Monte Rosamarina and Cozzo Famò (ITA020043)
Site type : SCI Special Area of Conservation
Code : ITA020043 – Hectares : 236
Description:
The SCI area falls within the carbonate ridge located between the so-called "Monti di Trabia" and the area of Monte S. Calogero, near Termini Imerese. It extends for approximately 236 hectares, encompassing the municipalities of Termini Imerese and Caccamo (province of Palermo). The site includes the gorge of the S. Leonardo River downstream from the Rosamarina Dam, including the surrounding mountains of Monte Rosamarina (540 m), Cozzo Ligneri (519 m), and Cozzo Famò (450 m). From a geolithological perspective, these are predominantly carbonate substrates of the so-called "Imerese" paleobasin; from a bioclimatic perspective, the territory lies between the thermo-Mediterranean and meso-Mediterranean zones (average temperature: 16-13 °C), with a sub-humid ombrotype (average rainfall greater than 650 mm). The vegetation landscape is affected by past intense logging, as well as frequent fires. Ampelodesma grassland and other secondary vegetation dominate, while natural forests are very sporadic. This landscape is predominantly composed of wild olive (Oleo-Euphorbio dendroidis sigmetum) and holm oak (Pistacio-Querco ilicis sigmetum and Maple-Querco ilicis sigmetum), which play a pioneering role on calcareous rocky substrates. The cork oak (Genisto-Querco suberis sigmetum) is also present in limited areas. On deeper soils, serial stands of oak (Oleo-Querco virgilianae sigmetum) and willow (Ulmo canescentis-Salico pedicellatae sigmetum) are found , the latter associated with the banks of watercourses. To the aforementioned sigmetes we must also add various other microgeoseries linked to particular edaphic conditions, as in the case of rock faces and detrital areas, the latter of which are quite extensive at the base of the reliefs.
The area is of considerable flora, phytocoenotic, and faunal interest, with some unique vegetation features, such as the rock communities, which contain a large number of endemic plant species and/or species of significant phytogeographic interest. The species listed in section 3.3 and designated by the letter D refer to other species that are quite rare in Sicily, but whose presence in the area is nevertheless considered to be of significant phytogeographic interest. The site also hosts rare species of falconiformes.
Source: Ministry of the Environment Natura 2000 form
Ministerial data: Natura 2000 Form
Card insertion: Ignazio Caloggero
Photo: web
Informational contributions : Ignazio Caloggero, Sicily Region