Urban Fauna: Birds and Beasts of Rome

In Rome, A World Hidden Beneath your Feet

University Researcher Fishing for the Freshwater Crab Potamon Fluviatile in Trajan's Forum

The Forum and Market of Emperor Trajan lie in the heart of Rome's centre, bustling with noise, traffic and thousands of visitors everyday. Yet somehow it is home to the city's most surprising animal population: a robust colony of freshwater crabs, potamon fluviatile, which live several meters below the ruins in subterranean tunnels that connect with the cloaca maxima, one of the world's first sewer systems that evolved from the drainage channels first built by the Etruscans in the 7th century BC.

 

AFP/File Christophe Simon

It is not yet clear how long this population has been thriving in Rome, but they seem to have adapted extraordinarily well to the hostile urban environment, feeding not only on insects but pieces of popcorn and even cigarette butts. The entire colony is affected by gigantism, growing up to twice as large as other members of the same species, which indicates isolation and a long, gradual process of adaptation. 

Potamon Fluviatile

Recent genetic studies link them to a Greek species introduced to Italy 3000 years ago, before the founding of Rome. Or perhaps they escaped from the nearby Forum Pisciarium, the ancient Roman fish market where vendors once hawked these crustaceans that are also known as "the poor man's lobster".

Look Up and Look Out: the Starlings are Coming

Rome at twilight, bathed in rosy, golden light, becomes the scenic backdrop for swarms of starlings that form pulsing, mutating shapes in the air in an enchanting aerial spectacle.

AFP Photo/ Gabriel Buoys

Arriving from Russia and the Baltic countries, the birds first started wintering in Rome around 80 years ago, and show no signs of wanting to leave their second home. Experts debate the exact number, but some estimate that there are 4 starlings for every human inhabitant in the city. 

Starling Murmuration seen from the Palatine Hill at Twilight

The swarming behaviour of a murmuration of starlings serves to distract predators: amazingly, each starling tracks the movements of seven of its neighbours simultaneously to be able to fly in formation with them and make an individual contribution to the swarm as a cohesive force. And all this happens 10 times faster than a human can think.

Don't Park under the Trees

They seem to adore the city lights,  noisy traffic, and smelly bus depots warmed by exhaust fumes.

The results can be devastating. Every night at roosting time, within just a few minutes, a rain of corrosive, malodorous guano covers everything from busy squares near the train station to tree-lined avenues in the outer boroughs. 

Terrorizing Starlings with Audio Devices along the Tiber River

City workers in hazmat suits patrol the targeted areas with special devices that emit a piercing distress call, a technique in use for several years that has met with some degree of success. 

But meanwhile, sit back and enjoy the show.