The Museum over the years has carried out stratigraphic investigations in the Natisone Valleys and since 2019 is engaged in the project "Analytic", acronym for "Archeology and paleontology in eastern friuli Caves/ Archaeology and Paleontology of the caves of eastern Friuli", of which the exhibition "Ancient inhabitants of the caves in Friuli" and its catalogue are one of the outcomes. The first interventions of the project concerned the research on the ground, that is the mapping and the survey of the cavities of eastern Friuli, in collaboration with the Circolo Speleologico and Idrologico Friulano. The interdisciplinary program is continuing with the study of the traces of the anthropic use of caves in a diachronic perspective, which includes part of the Pleistocene and much of the Holocene.
Il progetto “Analytic” ha potuto contribuire con la propria serie di dati per il settore friulano alCRIGA Projects- Computerized Cadastre of Archaeological Caves, born in the late nineties within the working group of the University of Trieste.

The Regional Landscape Plan (approved with DGR 771-2018) aims to integrate the protection and enhancement of the landscape into the processes of territorial transformation, also as a significant lever for the competitiveness of the regional economy. The Friulian Museum of Natural History, in collaboration with others (FVG Region, UNIUD, UTI Carnia, ERPAC) and in co-planning with MiBACT, contributed to the guidelines for the design of the territorial Ecological Network. By ecological network we mean a system of natural or semi-natural areas whose function is to safeguard the biodiversity of the territory, creating suitable spaces for the presence of species and to increase their capacity for movement and contact between populations. The ecological network is defined as an interconnected system of natural and semi-natural habitats that permeate the landscape and allow the maintenance of the conditions essential for the protection of populations of animal and plant species potentially threatened by human activity. In general terms, the ecological network has a multi-scalar and species-specific character, i.e. the elements that constitute it take on different functional characteristics if read at a regional or local scale and it can vary depending on the species for which it is identified. The work involved a pilot study phase in some regional areas through a method divided into two phases: first the identification of potential connective paths through the functional analysis of the territory, also through the use of specific software, and subsequently the choice by the local authority of the nodes and corridors to be safeguarded, strengthened or designed to guarantee ecological connectivity at a local level. In reality, the elements of the Local Ecological Network are represented by single habitats, by sets of natural habitats, or by more or less extensive landscape mosaics where urbanized areas, cultivated areas and natural elements (hedges, rows of trees, meadows, residual woods) they follow one another with different densities. It is therefore a question of identifying areas of potential ecological and environmental connection at the local scale, contributing to the general objective of sustainable and compatible development.

Activity carried out within the framework of the collaboration agreement with the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region for the study, monitoring and dissemination for the purpose of preventing and combating the spread of invasive and potentially invasive plant species of Union relevance (2016). The problem of the invasion of neophyte (or alien) species has now become extraordinarily topical, so much so that at European level a regulation has recently been published (EU Regulation No. 1143/2014) which frames the aspects related to the control of their diffusion and strategies to avoid further entry into the EU countries. An exotic species is defined when it is in a territory different from its natural distribution area, that is, it comes from another geographical area. The species can also move naturally, but in the case of neophytes the introduction into a territory always depends on man and can be voluntary, as in the case of species cultivated for ornamental or alimentary purposes, or accidental, in the event that these are transported through trade or, in general, any movement of men and vehicles from one country to another. In this regard, the main communication routes, such as railway lines, motorways, etc. play a key role in the spread of these plants. When an exotic species arrives in a new territory, or is already cultivated in parks, gardens or nurseries, it may meet the appropriate climatic conditions to spread independently. In some cases these entities are able to spread so much that they become invasive, with negative repercussions on biodiversity, on the perception of the landscape and on the socio-economic sphere. Very often they are pioneer and ruderal species: this is why the degradation of natural systems favors their entry and diffusion. The problems caused by neophyte species, especially if invasive, are many, ranging from the biological pollution of native ecosystems, to the compromise of agricultural systems, to the damage to human health. More generally, it can be said that biological invasions cause negative effects on ecosystem services, defined as the set of ecosystem components, their processes and their functions (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). It is clear that appropriate measures are needed on the part of the Administrations to be able to limit the phenomenon as much as possible and prevent any future worsening of the situation. These actions should be based on knowledge of the extent of the phenomenon and on the correct interpretation of the same according to the different destination of land use. In this context is inserted the research that the Friulian Museum of Natural History has conducted, in collaboration with the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, which had as its main objective the acquisition of criteria for territorial management aimed at containing the spread of invasive species. In particular, the specific objectives were:
1 - update of the check-list of Friuli Venezia Giulia neophyte plant species,
2 - Development of a model of relationship between the spread of invasive alien species and the dynamics of land use on a regional scale,
3 - Proposals for guidelines to prevent and/or contain the invasion of alien species.

The aquatic fauna of the Val Uccea is generally little known and the few data available refer to macrobentonic invertebrates and meiofauna of the springs, including the source of the Uccea. The hyporheic interstitial fauna, which is found in the sediments accumulated in the river bed was hitherto completely unknown. This research has been aimed at filling this gap, also in relation to the ecological importance of this component that acts (a) as a refuge area for surface species in periods of water crisis, (b) from zone of development of the first larval states of the benthic macroinvertebrates, and (c) as main habitat or secondary species of the meiofauna (dimensions usually less than mm) that can also be exclusive (phreatbious stigobi). 8 different stations have been identified along the course of the Uccea Torrent, where samples of benthic macroinvertebrates and collections of hyporheic interstitial fauna have been carried out using different methodologies. From a faunal point of view, the most interesting results were the constipation component, richer near the springs and at the exit of the gorge. It is worth mentioning the discovery of synarid crustaceans of the genus Bathynella, an absolute novelty for the fauna of the Uccea, or other emergencies among the copepod crustaceans. Rich were the collections of macrozoobenthos that was sorted at the level of the Order and is currently being determined specifically by specialists. The collections of Efemeroptera and Plecotteri, suitably integrated with previous data, published and not, allowed to draw up a preliminary checklist, in the implementation phase.

According to Regional Law 42 of 1996, biotopes represent small areas of naturalistic interest, protected at local level, where suitable and compatible human activities can coexist with the conservation of habitats. Many biotopes were established after the law came into force, meeting the proposals of representatives of the world of research, local authorities and naturalistic associations. In addition, many biotopes fall wholly or partly within areas of European interest within the meaning of Directive 92/43 EEC "Habitat", (SPAs, SAC, e.g. Fraghis Marsh, Sequals Peat Bog, Casasola Peat, Virco and Flambro Springs and others), emphasizing their importance. Most of the biotopes that are not affected by sites of Community interest are generally small in size and, although they often host strips of habitats of great interest and/or rare and endemic species, have few means of protection. The project for a study of the habitats and their cartographic restitution at a scale of detail (1:5000) was born from the realization that these small protected areas have not so far been the subject of targeted research, except in cases where their borders overlap in part with those of SCI-SAC, for which Management Plans have been produced, or in the few cases where they have been affected by analyses under specific Life Projects. With regard to the classification of vegetation, a phytosociological level has been adopted that can be easily matched with the Natura 2000 habitat and that reported at regional level in the Habitat Manual. The project ended with the publication of the monographic volume published by the Museum "I Biotopi del Friuli Venezia Giulia. A mosaic of biodiversity".

The project, financed by the European territorial cooperation programme Interreg V Italy-Austria 2014-2020, provides for the creation of a cross-border Geopark to enhance the geological heritage and develop strategies for the sustainable development of the area, strengthening the awareness of its value, promoting the balance between growth and good management of the environment, promoting scientific culture, increasing the tourist offer of the territory involved. Partners of the project:
• Municipality of Udine - Friulian Museum of Natural History
• UTI of Carnia
• UTI of the Canal del Ferro-Val Canale
• Geopark Karnische Alpen
• Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia - Geological Service
• Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol Museum of Natural Sciences
More information about the initiative can be found on thededicated website.

Surface investigations carried out by some enthusiasts in the nineties of the last century in the bed of the Torre Creek have frequently led to the discovery of traces of anthropization related to Prehistory and Protohistory. These are areas of outcrop of lithic and ceramic finds, in some cases faunistic, brought to light by the floods of the Torrent. In 2007, the staff of the Museum began a project of georeferencing the sites whose materials are kept in their storage, in order to preserve a unique data on their location; During the course of this project, checks were carried out at the bed of the Tower, which allowed the geographical coordinates of six locations to be collected. The scientific relevance of these findings, which testify to some moments of Prehistory that in the Province of Udine still need to be detailed, and the risk to which these areas are constantly subjected, suggested that more in-depth stratigraphic investigations be launched in the known outcrop areas and those that will be exposed by natural events.  The research in Nogaredo al Torre began in 2015, the area under investigation, already from a first observation, was characterized by three distinct anthropized areas that were investigated that year, highlighting a cockpit structure and a large anthropized area. The collected materials are attributable to the ancient Neolithic, but also come elements that document the attendance in the third millennium B.C. a chronological phase still little known in the region and here seems to provide one of the few Italian evidence of the style of Cetina, spread mainly in the eastern Adriatic. The inspections continue in the area subjected to many variations due to the flood waves of the Torrent.

The terms "small mammals" or "micromammals" denotes a grouping of animals, tendentially small or medium-small, without systematic value. In fact, several animal species fall into this category, belonging to the orders Rodentia, Soricomorpha, Erinaceomorpha. Small mammals play an important role in the ecosystem, thanks to the activity of excavation, creating a real network of underground tunnels, then used by several other animal species (amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates). The rodents can then favor the dispersion of the seeds, burying them and accumulating them inside hiding places, and of the mushrooms. Finally, they constitute a very important ring of many trophic chains, being able to represent for some species of vertebrates a fundamental resource. Last but not least, they are a little-known group, particularly in distribution. For this reason, a multi-year research project has been undertaken with the Julian Pre-Alps Regional Natural Park, aimed at understanding these animals, from an ecological and distributive point of view. The project has resulted in a georeferenced database with species presence data, and a scientific-informative volume published by the Parco Prealpi Giulie in collaboration with the Museum.

In the territory administered by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia there seem to be about thirty species of bats, all particularly protected at European level and included in various annexes to the Habitats Directive 92/43 EEC. The need to protect these animals derives from the precarious conservation conditions in which many species are found, certainly among the most sensitive to environmental changes caused by man. They are fully protected by the Italian Law (art. 18 of L. 349/1986; art. 2 of L. N. 157/1992) and by several international conventions ratified in Italy (by all. II and III of the Berne Convention, enforced in Italy by L. 503/1981; by all. II of the Bonn Convention, enforced by L. 42/1983 and the consequent Agreement on the Protection of European Bats identified by the acronym EUROBATS; from all'. B and D of D.P.R. 357/1997 on the application of the Habitats Directive 92/43 EEC). Despite the recent publication of some good evidence of tendency to increase of these animals in different zones of Europe, it is prudently to continue to consider the chiroptera as a species mostly in very serious danger. In the territory of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia bats are however still little known, therefore the Administration of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region has charged the Friulian Museum of Natural History to carry out a monitoring on this delicate animal group, extended to the entire territory of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, entitled "Chiroptera protected by the Habitat Directive 92/43 EEC in the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Monitoring 2013-2014", whose activities were extended until 2015. At the end of the assignment, however, monitoring and data collection have continued and are producing remarkable results, fundamental especially for conservation and territorial management purposes. The activities were mainly directed to the verification of the sites of reproductive and lethargal aggregation, but at the same time sophisticated capture systems and bio-acoustic checks were used to increase the available data, both to better understand the overall picture, linking it to occasional checks due to the spontaneous collaboration of citizens, public and private bodies.

Interreg Italy-Slovenia cross-border cooperation programme 2007-2013 WP2-Design of a standardised methodology for monitoring and analysing the impact of climate change on biodiversity (2011-2012) The main objective of the study was to draw up a protocol for the assessment and monitoring, both in the short and medium to long term, of the impacts of climate change on plant components and on certain fauna components of terrestrial ecosystems and where possible, also on their potential interactions with particularly sensitive components of the abiotic component (in particular of the cryosphere) in the Friulian territory, within the Interreg Climaparks Project, in particular with regard to the Regional Park of the Friulian Dolomites and the Julian Prealps Regional Park. For an effective study of climate change, it has been found appropriate to select simple ecosystems both structurally and compositionally, in environmental contexts in which the elements of variability not directly related to the analyzed processes were minimized. The most sensitive components of mountain environmental systems are vegetation, fauna and, as regards the abiotic components, glaciers and areas with permafrost, as strictly dependent on the climate and the energy balance of the surface. Considering that there is no absolute certainty regarding the spatial and temporal scale with which the effects of climate change will manifest themselves, multiple monitoring activities have been planned, considering aspects and processes that can be integrated together, both at the level of individual species and community, both at the scale of individual plots and larger areas. The following methodologies have been adopted:
1) Monitoring of individual plant communities within permanent plots;
2) Elaboration of a phytosociology map of vegetation that can be a reference point for the medium-long term (15-20 years) monitoring of potential spatial and areal distribution variations and the floristic composition of plant communities;
3) Possible analysis of the phenology of target plant species (within the plots selected in point 1);
4) Monitoring of land use and its possible changes;
5) Approach for altitude gradients with the selection of different altitude horizons, above the forest limit;
6) Approach for ecosystems with high sensitivity potential, such as altitude grasslands and snowvalleys;
7) Possible monitoring of colonization and dynamism processes in sites where the plant component is closely associated with glacial and/or periglacial forms.
As for the faunal component, the protocol provided for the monitoring of the communities of some faunal taxa chosen for their proven suitability as bioindicators. In particular, the monitoring of Lepidopterans, Carabidan beetles and Spiders among the terrestrial invertebrates, of different groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates and of the Birds nesting among the vertebrates is foreseen. For terrestrial invertebrates, the monitoring structure provides for the identification of sampling stations in permanent plots arranged every 100 m of elevation gain according to transverse altitudes ranging from subalpine to snowy, possibly coinciding with those provided for the monitoring of plant communities. For the benthic macroinvertebrates of running water, three catchments in each Park will have to be selected: sampling of the sorgentitious (crenal) and epiretrale tract in the heads of the main stream or stream. The study of communities of nesting birds, finally, must be carried out through the technique of counting the presences in listening points placed in the same plots as for terrestrial invertebrates.

The Park Authority of the Friulian Dolomites has commissioned the Friulian Museum of Natural History to carry out a census of the flora of the territory of its competence. Thus was signed an agreement between the two Bodies for the preliminary study of flora in some sample areas on the basis of their representativeness in the territory of the Park and usability for tourism purposes. These areas were divided into a grid of 6.5 x 5.5 km corresponding to the quadrants of the Central European Floristic Cartography (or MTB, Ehrendorfer & amp; Hamann, 1965)in order to obtain at the end of the research a more complete picture of the distribution of the flora of the Park, with particular reference to endemic species, those included in the Annexes to the Community Directives (with particular reference to 43/92/EEC)those included in the national and regional red lists and/or which benefit from some protection rule. In this phase, therefore, the subdivision into quadrants had the purpose of setting up a project of floristic cartography and attempting to delineate the distribution of the only target species. Overall the balance of activities was positive with a considerable increase in floristic reports and georelated data and with the discovery of some interesting entities, including some never reported in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Poa chaixi, Helictotricon parlatorei). The collection of critical taxa (Alchemilla, Hieracium, Rubus, Knautia) was satisfactory. Also from the vegetational point of view several interesting aspects have emerged and it has been possible to better clarify the different articulation of the phytocene plants in the territory of the Park, especially in relation to their significance at the level of Natura 2000 habitat. Some sites of particular naturalistic value have been identified (M. Borgà-prati di Salta, wetlands of the Vajont, meadows of the Centenere) both for the richness of species and for their biogeographic significance. At the end of the research a volume published by the Park entitled "The flora of the Park: invitation to the discovery of the plant landscape in the Dolomiti Friulane Natural Park" was published.

The Museum has developed the "Rogge di Udine Project" with the aim of studying the urban territory from the point of view of the quality of the environment, with particular attention to the floristic and faunal aspects, without however neglecting the historical ones, which represent the context within which the canals have evolved since they were created to meet the water needs of the city of Udine. The study of the naturalistic component - in particular - represents an essential phase of a biodiversity conservation and sustainable development project. From an urban planning perspective, therefore, this research constitutes a useful planning tool. The conservation of natural or semi-natural habitats, even in urban areas, is in fact an indispensable prerequisite in which biodiversity itself is conceived as an indicator of the correctness of land management within the framework of sustainable development. The "Rogge di Udine Project" was therefore focused on the study of the bio-ecological quality of the city's waterways, through in-depth studies on plant and animal communities aimed at evaluating the possible degree of disturbance and seeking solutions for a possible restoration and conscious management of these environments.

The Alpine and Pre-Alpine area of the Western Julian Alps, due to its unique isolated and marginal position in the southern Alps, has important elements of the structure of fauna preglaciale and a marked characterization of the fauna from the point of view of biogeographic, with obvious infiltrations from the south-eastern European-Balkan area.  the plan has previewed the realization of two triennial monitoraggi from 2001 to 2008 ("Monitoring of Bioindicators of pastures and beech forests" conducted in the northern territory of the Park and the "Monitoring of Invertebrates in natural environments of the southern area of the Park") which have allowed the presence in the area of a fauna component of absolute importance, with a high number of species sometimes of considerable naturalistic value. Many faunal peculiarities of the area found, including some species new to science, such as the Mollusco GasteropodeLimax giovannellae, endemic exclusive to the Julian Pre-Alps, and the Coleoptera CurculionideDichotrachelus kahleni, local endemic (Carnic Alps and Julian Pre-Alps) whose findings on the Mount Plauris Group have confirmed its identity. There have also been several reports of animal species new to Italy or the South-Eastern Alps. The data obtained have also allowed to outline a proper management of the area in order to protect and enhance biodiversity and wildlife emergencies present. In perspective, the data obtained are also a first step in the preparation of a Park fauna database, which can be the starting point of a regional fauna atlas for conservation purposes-management, eventually extended in the future to the entire Julio-Carnic mountain territory.

The Museum coordinated research on lichens and bryophytes in the Julian Pre-Alps Park, in collaboration with the Biology Department of the University of Trieste. The macrolichenic flora has been recorded in the Musi and Plauris Mountains, well known for being areas of contact between European and Mediterranean biogeographical characteristics, within the Geographical Unit of 2.75 x 3.25 km and in different environments, such as mughete, feggete, rocky ridges, dry stone walls. 177 species were recorded. The comparison of the two areas showed that the Musi Mountains had a greater biodiversity than that of Plauris, as with about 1100 samples it was possible to census 109 taxa of which 3 new for the regional flora (Cladonia ramulosa,Collema conglomeratumandLempholemma polyanthes). The floristic list of Mount Plauris, based on the identification of about 500 samples, has included only 68 taxa, among which, however, also some species never reported for this location, such asHyperphyscia adglutinata. On the whole, the study did not reveal any emergencies of exceptional scientific interest, if we exclude the new floristic signals mentioned above, Nevertheless, the results of the survey have been of considerable documentary importance, which in the future may be a benchmark for any changes. An important fact that has emerged is that beech forests represent the most interesting environment for the development of a rich macrolichen flora, if the woods are old, deserted and not too closed: however, these conditions are rather rare. For this reason, some indications for the management of beech forests, aimed at increasing macrolichen flora, have been provided to the Park Authority.

The research project concerns the convention on the "Monitoring of the faunal component of the natural biotopes of Friuli Venezia Giulia", stipulated between the Friulian Museum of Natural History of Udine and the Regional Parks and Forests of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Directive 92/43/EEC, better known as the Habitats Directive, requires Member States of the European Union to identify on their territory sites of Community interest (SCI) selected on the basis of the presence of natural or semi-natural habitats, and, as regards fauna, species included in Annex II to the Directive (rare, endemic, threatened or endangered species). In addition to sites of Community interest (SCI), a special project promoted by the Ministry of the Environment (Bioitaly Project) has allowed the identification of sites of national interest (SIN) or possibly regional (SIR). The SIC and SIN not included in Parks or Reserves of Friuli Venezia Giulia, usually of limited extension, are called "biotopes". This project focuses on 18 regional biotopes. Several taxonomic groups have been chosen, considered bioindicators (molluscs, crustaceans and, among the insects, ephemeropters, odons, plecopters, coleoptera, orthoptera and lepidoptera), for each of which a precise working methodological protocol has been prepared.  The total number of species collected in the biotopes studied is 2200, distributed among the different taxonomic groups considered. In general, the results of the monitoring indicate that the lepidopterans, both for the very high number of species present, both for their link with the vegetation and therefore with the climatic factors, are excellent bioindicators on a geographical scale. Conversely, the carabidan beetles have proved to be a group that allows to evaluate the biodiversity of the individual microhabitats and, being linked to the fauna of the soil, lends itself to strictly selective investigation methods for the different environmental types (e.g. forests, meadows, peat bogs). Other groups have proved less suitable for the assessment of environmental quality, such as those more showy and rich in flag species, such as orthoptera and odonates. In general, based on the results obtained, all the biotopes investigated have been found worthy of protection, since they are remnants of a wider network of natural environments now rapidly disappearing, in particular as regards the foothills and plains.

In 1985 the stratigraphic research of the Museum began at the Neolithic site of Sammardenchia, continued until 1989 in collaboration with the Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali. In 1994 the investigations were resumed after a few years break with the collaboration of the Department of History of European Civilization of the University of Trento. In over 15 years excavation has never lacked the logistical and financial support of the Municipal Administration of Pozzuolo del Friuli and the Research Group "Aghe di Poc", which allowed the discovery of 321 Neolithic substructures (dated between 5500 and 4500 b.C. ca) which represent only a fraction of what is estimated to be still buried. These are generally more or less regular pits, cylindrical wells, rare pole holes, larger structures, such as a well-cistern with a diameter of a few meters for collecting water, some cobblestones and a double ditch system for the delimitation and drainage of a village.  The archaeological material collected has been subjected to cataloguing and technical-scientific analysis.

Between 1982 and 1985 the shelter was excavated under the direction of Francesca Bressan of the Museo Friulano di Storia Naturale and Antonio Guerreschi of the University of Ferrara. Four excavation campaigns were carried out in an area of about 4 m2. The site, on the left bank of the Natisone River (San Pietro al Natisone), preserves an important sequence that is placed between the end of the Upper Paleolithic and the Bronze Age. The oldest level (US 5) refers to the recent Epigravettian, while those above (UUSS 4, 3B and 3A) are dated respectively to the Mesolithic of ancient phase (Sauveterriano) and recent (Castelnoviano). The Biarzo Shelter is one of the main sites for the reconstruction of the population of northern ItalyEastern Europe between the end of the Pleistocene and the beginning of the Holocene and for this reason since 2010 the Museum and the University of Ferrara have resumed the study of materials and naturalistic samples collected during the excavations. Among the many results of these investigations, we remember the genetic study conducted on the remains of pigs from the mesolithic levels that allowed us to hypothesize a local domestication of this species.