Nature » Rocky Environments

Screes

Temperature ranges and meteoric agents lead to the gradual alteration of the calcareous and dolomitic rocks, whose weathering gives origin to characteristic detrital deposits at the foot of the rocky walls. These environments, apparently barren and inhospitable, are colonized by particular kinds of pioneer vegetation, whose composition varies according to the size and degree of mobility of the deposit. In the Park, such features acquire a considerable importance for the presence of important botanic species like the Abhor Madwort (Alyssum ovirense), the Alpine Pennycress (Thlaspi minimum), the Alpine Bell (Cortusa matthioli), the Alpine Larkspur (Delphinium dubium), the Alpine Scurvy Grass (Rhizobotrya alpina). On long snow-capped debris, communities of dwarf willows grow (Salix erbacea, S.retusa, S. reticolata) and several other specialized species can be found. Among the animals commonly living in debris habitats, we can mention the Alpine Accentor, the Snow Finch, the Ptarmigan, the Wheatear, and the Black Redstart. If the weather is rainy, you can find the rare Black Salamander hiding among the grass or under a stone.