Oriented Reserve

The Reserve extends accross a surface of 241 ha along a 5 km coast

Fauna

The particular characteristics of these places, the solitude and the tranquility allow for many seasonal migratory birds to stop here, among these we can find herons, wading birds, sea gulls,jay marines and kingfishers. Land animals are also to be found, especially reptiles such as green lizards, grass snakes and others.

Flora

There are few plant species that manage to settle and adapt to living in such difficult conditions, and here in the dune belt the type of flora that can be observed consists mainly of herbal plants among which we find the european searocket, the calcatreppola, the sea lily, the santolina, the navy medic, the tamarice, the maritime scilla and the horned poppy. In the internal regions we find the typical mediter- ranean evergreen bush.

The Reserve

This is situated on the beautiful sandy coast next to the outlet of the river Belice. Set amongst sand dunes and many types of flora and fauna, it has created a natural habitat for the birds of the area. Herons, ducks are in abundance, as are many migratory birds, due to the marshy surroundings. On summer evenings it is possible to see the sea turtles laying their eggs on the shore.

Airone - Oriented Reserve Mouth of the Belice River

Mediterranean Bush

Airone cenerino

The Sea Turtle

“Caretta Caretta” A reptile belonging to the family of chelonians, typical of the mediter- ranean sea area. During its reproductive season the females reach the sandy shores of the reserve, every two or three years, where they lay their eggs. This natural habitat is fundamental for the conservation of the species.

“Caretta Caretta”