Immacolatelle complex, Micio Conti, neighboring woods (ITA070008)
Site type: SAC Special Conservation Area
Code: ITA070008 - Hectares: 69
Description:
It is an area affected by lava flow caves located near San Gregorio at altitudes between 200 and 300 m. It falls within the range
thermomediterranean bioclimatic with superior subhumid ombrotype. It is currently rather degraded with the presence of cultivated and uncultivated areas.
The natural vegetation is represented by small strips of scrub with Euphorbia dendroides and by limited nuclei of Quercus virgiliana. In the rocky stations of
type semirupestre settle chasmophilic aspects to Cheilanthes maderensis, while on the flatter surfaces are found ephemeral lawns.
4.2Quality and importance
Complex of volcanic caves, with wooded edges predominantly of downy oak and Mediterranean scrub aspects in a territorial area affected by a
progressive and uncontrolled urban expansion. The site, despite its relative decay, still retains numerous naturalistic values
they take on an even higher value considering the highly anthropized context in which they manage to remain. The bat fauna is
particularly rich and articulated and its presence is certainly linked to the volcanic cavities that offer particularly suitable roosts. The caves host
also a peculiar arthropod fauna rich in Sicilian endemics, sometimes extremely localized, rare species or with interesting adaptations to troglobic life, such as
for example Orectis proboscidata, present in the site with a troglophile population which represents the only case of adaptation to life in the caves that has been so far
known for this taxon, whose larvae live inside the cavity feeding on roots. The forest invertebrate fauna it represents is also of considerable interest
a significant fraction of the original one that once certainly had larger areas in a better state of conservation and whose study covers
therefore a great scientific interest, including many endemics and stenotope and stenoecie species.
Ministerial data: Natura 2000 form
Card insertion: Ignazio Caloggero
Photo: web
Information contributions: Ignazio Caloggero, Region of Sicily
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