Oasi WWF di Persano

The Nature Reserve Foce Sele hosts the WWF oasis of Persano: it is a reservoir built along the Sele in 1934. Since 1981 the whole area is protected by the WWF for its important wildlife value and is included in the IBA (Important Bird Areas). The OASIS is equipped with wooden paths that allow a walk in a peaceful place in nature. At the entrance of the OASIS there is a small museum.

This is a place rich in flora: the hygrophilous forest is the most interesting area and it consists of Willow (gen. Salix), White Poplar (Populus alba), Black Poplar (Populus nigra) and Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa), all water species. In spring there are beautiful blooms of Periwinkle (gen. Vinca). The undergrowth is rich in Ferns, Horsetails and wonderful flowering patches of Water lily.

The marshy area is made mostly of reeds (Typha latifolia and Juncus among others). Of great interest are the rare yellow Iris, Italian arum (Arum italicum) and nine species of Wild Orchids. The fields are dotted with fragrant Narcissus, Gladiolus and wild Daisies. The European otter (Lutra lutra) is the most important presence in the oasis -it is also the oasis symbol. This wonderful Mustelidae is a mammal in strong danger of extinction in Italy (along with Mediterranean monk sea- Monachus monachus) but in the Sele it survives with the most numerous and vital population. Persano WWF Oasis is very important for birds: Diving ducks (fam.Anatidae), Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus), Coot (gen. Fulica) and Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus). Spring is the season of Herons (fam. Ardeidae). Among the Birds of prey, the most common are the Kestrel and Common Buzzard but also the Black Kite, while during winter the Peregrine Falcon comes from nearby mountains hunting for Lapwings and Starlings. The river is rich in species such as the Italian Chub, the European eel, the Tench, the Barbus, the Carp, the Telestes and the rare Lamprey. Amphibians and reptiles are common.

Opening:
all year round on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday:
- Groups and school groups: daily tours on advanced booking. The visit is about two and a half hours long.
-Guided tours on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays: from October to May at 10.00 am and at 15.00 pm / from June to September at 9.00 am and at 17.00 pm.
-Birdwatchers and photographers can arrange access to the oasis with the direction.

WWF Persano Oasis
Via Falzia 13
84028 Serre (SA)
Info and booking: phone +390828974684. Email: persano@wwf.it