The Casentino Forests, Mount Falterona and Campigna National Park has opened registration for the 18th edition of its Deer Rutting Census. From September 24 to 27, volunteers and park technicians will spend evenings monitoring the roughly 2,000 deer living in the protected area during the mating season. Registration closes Friday, August 28, or once spots fill up.
Three Nights Immersed in Nature
The initiative gives participants the chance to spend three nights at the heart of the park alongside technicians and experts. Volunteers help monitor the species and gather data used for its management and study.
A Growing Tradition of Participation
The census is one of the park’s most anticipated annual events, drawing hundreds of nature lovers, students and hikers from across Italy. In 2025, around 600 people took part, spread across more than 300 listening posts.
2,000 Deer, 400 Breeding-Age Males
The park is home to roughly 2,000 deer, including 400 males of breeding age. During mating season, their distinctive roar allows researchers to locate and track them across the territory. The data collected helps estimate population size and track changes over time.
Technology Supporting the Research
Volunteers record their field observations through the BramitAPP digital system, which makes data collection more efficient and consistent.
Wolves Under Watch, Too
The three census evenings also include wolf monitoring through the wolf-howling technique. Volunteers will help study two of the Apennines’ most iconic species, learning about their biology and ecological role.
Details on the program and how to take part, along with the registration link, are available at cervo.parcoforestecasentinesi.it.
The Park Director’s Words
“The thrill of hearing the deer’s roar supports essential scientific work to deepen our understanding of the species and manage our forest ecosystem more responsibly,” said Andrea Gennai, director of the Casentino Forests National Park. “It’s precisely this ability to combine scientific rigor with volunteer participation that has made the Deer Rutting Census one of the park’s flagship events, turning wildlife monitoring into a genuine experience of knowledge, conservation and sharing.”