(photo by: E. Vettorazzo)
Conca di Caiada, overhanging the upper Val Desedan, is surrounded by a ring of mountains (Cimon, Cime di Caiada, Cirvoi) whose feet are covered by woody sediment layers. On the large undulating bottom several small watercourses converge, partly infiltrating (giving origin more downstream to the stream Desedan). The origin of this basin is probably due to an important landslide which detached from Cime di Caiada during the last glaciation (25-30,000 years ago), filling and completely occluding the head of Val Desedan. The huge landslide mass is stable by now, all except the eastern side, which is interested by an evident erosion phenomenon (Le Roe). Among the most important biotopes of the Park, Caiada stands out for the quality and extension of its forests (mixed woodlands of Silver Fir and Beech Tree) alternating with slightly undulating clearings and a large pasture (Palughét). Among the most valuable floristic species, there are the Yellow Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) and a small and rare orchid: the Ghost Orchid (Epipogium aphyllum), which is the only case in the Park territory. Caiada forest represents one of the most interesting places in the Park as far as wildlife is concerned: the area is populated by some animals whose presence demonstrates its high environmental quality (Northern Goshawk, Hazel Grouse, Black Grouse, Black Woodpecker,Grey-headed Woodpecker).
Municipality: Longarone (BL)