Mount Vesuvius is not only one of the world's most famous volcanoes. The Somma–Vesuvius volcanic complex is also home to an extraordinary variety of plants, animals and natural environments concentrated within a relatively small area.
Woodlands, Mediterranean scrub, broom-covered slopes, old lava flows, rocky areas and traditional farmland form a constantly changing landscape shaped by volcanic activity.
The result is a remarkable natural laboratory where it is possible to observe how life gradually returns to terrain transformed by eruptions.
A surprising variety of habitats
The biodiversity of Mount Vesuvius is influenced by several factors:
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its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea;
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the difference in altitude between the plains and the summit area;
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variations in exposure to sun, wind and rainfall;
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the contrast between the drier Vesuvius slopes and the cooler Monte Somma;
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volcanic eruptions that have repeatedly transformed the landscape;
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the coexistence of natural areas and traditional agriculture.
Within just a few kilometres, visitors can therefore encounter very different environments.
The Vesuvius side is generally more exposed, dry and sunny, while parts of Monte Somma are cooler and more humid and support extensive woodland.
The flora of Mount Vesuvius
Hundreds of different plant species grow within Vesuvius National Park.
The vegetation includes Mediterranean plants, woodland species, wildflowers and pioneer organisms capable of colonising volcanic terrain.
Among the most interesting plants are:
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Neapolitan maple;
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Neapolitan alder;
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helichrysum;
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several species of broom;
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wild orchids;
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small relict populations of birch.
The great variety of habitats makes the volcanic complex particularly interesting for botanists and nature lovers.
Life returns after an eruption
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mount Vesuvius is the process by which vegetation returns to lava flows.
Freshly solidified lava initially appears almost completely sterile.
Gradually, however, organisms capable of surviving in extremely difficult conditions begin to colonise the rock.
One of the most characteristic pioneer organisms is Stereocaulon vesuvianum, a greyish lichen associated with volcanic lava.
Lichens contribute slowly to the breakdown of the rock surface and help create conditions in which other forms of vegetation can establish themselves.
Over time the sequence may include:
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lichens and mosses;
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grasses and pioneer plants;
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shrubs;
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broom;
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increasingly complex woodland vegetation.
On Vesuvius, this ecological succession can be observed directly on lava flows produced by relatively recent eruptions.
Broom: the symbol of the Vesuvius landscape
Few plants are as closely associated with Mount Vesuvius as broom.
During spring and early summer, extensive areas of the volcano become covered with yellow flowers.
Several species grow within the Park, including:
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Spanish broom;
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Scotch broom;
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Etna broom.
Broom plants are particularly successful on poor and unstable volcanic soils.
Their ability to colonise difficult terrain also means that they play an important role in the gradual development of richer soils and more complex vegetation.
Etna broom on Mount Vesuvius
The Etna broom (Genista aetnensis) is particularly interesting because it is not originally native to Mount Vesuvius.
It was introduced following the 1906 eruption as part of efforts to encourage vegetation on the damaged volcanic slopes.
The species adapted successfully to the Vesuvius environment and today forms extensive stands in some areas.
It has consequently become one of the most recognisable elements of the modern volcanic landscape.
Mediterranean scrub
The warmer and drier parts of the volcanic complex support typical Mediterranean vegetation.
Species found in these environments include evergreen shrubs and trees adapted to long, dry summers.
The Mediterranean scrub can contain:
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holm oak;
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strawberry tree;
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myrtle;
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mastic;
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rockrose;
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broom;
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other drought-resistant shrubs.
These environments are particularly characteristic of the sunny slopes of Vesuvius.
The forests of Monte Somma
The northern and more humid areas of Monte Somma have very different environmental conditions.
Here it is possible to find woodland dominated by species such as:
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chestnut;
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downy oak;
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hazel;
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hop hornbeam;
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Neapolitan maple;
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Neapolitan alder.
These forests provide shelter and food for numerous mammals, birds and invertebrates.
They also demonstrate how dramatically the vegetation can change over a relatively short distance within the same volcanic complex.
The relict birch trees
One of the most unusual botanical features of the Park is the presence of small groups of birch trees.
Birch is normally associated with cooler climates and more northern environments.
Small relict populations survive in areas such as:
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Atrio del Cavallo;
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Valle del Gigante;
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Monte Somma.
Their presence is particularly interesting because it is considered evidence of climatic conditions in the past that were cooler and more humid than those of the modern Mediterranean environment.
Wild orchids
Several species of wild orchids grow within Vesuvius National Park.
They can be found especially in grasslands and woodland clearings during spring.
Wild orchids are delicate plants and should never be picked or damaged.
Their flowers often have highly specialised shapes and depend on particular relationships with insects for pollination.
For visitors interested in botany, spring is one of the best seasons to explore the lower trails of the Park.
Wildlife in Vesuvius National Park
Despite being surrounded by one of the most densely populated parts of southern Italy, the protected area supports a surprisingly rich animal community.
The Park has recorded:
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29 species of mammals;
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138 species of birds;
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8 species of reptiles;
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2 species of amphibians;
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numerous insects and other invertebrates.
This is particularly remarkable considering the relatively limited size of the protected area and its isolation within a highly urbanised landscape.
Mammals
Many mammals living on Mount Vesuvius are difficult to observe because they are primarily active at night or around dawn and dusk.
Species found in the Park include:
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red fox;
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stone marten;
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weasel;
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European hare;
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wild rabbit;
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garden dormouse;
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edible dormouse;
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hazel dormouse.
The red fox is one of the most widespread predators and can be found throughout much of the protected area.
Small rodents and insect-eating mammals form an important part of the Park's food chains.
Bats
Bats are another important component of the Vesuvius ecosystem.
They use forests, buildings, cavities and other sheltered areas as resting places and feed mainly on insects.
Their presence contributes naturally to controlling insect populations.
Because many bat species depend on intact woodland and ecological corridors, they are also useful indicators of environmental quality.
Birds and migration
Mount Vesuvius occupies an important geographical position for birds travelling across the Mediterranean.
Its elevation, proximity to the coast and variety of habitats make the volcanic complex a useful resting and feeding area during migration.
Among the many birds recorded within the Park are:
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peregrine falcon;
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European honey buzzard;
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kestrel;
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European bee-eater;
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European roller;
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nightjar;
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raven;
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numerous woodland and migratory passerines.
Spring and autumn can be particularly interesting periods for birdwatching.
Butterflies and other invertebrates
A large part of the biodiversity of Vesuvius consists of animals that are much smaller and often overlooked.
Numerous arthropods live within the Park, including:
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butterflies;
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beetles;
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bees;
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wasps;
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ants;
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spiders;
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many other groups.
The Park has recorded 44 species of daytime butterflies.
Among the most attractive are the swallowtail, scarce swallowtail and two-tailed pasha (Charaxes jasius), a large Mediterranean butterfly closely associated with the strawberry tree.
Insects are essential as pollinators, decomposers and food for many other animals.
Amphibians and reptiles
The volcanic area is also home to amphibians and reptiles.
The amphibians recorded by the Park include the edible frog and European green toad.
Eight species of reptiles have also been identified.
Visitors should remember that these animals are part of a protected ecosystem.
The simplest precautions while hiking are to:
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remain on marked trails;
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wear suitable closed footwear;
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avoid disturbing wildlife;
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avoid placing hands beneath stones, logs or dry-stone walls.
Wild animals should always be observed from a distance.
Fungi
More than 200 species of fungi have been recorded within Vesuvius National Park.
The presence of such a rich fungal community may seem surprising in an area usually associated with dry volcanic landscapes.
However, the forests of Monte Somma and other humid environments provide excellent conditions for many fungi.
They perform essential ecological functions by:
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decomposing organic matter;
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returning nutrients to the soil;
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forming symbiotic relationships with tree roots.
Mushroom collecting within the protected area is regulated and visitors should not assume that collection is freely permitted.
Agriculture and biodiversity
The biodiversity of Mount Vesuvius is not limited to wild ecosystems.
People have cultivated the fertile volcanic slopes for thousands of years, creating an agricultural landscape that has become an important part of the area's identity.
Traditional crops include:
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grapes;
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apricots;
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tomatoes;
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olives;
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figs;
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cherries;
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vegetables.
These cultivated areas can also support wildlife, particularly where vineyards, orchards, hedges and patches of natural vegetation occur close together.
Vineyards and Lacryma Christi
Vine cultivation has a very long history on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.
Local grape varieties include:
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Piedirosso;
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Falanghina;
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Coda di Volpe.
They are associated with the production of wines from the Vesuvian area, including the well-known Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio.
Vineyards remain an important element of the landscape, particularly on the lower volcanic slopes.
The fertility of these soils was already appreciated in Roman times.
Vesuvius apricots
The volcanic area is also famous for its traditional apricots.
Numerous local varieties developed over centuries of cultivation on the fertile slopes.
Apricot orchards, together with vineyards and vegetable gardens, contribute to the agricultural biodiversity of the Vesuvius area.
Preserving these traditional crops also means protecting knowledge, farming techniques and rural landscapes.
The Pomodorino del Piennolo
Another product closely associated with Mount Vesuvius is the Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio.
Traditionally, small tomatoes are tied together in characteristic hanging clusters known as piennoli.
The technique allows the tomatoes to be preserved for extended periods.
The cultivation of these local varieties illustrates the close relationship between volcanic soil, farming traditions and the cultural landscape surrounding Vesuvius.
Biodiversity and volcanic eruptions
The relationship between destruction and recolonisation is one of the defining characteristics of the Vesuvius environment.
An eruption may cover existing vegetation with lava, ash and volcanic material.
Nature then begins a new cycle.
Pioneer organisms arrive first, followed by plants able to survive in poor soils. Shrubs and broom gradually become established, and eventually more complex vegetation can develop.
For this reason Mount Vesuvius is an important place for studying ecological succession — the process through which ecosystems develop and change over time.
Where to discover the nature of Mount Vesuvius
A visit to the National Park does not have to be limited to the Great Cone.
The wider trail network passes through very different environments, including:
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old lava flows;
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broom-covered slopes;
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Mediterranean scrub;
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Monte Somma forests;
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volcanic valleys;
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agricultural landscapes.
Different trails therefore provide very different experiences.
Spring and early summer are particularly interesting for flowers and broom, while autumn offers changing woodland colours and different natural conditions.
Read our Mount Vesuvius Visitor Guide
Protecting the Park
Visitors can help protect the biodiversity of Mount Vesuvius through simple behaviour.
When walking in the Park:
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stay on authorized trails;
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do not pick flowers or plants;
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do not collect fungi without authorization;
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do not disturb animals;
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do not remove rocks, insects or other natural material;
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take all rubbish with you;
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avoid unnecessary noise;
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respect temporary restrictions and signs;
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follow the instructions of Park staff.
With large numbers of visitors every year, small individual actions can have a significant combined effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mount Vesuvius have so much biodiversity?
The combination of volcanic terrain, altitude, proximity to the sea, different microclimates and repeated ecological recolonisation after eruptions has created a wide variety of habitats within a relatively small area.
How many plant species grow on Mount Vesuvius?
The National Park records hundreds of plant species within the protected area, including Mediterranean vegetation, woodland plants, orchids and pioneer species growing on volcanic terrain.
What are the most characteristic plants?
Broom is one of the most recognisable plants of Mount Vesuvius. Holm oak, chestnut, Neapolitan maple, Neapolitan alder, wild orchids and relict birch populations are also important features of the Park.
Why is there so much broom on Mount Vesuvius?
Broom is able to grow on poor, dry and unstable soils. This makes it particularly successful on volcanic slopes and old lava flows.
Is Etna broom native to Mount Vesuvius?
No. It was introduced after the 1906 eruption and later became well established in parts of the volcanic complex.
Which animals live on Mount Vesuvius?
The Park supports mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and a very large community of invertebrates. Foxes, dormice, bats, birds of prey, migratory birds and butterflies are among the most characteristic groups.
Are there many birds on Mount Vesuvius?
Yes. The Park has recorded 138 bird species and the volcano is particularly important because of its position along Mediterranean migration routes.
Are there butterflies?
Yes. The Park has recorded 44 species of daytime butterflies.
Are there fungi?
Yes. More than 200 species of fungi have been recorded.
Can I pick flowers?
No. Plants and flowers within the protected area should be left undisturbed.
Can I collect mushrooms?
Mushroom collecting within Vesuvius National Park is regulated. Visitors should not collect fungi unless specifically authorized under the applicable rules.
When is the best time to see flowers?
Spring and early summer are generally the most interesting periods for wildflowers and the yellow broom that characterizes many Vesuvian slopes.
Can I see wildlife during a normal visit?
Birds, butterflies and small reptiles may be seen relatively easily. Most mammals are much more difficult to observe because many are nocturnal or naturally cautious around people.
Is the Great Cone the best place for biodiversity?
The Great Cone is important for understanding the volcanic landscape, but many of the richest natural environments are found along other trails through woodland, Mediterranean scrub and old lava flows.