Following the alarm raised in recent months on Radiolina by researcher Michele Lussu , professor at the University of Bologna, Legambiente also certifies – unfortunately – the extinction of the marsh orchid Dactylorhiza elata subsp. sesquipedalis , the only endemic orchid in Italy and present only in Sardinia.

The disappearance was reported on the eve of World Biodiversity Day , in the Report dedicated to Biodiversity presented by the association at the forefront of nature protection.

The marsh orchid Dactylorhiza elata subsp. sesquipedalis was present in the province of Nuoro. In the 1980s there were about thirty of them, in 2010 there were 10 specimens, and in 2020 there were 3. In 2025 it disappeared completely.

The Legambiente report also highlights how Italy is one of the European countries richest in orchids, with 240 species. However, only 4 are protected at European level by the Habitats Directive.

The association also highlights «the serious delays that Italy has accumulated with respect to the European 2030 objectives in terms of protection and conservation of biodiversity and creation of new protected areas» and the failure to update the Habitats Directive.

At the current rate, Italy risks reaching the goal of 30% of protected territory and sea in 80 years. According to Legambiente, therefore, "a change of pace is urgently needed, more adequate resources for the creation of new parks and greater protection of the flora at risk, starting with orchids."

(Unioneonline/lf)

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