River Tellesimo (ITA090018)
Site type: SAC - Special Conservation Area
Code: ITA090018 - Hectares: 1315
Description:
Much of the basin of the River Tellesimo falls into the site, which is characterized by deep valleys often forming spectacular gorges bordered by very high
rocky walls. Geologically it consists of Miocene limestone altered by karst phenomena. The bioclimate belongs to the subhumid upper thermomediterranean type.
The most striking and most diversified vegetation is the forest one which is represented by riparian woods with Platanus orientalis and Salix pedicellata,
which settles along almost all the edges of the watercourses, and from ever-growing woods to Quercus ilex, which cover the most inaccessible and rocky slopes of the valleys. The
spectacular rocky walls host a chasmophilous vegetation rich in rare and endemic species. Perennial steppe grasslands are also frequent a
Hyparrhenia hirta and Ampelodesmos mauritanicus, which settle on the steepest and most degraded surfaces. Aspects of hygrophilous vegetation are found along the
streams with submerged or amphibious communities.
4.2Quality and importance
The main interest of this site is the spectacularity and sometimes inaccessibility of the valleys carved by the River Tellesimo and its tributaries, which host well-known aspects
preserved and of considerable naturalistic value both of the forest type, such as the ripisilve with plane trees and willows and the holm oak woods, and casmophile settling on the walls
vertical rocks. It should also be emphasized the presence of various endemic or rare species of considerable phytogeographic value, some of which are mentioned.
in the list given in section 3.3 (D). The site hosts an avifauna of a certain value, a relatively rich and articulated herpetofauna. and an invertebrate fauna
which includes a good number of endemic or rare species, especially in the freshwater environment. Of particular note is the presence of the Salmo (Trutta)
macrostigma, for which this watercourse represents one of the few known sites for Sicily
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
