The plateau at the edge of the village of Danta di Cadore, which reaches a maximum altitude of 1661 m a.s.l., hosts a site of particular interest in terms of its unique characteristics, the complexity of the state of conservation and biological factors. As a result of its particular features, the site is included in the project co-financed by the European Commission within the framework of the LIFE Natura programme, aimed at safeguarding and preserving the 200 hectares of peat bog, through the implementation of specific operations to recover and manage the natural habitats present there. The stagnant water in the bogs creates an environment with a low level of oxygen, which favours the accumulation of organic substance in the form of peat. As a result of the number of rare species present, the quality of the biocoenosis and the state of conservation, the Danta peat bogs are one of the most important and interesting nature, flower and plant sites in the whole of the Veneto Region, together with the nearby site of Coltrondo. The varied landscapes of the four particularly significant areas - Val di Ciampo, Val Mauria, Cercenà and Palù Longo – can be visited along a path equipped with information panels and raised walkways to avoid damaging the nature underneath. Also available is an audio guide, as well as further information leaflets that can be found locally or on the website (www.torbieredanta.info). The most common plants here are sphagma, or bog moss, while the most interesting bird species present is the little-known corncrake, found here only during the summer.

From Auronzo di Cadore across the Sant’Antonio Pass along the SP532 road, or along the SS52 to km 91.5, turning left at Campitello, about 2.5 km from the village of Santo Stefano di Cadore.

ACCESSIBLE: yes
MUNICIPALITY: Danta di Cadore
PLACE: Val di Ciampo / Torbiere di Danta
GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES: X 1768172 – Y 5163356
PROVINCE: Belluno

FILE COMPILED BY: Nicoletti/Abordi

In the Tourist Office in Danta visitors can see an exhibition featuring paleontological finds of particular interest, including the rare fossil of a baby dinosaur. The exhibition derives from an idea by the Venetian naturalist Bruno Berti, a frequent visitor to and expert on the Danta di Cadore area, who donated a large part of the nature collection, to which were then added a number of finds donated by the Centro Studi Ligabue Association in Venice.

C. Argenti, C. Lasen, Lista rossa della flora vascolare della Provincia di Belluno, 2004
A. Andrich, A. Crepaz, Le Torbiere di Danta. Visita al Biotopo. ARPAV, Santa Giustina, 2001
C. Lasen, Studio di 15 biotopi in area dolomitica, 2001
Provincia di Belluno (Relazione annuale sulla qualità delle acque in provincia di Belluno, rapporto sullo stato dell' ambiente provincia di Belluno, pubblicazioni ARPAV);
Manuale "Collaborazione scientifica tra regione Veneto e CINSA finalizzata alla definizione e applicazione di strumenti e metodi per la gestione di rete natura 2000";
Piano Transfrontaliero Comelico Ost Tirol;
Formulario standard IT 3230060 della Rete Natura 2000