Birds of Gelsari and Lentini marshes, special protection area for the protection and maintenance of aquatic avifauna in central Mediterranean

Gelsari and Lentini marshes are two large wetlands extending along the southern coast of the Gulf of Catania, in Sicily (Italy), which have always been studied extensively by naturalists of the past for their undisputed environmental value. The draining works of these areas, which have occurred in the last century, has led to a loss of interest for the marshes, which were considered lost from the naturalistic point of view. Thus, the scientific studies ceased and, in particular, stopped the recording of avifauna data. In more recent times, the temporary breakdown of pumping stations, that occurred from 2008 to 2010, has enabled the marshes to take back a natural hydrological regime for a period of a few years, short but enough to make habitats of community interest and for an extremely important birdlife to reappear. Therefore, a monitoring activity has been started, allowing collecting in systematic way information on species present between 2010 and 2016. The aim of this work is to make known the situation regarding the presence of birds In recent years and compare it with what is available from historical data and to highlight its value, despite the anthropic pressure to which the area is subject. Finally, management proposals are put forward, aimed at fulfilling the full potential of this important site.