Longa mountain, Pizzo Montanello
Site type: SAC - Special Conservation Area
Code: ITA020021 - Hectares: 4923
Description:
The SIC area falls within the western part of the so-called "Monti di Palermo", where it extends
overall for about 4748 hectares, including the reliefs that develop above Punta Raisi, in particular
the ridge of Monte Pecoraro. Among the highest peaks are Pizzo Corvo (910 m), Pizzo Caccamo (909 m),
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Pizzo del Merio (935 m), Montagna Longa (975 m), Pizzo Peluso (921 m), Pizzo Montanello (964 m), Pizzo
Mediello (850 m), Pizzo Ceresia (817 m), Pizzo Barone (897 m), M. Saraceno (949 m) and, a block further west,
M. Palmeto (624 m). This is a biotope of naturalistic-environmental and landscape importance, which
falls within the territories of the municipalities of Cinisi, Terrasini, Carini, Giardinello and MontelepreFrom a geological point of view
these reliefs result from the tectonic superimposition of bodies of a predominantly carbonatic nature, referred to two
Stratigraphic-structural units deriving from the deformation of the Panormide platform. From the point of view
bioclimatic, the territory is mainly comprised between the sub-humid thermo-Mediterranean belts
lower and lower subhumid mesomediterranean, with average temperatures between 17,5 and 13 ° C e
rainfall of 600-800 mm. The plant landscape is greatly affected by the intense uses of
past, as well as fires that occur almost annually, so the slopes are generally present
somewhat stripped and monotonous, following a very common physiognomy to that of the other calcareous reliefs of the
coastal strip of north-western Sicily. Undisputed dominates the secondary prairie in Ampelodesma,
floristically impoverished formation by the perpetration of the action of fire; in the same spheres they have sometimes been
artificial forest plantings carried out, through the use of conifers foreign to the territory (genera Pinus,
Cupressus, etc.), also affected by the fires. On the whole, the areas are very sporadic
natural forest, generally with almost point-like distribution. The same area is predominantly from
refer to the following series of vegetation: - Olivastro (Oleo-Euphorbio dendroidis sigmetum), on the ledges and
the driest rocky ridges (south side); - del Leccio (Rhamno-Querco ilicis sigmetum pistacietoso terebinti,
Pistacio-Querco ilicis sigmetum and Aceri campestris-Querco ilicis sigmetum), all pioneers on substrates
limestone rocks, but in cooler situations, where they are located in different ecological situations; - della
Virgilian oak (Oleo-Querco virgilianae sigmetum), on deep and evolved soils.
also to add various other microgeoseries linked to particular edaphic conditions, as in the case of
rock faces, debris areas, etc.
This is an area of considerable flora, fauna and phytocenotic interest. Of particular relevance are the
rock formations and prairie aspects. In the list in section 3.3, some are also mentioned
interesting floristic elements, whose presence in the territory is considered of particular phytogeographic interest
(D). It is a site with a significant faunal wealth. The area appears to be affected by a significant flow
migratory both in spring and autumn. It is to be considered a nerve center of the migration route that
affects north-western Sicily.
Source: Ministry of the Environment Natura 2000 form
Ministerial data: Ministerial Map Natura 2000 form
Card insertion: Ignazio Caloggero
Photo: web
Information contributions: Ignazio Caloggero, Region of Sicily
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