Lago di San Giuliano. 13/12/06; Basilicata; 2,118 ha; 40°38'N 016°29'E. Site of Community Importance EU Directive, Important Bird Area, Regional Nature Reserve. A lake and stream situated in a depression of the Bradano river basin. The wetland originated after the spontaneous return to natural conditions of an artificial basin created when a dam was built for irrigation purposes in the 1950s. The area is characterised by three different habitats: the natural lake, the riparian fringe, and a rocky ravine. A broad temporarily flooded meadow extends between the planted woodland and the lake edge. The site supports overwintering animal populations, in particular wildfowl, and provides refuge to one of the rarest mammals in the country: the otter Lutra lutra. The fish community of the Bradano river was profoundly altered by the building of the dam and by indiscriminate fishing practices; currently there are a number of common species and some endemic ones like the Italian bleak (Alburnus albidus) and rovella or South European roach (Rutilus rubilio). Around the lake there are old farms breeding mainly sheep and cattle; typical local products of agriculture and animal husbandry have also attracted tourism enterprises. Conservation education is part of a major WWF programme within the Reserve, and educational facilities have developed over the past ten years to address the public, school groups, and educators. Ramsar site no. 1663. Most recent RIS information: 2006.