Falascone and Pavari-Sfilzi

The component part represents one of the most significant refuge areas of the beech. It is located on the Gargano Promontory, the “spur” of the Italian “boot”. In the gently undulating uplands on limestone, under the direct influence of the Mediterranean Sea, the unique ancient beech forest, rich in epiphytes and orchids, is a hotspot of biological diversity. The beech here is of low growth and reaches an age of 350 years. The European hornbeam is a constant companion. Interspersed are yew and holly as well as manna ash and holm oak.

• UNESCO recognition: 2017
• Protected area: Gargano National Park
• Beech forest region: Central Mediterranean
• Area: 254.3 ha
• Number of component parts: 1
• Altitudinal range: colline (666 – 804 m above sea level)
• Fauna: Wolf, European wildcat, Garden dormouse, Eagle owl, Middle spotted woodpecker, Four-lined snake

The component part Pavari-Sfilzi is located within Gargano National Park and includes two strict forest reserves, of which one (Sfilzi, established 1971) is held in the property of the state, while the other (Pavari, established 1952) is owned by the region.

Pavari is one of the oldest strict reserves of Italy, hosting the oldest beech trees found in the area (360 years old), together with exceptionally old lianas (Hedera helix, 100 years old). Pavari-Sfilzi presents pure and mixed beech forests at elevations as low as 400 metres above sea level. Sfilzi hosts beech populations growing in exceptionally warm conditions, well-adapted to climate warming scenarios. Their connectivity with the other beech forests within the component cluster will ensure long-term resilience to these refugial tree populations. The reserve Sfilzi is also important for hosting the only natural spring at the top of Gargano Mountain, with a unique associated biodiversity.

The initial component, which had already been inscribed in 2017, has been significantly expanded in 2021 to become a cluster named Foresta Umbra. It comprises two parts, namely Pavari-Sfilzi and Falascone. Foresta Umbra now covers 921 hectares, surrounded by a buffer zone of 3,463 hectares. It includes rare examples of warm mixed beech forests, hosting 45 m tall trees that coexist with majestic 100 years old ivy lianas. The component parts are connected through mature beech forests, creating an ecological corridor between cooler and warm-dry conditions.

• UNESCO recognition: 2021
• Protected area: Gargano National Park
• Beech forest region: Central Mediterranean
• Area: 667.13 ha
• Number of component parts: 1
• Altitudinal range: colline (389 – 804 m above sea level)
• Fauna: Wolf, Roe deer, European wildcat, numerous bat species
• Coordinates of the Central Point: N 41° 50’ 20’’, E 16° 1’ 25’’