Natura 2000, limestone Quiès of Tarascon-sur-Ariège and cave of the small Caougno

Natura 2000 is the largest network of protected areas in the world!

It is a European label awarded to sites selected for their richness in natural environments and remarkable or threatened animal or plant species on a European scale. These are habitats or species of Community interest.

The site "Quiès limestones of Tarascon-sur-Ariège and cave of the small Caougno" is distinguished by a great wealth of heritage, landscapes with large limestone cliffs and slopes covered with vegetation characteristic of dry environments.

Listed as a special conservation area and special protection area since 2007, the Quiès de Tarascon have a diversity of habitats (holm oak woods, thuriferous junipers), faunal species (birds of prey, bats) and botanicals (exceptional orchids) particular to the Pyrenees.
The site has been known and studied since the 19th century by many botanists for the diversity of its flora, made up in particular of rare species or species at the limit of their distribution. This impressive limestone massif is also characterized by a great diversity of habitats. The site, with an area of ​​2484 ha, is located mainly on the right bank of the Ariège. In this area, the river flows between spectacular cliffs which open at the level of Ussat and Ornolac-Ussat les Bains on two small perpendicular valleys.

The Quié du Soudour and Calamès form two particular entities because their relief and their cliffs are impressive. Indeed, the altitude can go from 400 meters to 1500 meters over a distance of 1 kilometer. Several caves and cavities are present on the site.

Animation of the site: Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees.

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• Natura 2000

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