In order to identify negative aspects connected with the extensive grazing management actually adopted in Italian protected areas, the forage selection by sheep on the plants and pastures (1500-2450 m a.s.l.) in the Monti Sibillini National Park is described and discussed. 81 surveys, performed on 12 different pasture types showed a high forage selection both on the plants and on their parts. Based on direct observations of the animal movements and grazing management, a selective behaviour was also observed on the pasture types. In fact, because of the low stocking rates [globally around 0.38 Standard Livestock Units (SLU)/ha] and of a limited presence of shepherds, the sheep could select the forage and therefore prefer the pastures with higher pastoral values.