered the alpine finch, and triggered an early emergence of marmots from hibernation. Species such as the Alpine salamander of Aurora, limited to a tiny range in the Trentino plateau, are also at risk of disappearing as suitable habitat shrinks. Scientists warn that without mitigation, these high‑altitude ecosystems could undergo irreversible loss.

The findings underscore how climate change is accelerating in mountainous regions, prompting urgent calls for monitoring and conservation actions in the Alps.