PRODUCTIONS: THE DEER OF MAJELLA

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G. Tartagni, G. Mammolotti, A. D'Onofrio

SD Cinematografica

26'

HD

The project to reintroduce deer on the Majella mountains in Italy represents a typical example of wild-life management. Behind this initiative by forest rangers is the project of zoologist, Luigi Boitani, to help the wolf survive. Italy's largest carnivorous animal is now reduced to only a few examples dispersed throughout the Apennine mountains. Its survival depends on reconstruction of a suitable environment for its survival, including the presence of deer which are its chief source of food. Our cameras followed the various phases of the operation, from breeding the deer in enclosures, to their liberation on the peaks of Majella. Finally masters of their new environment, the male deer gather their harem of females around them and the mating season begins. Our troupe's greatest achievement was in photographing the real protagonist of our story, the wolf, which has never been filmed in the wild in Europe. In these primitive, incassebile mountains, the wolf has found its ideal refuge. The encounter was very exciting.