Protected Area
Identity Card
- Land Surface Area: 414.37 ha
- Regions: Sicilia
- Provinces: Palermo
- Municipalities: Piana degli Albanesi
- Establishment Measures: DA 744/44 10/12/1998
- PA Official List: EUAP1151
Riserva Naturale Orientata Serre della Pizzuta
Serre della Pizzuta are a mountain system going from the summit of Maja e Pelavet (1,279m) to Portella del Pozzillo. The highest peak is Pizzuta, with its 1,333m above sea level. The geological origin of the Serra dates back to the Lower Lias (about 250 million years ago) as witnessed by the fossil remains found on Mt. Kumeta. The rocks have a carbonate nature and mainly consist of dolomite rocks (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydrate). Superficial and subterranean karstic phenomena are significant: they derive from the chemical corrosion of the meteoric water which formed Grotta dello Zubbione and Grotta del Garrone.
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Flora
The Hart's Tongue Fern is a fern with an unusual aspect, whose leaves have a blade characterized by an entire margin, can be up to 50 cm long and 8 cm wide, cordate at the base. On the underside there are linear-shaped sori: they are brown formations containing the reproductive spores that will ripe in July/September. It lives in the rocky woods and in shadowy and wet places.
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Fauna
The porcupine, a big rodent with a peculiar aspect, has head and neck covered with long bristles, stumpy and big paws provided with strong long claws to dig. Flanks and back are covered with the characteristic long black and white stings which, periodically changed, defend it from predators.
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