Reserve of the mouth of the Belice River
The Mouth of the Belice River and Neighboring Dunes Nature Reserve is a coastal lake area located on the southern coast of Sicily. The area is characterized by a sandy shore with amber colors, bathed by the waters of the Sicilian Channel, dotted with small dunes that move under the action of the winds. The coastal landscape is dominated by very fine sands and high coasts while the area is rich in rare marsh vegetation. The protected area includes three different environments: the dunes; the mouth of the Belice river whose neighboring areas are periodically flooded with brackish water and have marshy vegetation; and inside, the evergreen Mediterranean scrub.
The Reserve is characterized by the presence of herbaceous species and bushes that have adapted to the dune environment characterized by a lack of water and nutrients. The protected area is home to a rich bird life. Among the species present, the Red-headed shrike is of particular interest, the presence of which has been significantly reduced due to the use of pesticides.
The reserve is home to several trails that can be traveled on foot or by mountain bike.
