paludi

Paludi is the plural form of palude in Italian, meaning marshes or wetlands. The term is used in Italian geography to refer to waterlogged landscapes, and in historical texts as a generic reference to swampy areas. In Latin, paludes is the plural of palus, a term for marsh or bog.

Ecology and landscape: Paludi are typically flat or gently rolling terrains where drainage is poor and water accumulates seasonally or permanently. They support specialized vegetation such as reeds (Phragmites), cattails (Typha), sedges (Carex) and floating or amphibious species. They provide habitat for numerous birds, amphibians, insects, and aquatic plants, and play roles in water purification, flood control, and carbon storage as peat forms in waterlogged soils.

Human interactions: Throughout history, many paludi have been drained or transformed for agriculture, pasture, or settlements. Notable examples include the Pontine Marshes near Rome, which were extensively drained in the 20th century. Contemporary approaches emphasize conservation, restoration, and sustainable use; several wetlands are protected as part of national or European networks (Ramsar sites, Natura 2000) to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Paludi as a geographic name: Paludi is also a comune in the Calabria region of southern Italy, in the province of Cosenza. As a municipality, it encompasses rural villages and agricultural land.