• Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Natura 2000 Network

The site hosts a reproductive population of Cordulegaster heros, present on the Italian territory with very few populations only in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Among the other invertebrates, it is worth mentioning the presence of Neptis Sappho, Heteropterus Morpheus and Morimus asper ganglbaueri, reported in the neighbouring Bosco Plessiva. The site contains populations of amphibians such as Italian agile frog (Rana latastei), Agile frog (Rana dalmatina), Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), several green frogs (Pelophylax lessonae and P. kl. esculentus) and Hyla (Hyla intermedia). Among the reptiles, it is worth mentioning Common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), European green lizard (Lacerta viridis), Zamenis longissimus and Hierophis viridiflavus carbonarius, widespread both on Mount Quarin and in the nearby Bosco Plessiva. In the area there are also several species of bats, such as Hypsugo savii, Pipistrellus kuhlii, the rarest Pipistrellus nathusii, Greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus). Worthy of note is the presence, among mammals, of Muscardinus avellanarius (Bosco Plessiva), and among fish, that of Padogobius bonelli. However, some faunal pollution should be reported in the surrounding area. In the artificial basin located between this area and the Bosco Plessiva there are several specimens of the allochthonous species Trachemys scripta while, in the neighbouring municipality of Cormons, Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) have been repeatedly caught escaping from private farms. In addition, in the waters of the river, there is the presence of salmonids, a potential source of risk for both vertebrates and aquatic invertebrates in the area. From the floristic point of view, although the woods are made up of Robinia pseudoacacia, the presence of particular microthermal flora linked to the microclimatic characteristics of the area is highlighted. The southernmost stations of Vaccinium myrtillus, Cardamine trifolia, Thelypteris phegopteris and Epimedium alpinum are found in this area. The soil's dryness allows us to observe dense communities of the Blechnum spicant fern. From a vegetational and conservation point of view, there are many black alders and white willows, with an underbrush composed of tall sedges and other hygrophilous species. To these are added the woody hornbeam band that is found in the flood directly connected to the small stream. In the woods of oak, chestnut and birch woods, it is possible to observe moors of Calluna vulgaris, with Pteridium aquilinum and Germanic Genista. The primary objective of preserving the site is finally to maintain the suitable habitat for the reproduction of Cordulegaster heros and it is therefore necessary to maintain the course, the substrate, the quality of the water and the shading of the Smiardar River as natural as possible.