In Corsican, it is called Porcu nustrale.
Porcu nustrale is raised exclusively in Corsica. In Corsican, its name means “ours”. It is present both in Corsica-du-Sud and in Haute-Corse.
Corsican wildlife
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Wildlife in Corsica
Corsica benefits from an exceptionally rich and diverse fauna. Its island isolation has favored the appearance of endemic species specific to its territory.
The great variety of its landscapes, from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean shores, gives it a mosaic of natural habitats sheltering many species, some of which are unique. But you should know that this remarkable fauna, symbol of the island, is fragile.
Tourism pressures, urbanization or climate change, the threats are multiple. However, conservation actions exist to preserve it.
The emblematic species of Corsica
The Corsican mouflon, or “a muvra”, is the emblem of the island! This wild ungulate is found in mountainous areas. Hunted until its virtual disappearance, it has enjoyed protected species status since 1955. Better still in the typical mammal category, the Corsican wild boar, recognizable by its dark coat, which haunts the chestnut and oak forests in search of acorns and chestnuts.
A traditional game, it remains very popular with local hunters. As for birds, the majestic bearded vulture nests in the impressive cliffs of the Cinto massif. This once common scavenging bird of prey came close to extinction. Reintroduction programs are trying to save it.
And what can we finally say about the discreet Corsican nuthatch ? Only endemic bird of mainland France. It is found between 800 and 1800 meters above sea level, in laricio pine forests.
Natural habitats sheltering diverse fauna
The Mediterranean scrub, a typical plant formation, offers refuge to many mammals such as:
the wild boar;
Fox ;
or even the weasel.
The laricio pine forests, the preferred habitat of the Corsican nuthatch, also constitute havens of biodiversity. And this, just like the coastal wetlands such as the Biguglia pond, a major place for bird migration. On the sea side, the impressive nature reserves of Scandola and the Bouches de Bonifacio preserve exceptional marine fauna where cetaceans, sea turtles and multicolored fish live.
Threats weighing on Corsican wildlife
You should know that Corsican wildlife is suffering the full brunt of the combined assaults of galloping urbanization and climate change. Indeed, the artificialization of land leads to massive destruction of habitats and fragmentation of territories.
Species are then isolated in relict areas, compromising their long-term survival. Also, global warming favors the proliferation of invasive species disrupting the ecological balances in place for millennia.
Added to this is tourist pressure, a source of disturbance for sensitive species that are already weakened. Without forgetting the poaching of protected animals such as the mouflon or certain raptors also remains a serious threat.
Conservation actions undertaken
Faced with these dangers, conservation actions exist. The Corsica Regional Natural Park works to protect remarkable spaces and species. To support it, numerous terrestrial and marine nature reserves have also emerged.
On the other hand, reintroduction programs for deer and bearded vultures have been initiated to repopulate the island with once common species. Let’s not forget the regulation of hunting and fishing by quotas either ! Or the restoration of wetlands and reforestation which are also part of the arsenal deployed to preserve this unique natural heritage.
The role of the visitor in the preservation of wildlife
The visitor can contribute to the preservation of this fabulous heritage by :
its respectful behavior towards natural spaces,
its adherence to the charters of parks and reserves,
and its financial support for associations acting for the protection of wildlife.
The preservation of Corsican wildlife is everyone’s business. It will require joint efforts from politicians, scientists, associations and ordinary citizens. And all this, so that our children can still observe mouflons and nuthatches in their natural environments.
