Sughereta di Niscemi, Nature reserve in Niscemi, Sicily
Sughereta di Niscemi is a protected woodland reserve covering about 2,900 hectares with cork oaks, holm oaks, and downy oaks spread across rolling terrain. The reserve features varied woodland conditions that support a diverse Mediterranean ecosystem.
The reserve received official protection status in 1997 through regional decree to preserve its ecological heritage. This decision aimed to safeguard the Mediterranean woodland from further changes and loss.
The cork oak forest reflects traditional Sicilian land use, where this woodland supported local livelihoods for centuries. Visitors can observe how the trees are still managed today, showing continuity with these long-standing practices.
A visitor center provides access to marked trails and informational resources for exploring the reserve. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for walking through the woodland.
European bee-eaters nest within the reserve, making it a vital sanctuary for these birds that face capture threats elsewhere. The presence of this species highlights the area's importance for protecting vulnerable wildlife.
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