Sardinia's Environment

Granite and basalt rocks, identical to those found in Corsica and Southern France, are clues to Sardinia's origins. The island is geographically older than mainland Italy and many mountain peaks are extinct volcanoes. A wide range of geographical features can be experienced, ranging from low mountains, rivers, forests and plains to salt marshes, lagoons, cliffs and sandy beaches. Some of these areas are protected nature reserves, home to indigenous species of flora and fauna, as well as imported species and passing migrants. The natural red coral, used for jewellery and ornaments and for which Sardinia is renowned, is found off the North-West coast, but in order to preserve stocks this "Riviera del Corallo" is a protected region.

Wild animals to be found in Sardinia include: ponies; albino donkeys; boar (cinghiali); deer; mouflon (wild sheep); assorted smaller mammals; Hermann's tortoises, sea-water and fresh-water turtles.

4 million sheep graze the plains and hills, providing not only meat but also milk for the many sheep's-milk cheeses and other dairy products for which the island is renowned.

As well as its permanent residents, Sardinia is an established staging post for migratory birds en route from and to Europe, Africa and Asia. According to location and time of year you will be able to find: flamingoes; ravens; golden eagles; falcons; griffon vultures; marsh harriers, purple gallinule, hoopoe, purple heron, little bittern, spoonbill, little bustard, warblers, larks, bee eaters, swifts, game birds such as partridge and woodcock and dozens of varieties of finches and other sea or wetland birds. However the following links provide a more extensive list and give additional comments and information from other birders:

Jason Anderson - Birding in Sardinia     Fatbirder in Sardinia     Birder - Mark Hows     Telegraph - Birdwatching in Sardinia

Wildflowers abound and are best seen around springtime when the relatively wet and warm climate provides the perfect conditions for them to bloom.  Farmers harvest the usual crops of grain, olives and all fruit and vegetables which will thrive in a Mediterranen climate. Sardinia is renowned for growing a variety of nuts, especially walnuts. Myrtle berries are  used to produce "mirto" the island's characteristic "digestivo." Over 80% of the natural cork needed to seal Italy's wine bottles comes from the cork oak forests of Sardinia. As with most regions of Italy, Sardinia produces its own wines from a variety of grapes and has extensive vineyards, one of the best-known being Sella e Mosca.

Top of page