Men and Nature: perfect together !

The Oriented Nature Reserve Saline di Trapani e Paceco covers the territory between the cities of Trapani and Paceco and, more specifically, the area from the southern area of the capital to the hamlet of Salina Grande.

Here the structures created centuries ago for salt processing have blended harmoniously with the natural landscape to create a unique and deeply evocative environment. It is perhaps one of the few examples in our civilized world where human productive activities have not only not destroyed the original environment but, on the contrary, have embellished it with a very special touch.

It is fully grasped beauty especially at sunset: when the sun goes down, each of the pools takes on a different hue, from deep pink to red and golden. Looking at them, in those few moments before it all ends, you will see, as if by magic, colors and shades chasing each other.

The reserve was established in 1995 to protect one of the last remaining wetlands in western Sicily.
Since then its 986 hectares, divided between reserve and pre-reserve, have been under the care of WWF Italy.

Getting there

Follow SP 21 in the direction of Marsala to the Maria Stella mill.

Managing entity
W.W.F. for Nature – O.N.L.U.S.
Via G. Garibaldi 138, c.da Nubia – 91027 Paceco (TP)
Tel-fax +39 0923 867700

FLORA & FAUNA

Flora
Since time immemorial, this entire area has been devoted to the extraction of salt from the sea. As it is easy to understand, therefore, we are talking about an area with a very high concentration of sodium chloride, which is certainly not the ideal condition for extensive vegetation to flourish.

However, it is remarkable how some species manage to adapt even to such harsh terrain by developing appropriate survival mechanisms over time.

So did the Salicornia, silvery-gray colored Halimione portulacoides, Suaeda, Atriplex alimus, Frankenia pulverulenta, Limonium avei and Bupleurus that are encountered all along the edge of the salt ponds.

Along the trails, you can also find the Malta Mushroom, a chlorophyll-free plant found only in a few other locations in the Mediterranean. The coastal zone between the Ronciglio salt pans and the Baiata channel is dominated by species typical of such environments: Mattiola, Beach crabgrass, Inula crithmoides and Limonium serotinum. Some rare endemic species such as Calendula maritima, Limoniastrum monopetalum and Limonium densiflorum also grow alongside them.

Fauna
Being one of the last few wetlands on the route of migratory birds moving to and from Africa, the Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans represent an important stopping and refreshment point for many of them.

Birds-The rare, internationally protected Bittern, the white Egrets, the Nightingale with its curved beak, the Great Crested Warbler, the Spoonbill easily recognized by its strange beak, the Tabaccata Duck and the Peregrine Falcon find food and shelter here. Often, as if posing for a photo, Herons and Flamingos stand motionless for a long time on their thin legs with their heads bent down, looking for food in the bottom of the tanks. Nor is there any shortage of marsh fauna specimens such as the Hawk and the Marsh Owl.

Spectacular are the swoops of the Kingfisher and Osprey when from above they spot prey and pounce on it. Some species like this place so much that they decide to stop here to nest. We are talking about the Cavaliere d’Italia, Fratino and Fraticello, Avocetta and Volpaca.

On the Salicornia bushes the rare Teia Dubia, a small butterfly found only in the Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans, finds shelter and nourishment and in the Stagnone of Marsala. Movement and spread elsewhere of this species is virtually impossible since the female is wingless.

Mammals – But don’t think these salt marshes are welcoming only to birds. In fact, Foxes, Weasels, Hedgehogs and Rabbits also live here.

Fish – In the canals and in some tanks swims the Nono(Aphanius fasciatus), a small fish that the European Community has declared endangered.