Itinerary edited by the UNIVERSITY OF BARI 
The study of the wetlands of the Apulian coast, nature reserves rich in biodiversity, has enriched the regional science museums of many tassidermic representative specimens of the most common species found there, to be an important cultural heritage for the history and the local science. The Museum of the Department of Biology "Lidia Liaci" at the University of Bari Aldo Moro has a collection of about 300 ornithological specimens, including about 50 coming from Puglia wetlands, along with reptiles and amphibians.
Biodiversity Oasis
Today the Apulian humid environments represent important areas for resting and reproduction of wildlife, in particular, as well as hosting species of special conservation interest, play a role of primary importance for amphibians, for which are important breeding sites, and many species of birds that use them as staging feeding and reproduction areas. The existing wetlands are considered relicts of much more extensive wetlands of the region until the twentieth century.
The variety of Puglia wetlands
Despite the scarcity of surface water, in Puglia wet systems remain important, especially along the coastline. Among these, Lake Lesina, the Frattarolo swamp with Lake, the salt flats of Margherita di Savoia, the Torre Guaceto marshlands and Le Cesine and Alimini Lakes, on the Adriatic coast, and other minor wetlands, such as the Captain swamp, the Ugento basins and the La Vela marsh, on the Ionian coast. Added to these are the rivers and reservoirs of the “capitanata”, several temporary lakes, artificial water basins and alluvial areas. These areas represent real natural treasures that, assisted by the museological collections, give the opportunity to the visitor to appreciate the remarkable biological diversity that distinguishes them.
