Overview
Located on a portion of the floodplain along the right bank of the Tanaro River, the Natural Reserve of the Belangero Ponds is a natural area upstream of Asti characterized by a humid and marshy environment and extended 487 hectares. Past mining activity has given rise to a mosaic of bodies of water that over time have been partially renatured by vegetation, giving rise to small wetlands that harbor a discrete fauna and plant biodiversity, including the Lycaena dispar butterfly, the dark plover, an endangered amphibian, the carnifex newt and the Bufo viridis toad. Today part of these ponds are protected by the WWF Oasis "La Bula" for the restoration of new natural ecosystems degraded, compromised or completely erased by past human activities.
The exceptional lowering of the water level in recent years has brought to light large portions of the bottom of the riverbed, together with clayey sediments, and has allowed an incredible discovery of paleontological interest. In 2003, a fossil dolphin was discovered. The find is now on display in the halls of the Paleontological Museum of Asti.
Access to the reserve is free all year round. On reservation you can take guided tours lasting two hours.
14100 Asti AT, Italia
