The Special Area of Conservation is located in Val del Merlo, a glacial valley going up from Piana delle Viote until Tre Cime (three peaks) on Mount Bondone, in the state-owned Forest of Monte Bondone. Prairies and Norway spruces (Picea abies) are more common in the lower part of the Area, whereas mugo pine woods and Alpine habitats occupy the higher zones, and plants from the grass family grow on the summits. Marmots (Marmota marmota) live here consistently, since they have been reintroduced. Among the ungulates, deers (Cervus elaphus), roe deers (Capreolus capreolus), and - at higher altitudes - some groups of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) are occasionally spotted. About forty bird species also live in the Area, and special measures are in force to protect some of them. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), black kites (Milvus migrans), peregrine falcons (Falcus peregrinus), and rock partridges (Alectoris graeca) are some of the birds nesting here. Also, there are several black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) lekking arenas: a recent European project has envisaged interventions to restore the necessary habitats for the delicate breeding phase of these birds. As far as flora is concerned, you can find interesting species like Geranium argenteum and Paeonia officinalis. Vulnerable Artemisia nitda grows on the rock cliffs, and Symbrium austriacum is sheltered under protruding rocks.
