INTRO

The area of the Cesine, has fascinated ornithologists for over a century; in the past a hunting area, this important wetland has always been of primary importance for the observation and study of the avifauna of Salento. The earliest writings, in which species observed in the Cesine are mentioned, date back to the late 1800s (Costa, 1871; Scarzia, 1893; de Romita, 1900). Frugis and Frugis (1963) describe some observations in Salento wetlands, among which Le Cesine is not missing.

This article refers to the updates on the latest studies ( 2009-2015 ) coordinated by the WWF Oasis Society, which aims to provide the latest view on the state of knowledge of avifauna, in the “Riserva Naturale Statale Le Cesine – Oasi WWF”. In addition to the complete checklist of observed species, summary information is given for each one. For all “aquatic” species and some uncommon or previously unknown species in Salento, detailed nesting information is provided.

Site Description.

The State Nature Reserve “Le Cesine” – WWF Oasis, is located on the Adriatic coast about 15 km S-E of Lecce, in the municipality of Vernole. The Nature Reserve has an area of 348 ha (managed by the WWF Oasis), included in the Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar), SCI (IT9150032) and SPA (IT9150014), the latter having a total size of 897 ha. In addition, the area is included in the list of Important Bird Areas (IBA). The area has wetlands alternating with Mediterranean scrub, steppe areas, coniferous reforestation, wooded and agricultural areas. The wetland consists mainly of three brackish backwater basins extending a total of about 82 ha, separated from the sea by a thin, low dune belt. The basins are surrounded by marshes, salt steppes, extensive reed beds and sedge beds. The entire stretch of coastline between San Cataldo (S of the lighthouse) and Torre Specchia Ruggeri was also monitored, including the dunes, the shoreline and the sea.

Salento of the Avifauna Reception.

The Cesine remains an area of great ornithological importance, with 217 species observed in seven years of monitoring, many of them rare and irregular even at the regional level. As many as 53 species are considered certain nesters, and among these of particular interest were documented: the first nesting for Salento of Turkish Plover; the first nesting, in the province of Lecce of Great Crested Grebe, Buzzard and Golden Oriole. The Blackbird and the Flycatcher, were considered probable and possible nesters respectively by La Gioia (2009), while they were considered certain nesters by Meschini and Frugis (1993). Of the Crucian, only two certain nests were known in 1983 and 1990. Among the waterfowl, the presence of Greater White-fronted Goose, Casarch, Four-eyed Warbler, Lesser Spotted Flycatcher, and Lesser Crested Warbler is noted. There are 17 Anseriformes species present, 11 Ciconiformes and 49 Charadriiformes. While 19 Falconiformes are observed.

… and more

Swamps represent the area’s signature habitats, remnants of ancient freshwater marshes pop up here and there among scrub and forest, the predominant vegetation at these sites is reed canarygrass (Phragmytes australis) with huge areas of sedge (Cladium mariscus).

They find a home in the habitats of the reserve with numerous species of wild orchids that in the springtime enrich the already striking landscape of the Cesine with shapes and colors, flowers that resemble insects the Ophrys (O. bombyliflora, O. lutea, O. lutea minor, O. fuciflora, O. candica, O. sphegodes, O. incubacea, O. apulica, O. bertolinii, O. tenthredinifera, O. garganica, O. apifera), flowers that become convenient nocturnal beds the Serapias (S. lingua, S. parviflora, S. vomeracea, S. bergonii, S. politisii), flowers with strong odorous powers attractive to insects the Orchis (O. palustris, O. laxiflora, O. choriophora var. fragrans, O. morio, O. papilionacea), other orchids with extraordinary shapes, colors and scents such as: Limodorum abortivum, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Epipactis microphylla.

Of considerable naturalistic value, and prime habitat at Le Cesine, is the coastal lagoon, submerged vegetation characterizes them (Ruppia cirrosa), (Potamogeton pectinatus).

Each of these habitats hosts particular varieties that are very often rare and at high risk of extinction in the Apulian or Italian territory, such plants are part of red lists.

Regional red list:

Agnocastro (Vitex agnus castus)

Ipocisto (Cytinus ruber).

Lista rossa nazionale

Granata irsuta (Bassia hirsuta)

Erica pugliese (Erica forskali)

Campanella palustre (Ipomoea sagittata)

Orchidea palustre (Orchis palustris)

Periploca maggiore (Periploca graeca).

“Natural” and “semi-natural” habitats i.e., spontaneous or partially transformed or influenced by human action are contrasted with “anthropogenic” habitats i.e., agricultural land, cultivated mainly with olive trees (Olea europea) and, in the spring and summer periods, of numerous horticultural crops.

An excellent itinerary for those who are neophytes in birdwatching but, also , for those who collect images of rare species difficult to find at these latitudes . No wonder how the same waters chosen by humans for their recreation are the same ones used by 217 avian species for their life cycle .