"Iona-Serra della Guardia" Nature Reserve

The Iona-Serra della Guardia Nature Reserve is located in the municipality of Celico, in the province of Cosenza, just outside the boundaries of the Sila National Park. Due to its location, it is a veritable forest oasis within a heavily man-made area, characterised since ancient times by intensive agricultural practices. The historical and socio-economic importance of the Iona-Serra della Guardia Nature Reserve derives precisely from the fact that, in the past, its territory was what was known as a “Closed Room”, or protected area, established in the 16th century by the Royal Authority to counter the abuses of the barons. These areas of the “Sila Regia” were defended with weapons. The “Iona-Serra della Guardia” Nature Reserve, an integral part of this system, was entrusted to the Public Domain in 1910.

From a naturalistic point of view, the “Iona-Serra della Guardia” Nature Reserve has a Laricio pine forest in the eastern part, currently the predominant type of forest, beech in the western part and chestnut in the lower part; the presence of black alder is also typical. Among the mammals, the presence of the Sila Wolf is significant, along with foxes, squirrels, martens, badgers, and polecats. Among the birds, there are sparrowhawks, owls, tawny owls, and migratory birds.