PRODUCTIONS: BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS

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F. Armati, E. Armati, E. Stella, E. Coppola, A. Petretti, F. Petretti

SD Cinematografica

30'

16 mm

In 1963 the entomologist, Frederick Hartig discovered a unique species of moth on Monte Vulture in Italy. He called it Brahmaea europea. It was a great surprise for all butterfly specialists. The documentary takes us to Lucania, where the discovery was made and where this rare insect still lives, although threatened by a gradual reduction of its natural habitat. Since some aspects of biology are very difficult to observe directly in nature, the film was made in the laboratory of an entomologist who succeeded in reproducing the moth in captivity.
In order to save the Hartig's moth from extinction, biologists ans environmentalists are asking that the entire region of the Vulture mountains be declared a nature reserve.
Thanks to similar projects, new wildlife refuges have arisen where the black-winged stilt can build its nest. This bird has become almost a symbol of the Italian peninsula.
Filmed in the salt marshes of Central-Southern Italy, this documentary presents the social life of the black-winged stilt: colony life, territorial conflicts, nuptial and mating ceremonies, egg laying, brooding and the birth of the chicks. The film also shows the defensive tactics the animal uses against predators and a collective assault on a group of grazing buffalo.