• Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Natura 2000 Network

The site is important within the Friuli Venezia Giulia Natura 2000 network because it includes a set of ecological systems characterized by rare habitats in a good state of conservation and well represented in terms of surface area occupied. In addition to being purely naturalistic, this area is important from a geomorphological point of view as a complex system of spring canals is still present, not having been modified by the reclamation. It is a site that includes the ecological spring system closest to the coastline and therefore in direct contact with salty and marine waters. There is an area of bog and extensive cladieti which are difficult to access. These conditions have made it possible to safeguard many rare species (orchids) as well as the gladiolus palustris and the euphrasia marchesettii. The aquatic surfaces with different state of trophy, water speed, depth and salinity preserve a rich and well diversified aquatic vegetation like, for instance, the Potamogeton coloratus. As it concerns the fauna, this land covers spring areas near the sea and is connected to the site of Natura 2000 network that involves the mouth of the Isonzo river. In this context there are species of amphibians and reptiles of high conservation value such as the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), the Italian agile frog (Rana latastei), the northern crested newt (Triturus carnifex) and the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata). Among the bird species it should be remarked the presence of the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), the little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) and the red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio). Until a few years ago, even the Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus) and the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) reproduced regularly, while now only C. aeruginosus and C. cyaneus reproduce during migratory periods. Recently there has been an increase throughout north-eastern Italy of the Pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus). In the woods included in the site and close to it, there is also the black woodpecker (Dryocopos martius), once relegated to typically Alpine areas.