Fortresses of Roccella Valdemone (ITA030034)
Site type: SAC Special Conservation Area
Code: ITA030034- Hectares: 863
This site concerns a mountainous area of the Peloritani chain at altitudes between 800 and 1300 m, consisting essentially of metamorphic rocks, such as schists and gneisses. The bioclimate is between the mesomediterranean and the supramediterranean with a lower humid shadow type. The presence of woods is significant here deciduous trees with Quercus cerris and Quercus virgiliana. In addition to these wooded formations, numerous aspects of degradation are found, including mesophilic bushes dominated by thorny shrubs and mesophilic pastures of Plantaginion cupani.
In this site, of particular naturalistic and landscape interest are the mesophilic deciduous oak woods, still well preserved and floristically rich. Yes Furthermore, various entities are found which in the regional area are rare or considered to be of significant phytogeographic interest, in turn mentioned in the list in the section 3.3 (D). The site hosts species of invertebrates of wide ecological value linked to open environments, but also faunal elements of more ancient origin linked to the warm-xeric climatic phases that characterized the end of the Tertiary sector. These species remained sheltered and survived in limited districts of ours island during the subsequent temperate-humid phases and the Quaternary glaciations, in recent times they have found in the pastures an environment in which to expand, entering in competition with those with a broad ecological value. They could be in critical conditions in case of degradation and impoverishment of this atmosphere.
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
