Twenty sensors on the slopes of Vesuvius to listen to the rebirth
Protecting the unique ecosystem of Vesuvius with bioacoustic Spectrum sensors, wild pollinator shelters and satellite mapping to monitor the natural recolonisation of the slopes.
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A unique ecosystem, devastated by fires and hemmed in by concrete
Vesuvius Park faces significant risks to biodiversity due to fires, invasive species and urbanisation that fragment habitats, transforming the territory into a true ecological island. The loss of native species, degradation of volcanic soil and alteration of local microclimates compromise ecosystem resilience and natural regeneration capacity. The site depends on intact ecosystems to maintain soil stability, habitat connectivity and conservation of the unique endemic species of the volcanic territory.
Understanding where regeneration is working and where it has stalled
After the 2017 fires, the Park needed to identify where regeneration was advancing and where it had stalled, with data by altitude and habitat to aid restoration.
Spatial, comparable data were key to deciding where to act and allocate resources, turning post-fire reconstruction into an evidence-based strategy.
20 Spectrum, shelters and satellite to map the recolonisation
XNatura integrated satellite analysis, bioacoustic sensors and pollinator shelters, feeding data into the Environmental Platform to support Park management decisions.
From satellite to the slopes of the volcano
A project integrating remote sensing, bioacoustic IoT sensors and pollinator shelters to build the first continuous picture of Vesuvius biodiversity.
Satellite analysis of the entire Park
Before bringing sensors to the slopes, an overview was needed. Satellite mapping analysed the entire Park territory, producing a picture of biodiversity potential area by area: vegetation indices, nectar potential, land cover and the state of ecological succession in the zones affected by the 2017 fires. The results guided the positioning of sensors and shelters.
20 Spectrum on the slopes of Vesuvius
Bioacoustic Spectrum sensors were distributed along the volcano's different altitude bands, from coastal areas to the highest elevations, to represent the full variety of habitats: volcanic soil undergoing recolonisation, broom scrub, Mediterranean maquis, mesophilic forests and traditional agricultural areas. Each Spectrum continuously records the sound footprint of pollinators, classifying them by species without disturbing the ecosystem.
29 shelters along the slopes
Along a dedicated trail, 29 wild pollinator shelters were installed, creating nesting habitats in areas where post-fire regeneration has already re-established sufficient plant cover. The shelters act as stepping stones, supporting the recolonisation of pollinators in regenerated zones and connectivity between fragmented habitats.
From data to active conservation
Data from the Spectrum sensors and satellite analysis feed into the XNatura Environmental Platform, providing the Park with a scientific basis for management decisions: where to focus invasive species removal, where ecological succession needs intervention, where beekeeping feasibility can become a driver of conservation. Continuous monitoring transforms post-fire reconstruction into adaptive management.
Data from the slopes of Vesuvius
Site vs Control
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observations on site
The Spectrum sensors distributed across the slopes of Vesuvius recorded over 28,000 pollinators, classified into 17 distinct clusters, documenting for the first time the distribution and abundance of insect communities across the Park's different altitude bands and habitat types. The site-control comparison revealed an MSA Land Use Δ of +32, confirming that post-fire ecological succession is producing functional habitats for pollinators.
The over 9,000 flora and fauna observations on site provide a detailed picture of the biodiversity present, enabling the Park to map recolonisation area by area and focus restoration efforts where they are most needed. This data directly informs management strategies, indicating where regeneration is working and where it needs support.
Monitoring in action
Key sections of the XNatura Environmental Platform dedicated to Vesuvius National Park.
Biodiversity status
MSA indices, land cover, Natural Patches, floral availability and nectar potential across the different altitude bands of Vesuvius.
Microclimate
Surface temperature, light pollution and microclimatic parameters of the volcanic slopes, with analysis of the anthropic pressure from the surrounding metropolitan area.
Aridity risk
Aridity indices, vegetation water stress and impact of prolonged drought periods on Mediterranean scrub and slope blooms.
Hydrogeological risk
Flood risk, landslide risk and hydrogeological analysis of the volcanic slopes for planning mitigation and stabilisation interventions.
Access the XNatura Environmental Platform
The platform with which Vesuvius National Park monitors the biodiversity of its volcanic ecosystem and post-fire ecological succession.
Do you want to monitor the biodiversity of your park?
XNatura supports natural parks, municipalities and protected areas in monitoring and conserving biodiversity, with bioacoustic IoT sensors, satellite mapping and validated scientific protocols, producing data that can be integrated into management and reporting frameworks.
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