The SPA Appennino Lucano (37,492 ha) is located in the south-western part of the region of Basilicata, along the Apennine mountain chain, occupying the southern part of the Appennino Lucano – Val d’Agri – Lagonegrese National Park, which covers an area of 68,996 ha.
The area is mainly hilly and mountainous, with a very low population density and very pronounced geomorphology due to glaciation and karst phenomena.
Vast portions of the territory are covered by grasslands and reliefs sculpted by imposing rocky walls which, among other things, are home to the black stork (Ciconia nigra) and the Egyptian vulture. The Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) has recently returned to nest in the area thanks to the immigration of individuals reintroduced in the nearby Pollino National Park.
The presence of the Red kite (Milvus milvus), abundant at lower altitudes, is significant among the birds of prey.
In August 2016, the CERM Centro Rapaci Minacciati (Endangered Raptors Centre) released two juvenile Egyptian vultures born in captivity into the area with the support of Federparchi-Europarc Italy. One of these vultures reached Africa the following September.
