- FEBRUARY 2018 -
Puglia
Nature and Landscape
FAUNA
In the Cape of Otranto, in the province of Lecce, dozens of specimens can be spotted in spring March 2012
The lesser kestrel
by Giuseppe La Gioia It’s a small falcon present in diverse regions in southern Italy whose numbers are diminishing and is therefore safeguarded.In the Cape of Otranto, in the province of Lecce, dozens of specimens can be spotted in spring March 2012
The Castellana Caves A spell-binding underground world
by Emanuela Rossi, Salvatore Inguscio The pearl of the system is the “white cave”; with its thousands of pure white concretions it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.Many animal species, with morphological variations, have adapted to living underground in the dark February 2012
FAUNA
The habitat of an entire universe of creatures that have transformed their morphological features to ensure their survival is in the underground February 2012
Spelaeomysis bottazzii
by Emanuela Rossi, Salvatore Inguscio It is a stigobite crustacean, that is, a subterranean aquatic species, endemic to Puglia.The habitat of an entire universe of creatures that have transformed their morphological features to ensure their survival is in the underground February 2012
Terra delle Gravine nature reserve Among majestic canyons
by Martino Miali A breathtaking natural landscape: 60 canyons in two semicircles looking over the Gulf of Taranto, with abundant flora and fauna, many rare species, and stone settlements with priceless finds January 2012
FLORA
It flowers from the first days of July, and throughout the summer January 2012
The Apulian bellflower
by Silvano Marchiori It is a rare species, present, in Italy, almost exclusively in Apulia (from which it gets its name).It flowers from the first days of July, and throughout the summer January 2012
FAUNA
In the Gravine Park, for the first time in the world with this species, a re-introduction technique is being tried out January 2012
The Egyptian vulture
by Antonio Sigismondi It is a beautiful bird of prey and is at a high level of risk of extinction.In the Gravine Park, for the first time in the world with this species, a re-introduction technique is being tried out January 2012
The Umbra Forest Amidst rare plants and animals in the shade of the beechwood
by Piero Medagli It is the largest forest in the Gargano National Park. Centuries-old beeches, oaks, hornbeams, Turkey oaks, some of the oldest yews in Italy and a varied undergrowth. The fauna includes roe deer, wildcats and the very rare white-backed woodpecker December 2011
FLORA
The holly
by Silvano Marchiori It is widespread in the Gargano beech woods. It blooms from April to May to leave room for the lovely scarlet-red fruits December 2011
FAUNA
The population is dropping due both to poaching and also the poor state of the grazing land December 2011
The Gargano roe-deer
by Antonio Sigismondi They descend directly from those that were hunted by the Romans, and then by Frederick II.The population is dropping due both to poaching and also the poor state of the grazing land December 2011
Cesine nature reserve Paradise of flora and fauna
by Fabio Ippolito Because of its great biodiversity the area has been declared a “Wetland of International Importance” and a State nature reserve. The oasis, near Vernole, a few kilometers from Lecce, is managed by the Italian WWF, which organises eco-sustainable visits and events November 2011
FLORA
The silk vine
by Silvano Marchiori Very rare in Italy, it can be found on the Salento coasts, between Brindisi and Otranto, in the Cesine oasis and in very few other places November 2011
FAUNA
The coot
by Giuseppe La Gioia They are to be found in almost all the wetlands of Puglia. The Cesine Nature Reserve is one of their main habitats for wintering November 2011
The national park of Alta Murgia Between nature and history
by Fabio ModestiDirettore Parco Alta Murgia A vast territory predominated by its steppe, rich in splendid flora and fauna.
Millions of sheep used to be shepherded along its cattle-tracks and many millennia before that, at least five species of dinosaurs roamed the area.
From medieval traces of the presence of the wealthy Aragonese dynasty, to small villages which have sprung up along its borders June 2011
FLORA
Fairy flax
by Silvano Marchiori The magic of its spikes waving in the wind – Only in Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily June 2011
Torre Guaceto Nature and culture between land and sea
by Fabio Ippolito A Nature Reserve and wetlands of International Importance spreads out around an old fortified tower. A few kilometers from Brindisi, flora and fauna of great interest and eco-sustainable activities flourish. April 2011
Flora
Apulian Heather
by Silvano Marchiori An Autumn bloomer that in Italy only grows in Salento April 2011Dialect Proverbs
Wives and oxen…
by Alberto Sobrero Chi ce nzore nte la stréde véve a buqquire Chi ce nzore fore stréde véve allu vuquele, Chi ce nzore fore paése véve a ffiasche Those who marry within the neighborhood drink wine from a glass [which is transparent] Those who marry someone from another district drink from a tankard [which is almost completely closed, so very little can be seen; one marries in obscurity] Those who marry out of town drink from the flask [which is completely closed, nothing can be seen, one marries in the dark] (Gargano) November 2017
That bad reputation priests have…
by Alberto Sobrero Prèiti e ffrati Mai bbinchiati[Priests and friars
Can never get enough]
(Salento) June 2017
Goat Woman From the Middle Ages to Sgarbi
by Alberto Sobrero Fémmene e ccrépeTènene una chépe
[Women and goats
Have the same head]
(Bari) May 2017
“After Christmas the cold sets in” The meteorological proverbs that have deeper roots than religious ones
by Alberto Sobrero De Natale a nnantitremanu l’enfanti
Te Natale a mpoi
tremanu le corne de li oi
[Before Christmas the kids shiver
After Christmas the oxen’s horns shake]
(Salento) January 2017