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The Reserve

The “Bosco di Malabotta” Oriented Nature Reserve falls within the territories of the municipalities of Montalbano Elicona, Roccella Valdemone, Malvagna, Francavilla di Sicilia and Tripi in the province of Messina. Established by Decree of the Regional Department of Land and Environment number 477/44 of July 25, 1997 in order to protect:

  • the remarkable forest consortium characterized by the aquifolium-fagetum association with mesophilic and thermophilic aspects of deciduous oak forests, enriched by interesting aspects of riparian and hygrophilous vegetation;
  • The numerous arthropod endemics.

Designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive, as a Site of Community Importance (ITA 030005).

Discover the Interactive Map
Interactive Map
Reserve Data Sheet

The Patriarchs: Monumental Trees

The Malabotta Forest encloses within it numerous centuries-old specimens of Downy Oak: "The Patriarchs," which, in addition to being unique trees in terms of age and size (trunks more than three meters in diameter), are true monuments of nature and fit into a splendid landscape setting. The ancient Oaks, located along the "Trail of the Patriarchs," dominate at "Monte Croce Mancina," the highest peak of the Reserve.

Argimusque Rocks

In the northeastern portion of the Reserve, at an elevation of more than a thousand meters in view of Etna, the Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands, rise, numerous, enormous and solitary megaliths of limestone, conspicuously shaped by wind and water into anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms that have ignited popular imagination. According to legend, in fact, it would be an ancient sacred place used for stargazing and officiating propitiatory rites.

The Beechwoods

The Reserve is characterized by the significant presence of extensive Beech forests related to rather humid microclimatic conditions; these are extrazonal complexes that develop in valley environments. The spectacular Beech forests at "Pizzo Petrolo" and "Serro Faita," constitute those well-preserved and extensive forest complexes that can be admired by walking along the "Trail of the Patriarchs."

Licopeti Creek

Licopeti Stream, located in the center of the Reserve, is home to a rare species of endemic endangered Trout. The vegetation settled along the stream is typical riparian vegetation, rich in Maples, Willows, Ash trees and valuable herbaceous species such as various Orchids, Paeonia mascula, etc. It is possible to reach Licopeti Creek from the upstream side, from the northwest entrance near "Piano Notaro," or from the south side near "Rocca Licopeti," near the town of Roccella Valdemone.

Institution

The “Bosco di Malabotta” Oriented Nature Reserve falls within the territories of the municipalities of Montalbano Elicona, Roccella Valdemone, Malvagna, Francavilla di Sicilia and Tripi in the province of Messina. Established by Decree of the Regional Department of Land and Environment number 477/44 of July 25, 1997 in order to protect:
  • the remarkable forest consortium characterized by the aquifolium-fagetum association with mesophilic and thermophilic aspects of deciduous oak forests, enriched by interesting aspects of riparian and hygrophilous vegetation;
  • The numerous arthropod endemics.
Designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the Habitats Directive as a Site of Community Importance (ITA 030005) where conservation measures necessary to maintain or restore natural habitats and populations of the species for which the site was designated have been applied.
Reserve Data Sheet

Argimusque Rocks

In the northeastern portion of the Reserve, at an elevation of more than a thousand meters in view of Etna, the Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands, rise, numerous, enormous and solitary megaliths of limestone, conspicuously shaped by wind and water into anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms that have ignited popular imagination. According to legend, in fact, it would be an ancient sacred place used for stargazing and officiating propitiatory rites.

The Patriarchs: Monumental Trees

The Malabotta Forest encloses within it numerous centuries-old specimens of Downy Oak: “The Patriarchs,” which, in addition to being unique trees in terms of age and size (trunks more than three meters in diameter), are true monuments of nature and fit into a splendid landscape setting. The ancient Oaks, located along the “Trail of the Patriarchs,” dominate at “Monte Croce Mancina,” the highest peak of the Reserve.

The Beechwoods

The Reserve is characterized by the significant presence of extensive Beech forests related to rather humid microclimatic conditions; these are extrazonal complexes that develop in valley environments. The spectacular Beech forests at “Pizzo Petrolo” and “Serro Faita,” constitute those well-preserved and extensive forest complexes that can be admired by walking along the “Trail of the Patriarchs.”

Licopeti Creek

Licopeti Stream, located in the center of the Reserve, is home to a rare species of endemic endangered Trout. The vegetation settled along the stream is typical riparian vegetation, rich in Maples, Willows, Ash trees and valuable herbaceous species such as various Orchids, Paeonia mascula, etc. It is possible to reach Licopeti Creek from the upstream side, from the northwest entrance near “Piano Notaro,” or from the south side near “Rocca Licopeti,” near the town of Roccella Valdemone.

Paths

The trails recommended by the Managing Authority and indicated on the interactive map represent nature trails of special interest that wind through unique, unspoiled environments, distinguished by level of difficulty.

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Riserva Naturale Orientata "Bosco di Malabotta"

  • Istituzione: 25 Luglio 1997
  • Superficie: Zona A 1516,87 Ha; Zona B 1705,08 Ha | Totale 3221,95 Ha
  • Coordinate: Lat (N) 37° 59’ 20’’; Long (E) 15° 2’ 26’’

La Riserva Naturale Orientata Bosco di Malabotta si estende per 3221,95 ettari nei territori dei comuni di Montalbano Elicona, Mojo Alcantara, Roccella Valdemone, Malvagna, Francavilla di Sicilia e Tripi e ricade nell’area di transizione tra i Monti Nebrodi ed i Peloritani.

In questo sito, di particolare interesse naturalistico e paesaggistico sono le Faggete extrazonali, come pure i boschi di Cerro ben conservati e ricchi di biodiversità. La ricchezza della fauna è elevatissima sia per quanto riguarda i vertebrati selvatici con numerose specie a rischio di estinzione, tra le quali il Gatto selvatico, la Martora e molti grandi Rapaci e fauna invertebrata.

Mappa Interattiva

La Riserva Naturale Orientata del Bosco di Malabotta è, prima di tutto, una Riserva Naturale protetta, curata ed a tua disposizione tutto l’anno: vivila e rispettala.

Esplora anche:

Scopri la Mappa Interattiva
Interactive Map

The Malabotta Forest Oriented Nature Reserve is, first and foremost, a protected Nature Reserve, cared for and available to you all year round: experience it and respect it.

Also explore:

Discover the Interactive Map

Oriented Nature Reserve "Forest of Malabotta"

  • Establishment: July 25, 1997
  • Area: Zone A 1516.87 Ha; Zone B 1705.08 Ha | Total 3221.95 Ha
  • Coordinates: Lat (N) 37° 59' 20''; Long (E) 15° 2' 26''

The Bosco di Malabotta Oriented Nature Reserve covers 3221.95 hectares in the territories of the municipalities of Montalbano Elicona, Roccella Valdemone, Malvagna, Francavilla di Sicilia and Tripi and falls in the transition area between the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains.

In this site, of particular naturalistic and scenic interest are the extrazonal Beech forests, as well as well-preserved Cerro forests rich in biodiversity. The richness of the fauna is extremely high both in terms of wild vertebrates with many endangered species, including the Wild Cat, Marten and many large Raptors and invertebrate fauna.