A man-made lake in central Italy, created by the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Tevere river. Habitats include open water, a large reedbed (450 ha), wet woodland of poplar Populus, alder Alnus and willow Salix (150 ha), and freshwater marshes. The surroundings are agricultural. The main land-use is nature conservation.
Key biodiversity
An important stop-over point for some wetland species, mainly those on passage through central Italy.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The main threat is the low water-quality of the Tevere river, which carries high levels of nutrients and heavy metals. Some or all of the site is covered by a management plan. The area is managed by WWF-Italia. There are ongoing projects on the reintroduction of Aythya nyroca (WWF-Italia and University of Tuscia), studies of parasites (University of Pisa) and of aquatic insects (University of Perugia).
Protected areas
National High International High900 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Reserve (Lago di Alviano, 900 ha). 900 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Valle del Tevere: Laghi Corbara-Alviano [contains Lago di Alviano SPA], 7,200 ha).
