Site of significant ornithological and herpetological importance. It is a place of temporary stopover or nesting for a large number of aquatic and marine bird species (more than 100 species reported). Particularly important is the concentrations of Laridae and Sternidae (many hundreds of individuals). It is a breeding site for the three turtle species: Loggerhead turtle, European pond turtle and the Hermann’s tortoise present in Calabria. The site is home to numerous plant species of conservation interest included in the Regional and/or National Red Lists. There are also numerous species of orchids in the site.