Contessa quarry - Cugno Lupo (ITA090021)
Site type: SAC - Special Conservation Area
Code: ITA090021 - Hectares: 1795
Description:
The area concerns a Hyblean quarry characterized by shallow valleys dominated by plateaus. The substrates are essentially represented by Miocene limestones with
extensive rocky outcrops. The bioclimate is part of the lower subhumid thermo-Mediterranean. The bottom of the valleys is mainly covered by dense holm oak woods
it is replaced in the more rocky and inaccessible sections by aspects of scrub with Euphorbia dendroides and garighe with rosemary and heather. In the less inclined sections it is found
a bush with Rhamnus alaternus and Pistacia lentiscus. The steppe grasslands of Hyparrhenia hiryta and Ampelodesmos are frequent on the rocky ridges
mauritanicus. The flatter areas are normally used for cereal or tree crops.
The main interest of this site are the extensive woods with Quercus ilex and the shrub formations of the Oleo-Ceratonion, which cover extensive surfaces
normally quite continuously. Here there are also various entities that in the regional area are rare or considered to be of significant phytogeographic interest, a
in turn mentioned in the list reported in section 3.3 (D).
naturalness represent areas of refuge and reproduction for numerous species of Vertebrates, which otherwise would not be present. The site also hosts
numerous rare and / or endemic Sicilian species, whose range is often restricted to the Hyblean area alone. The site is characterized by impressive, occupied rock formations
by the Peregrine Falcon, which also represent a potential nesting site for the Bonelli's Eagle. The area is marginally affected by a flow
migratory of birds of prey of the genus Circus.
Source: Ministry of the Environment Natura 2000 form
Ministerial data: Natura 2000 form
Card insertion: Ignazio Caloggero
Photo: web
Information contributions: Ignazio Caloggero, Region of Sicily
