Crinale Pichea - Rocchetta

Summary

Fauna-Flora-Habitat area and Bird Santuary within the Natura 2000 network. The site encompasses the ridge area of the south-eastern part of the Cadria limestone massif: from the steep and elevated Corno di Pichea, it extends south-eastwards towards the rounded profiles of Cima d’Oro and Bocca di Giumella. The vegetation consists mainly of alpine and subalpine grasslands on the sunny slopes, and subalpine shrublands descending into beech forests on the north-facing slopes.

Description

The number of endemic species is particularly noteworthy. It is also significant that many species whose distribution is centred on the Lombard Pre-Alps reach their easternmost distribution limit here. The dry montane grasslands on limestone substrate provide an ideal habitat for Hypochoeris facchiniana (Facchini’s cat’s-ear), a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family considered vulnerable (VU) according to the Italian Red List of flora. Priority Habitat 6210, with extensive and spectacular orchid flowering. The mountain pass is of international importance for the passage of numerous migratory bird species undertaking medium- and long-distance migrations in late summer and autumn (post-breeding migration).