Natura 2000 : Bendola Valley

The Bendola site is remarkable for its richness, its exceptional level of endemism, the concentration of remarkable habitats and its good state of conservation. It occupies a pivotal position in both the Alpine and Mediterranean biogeographical regions. There are 16 habitats of community interest, including 6 priority habitats, as well as one species habitat. Among these habitats, the dry grasslands have one of the highest concentrations of orchids on the national territory (around fifty species). The diversity of forest habitats of community interest, with in particular the presence of old forests (Bois noir), and the presence of tuffs in a remarkable functional state should also be highlighted.

The fauna is also in the spotlight, with no less than 8 species of echinocerosed murine in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, including a large population of Strinati's spelunker, a rare amphibian endemic to the extreme south-east of France and north-west Italy. Another important presence is the colonies of the Great Rhinolophus and the Stilt-Eared Bat. These bats occupy built-up roosts on the site.

Human activities are not very developed in the Bendola due to its topography. Livestock farming has practically disappeared from the area for more than twenty years and only subsistence farming remains. For the same reasons, there is no forestry production. Urban planning documents prevent the extension of buildings and therefore limit the pressures.
The most significant impacts come from outdoor activities, particularly canyoning and motorised activities.

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