Judgment_paragraph 9 · Commission of the European Communities v Italian Republic (C-179/06)

9The Murgia Alta site is described as follows in the data form established pursuant to Commission Decision 97/266/EC of 18 December 1996 concerning a site information format for proposed Natura 2000 sites (OJ 1997 L 107, p. 1):Habitat classes | % coverHeath, scrub, maquis and garrigue, phrygana | 20.00Dry grassland, steppes | 65.00Evergreen woodland | 15.00Total habitat cover | 100Other site characteristicsEvocative landscape made up of slightly rolling terrain and depressions in the shape of dolines, with superficial karstic phenomena represented by karstic basins and sink-holes. The substratum is formed by cretaceous limestone, generally covered by Pleistocene limestone. The bioclimate is sub-Mediterranean.Quality and importanceSub-region strongly characterised by the vast dry, limestone plateau which culminates at 679 m at Monte Caccia. It appears mainly to be a high, rocky calcareous plateau. It is one of the largest sub-steppe areas in Italy, with herbaceous vegetation due to the Festuco brometalia. The areas flora is particularly rich, totalling some 1500 species. Over 90 species of nesting aviary fauna have been recorded, which places this area in second position in the region, after Gargano. The residual woodland formations are characterised by the prevalence of Quercus pubescens, often accompanied by Fraxinus ornus. Rare Quercus cerris and Q. frainetto have also been observed.VulnerabilityThe principal factor of destruction is the removal of the calcareous substratum, which is then reduced to powder by mechanical means. In this manner, vast stretches comprising sub-steppe vegetation are destroyed by the cultivation of new areas. The operation also often involves drystone walls and other forms of delimitation, which carry serious dangers of hydrogeological catastrophe. Recurring fires, related to prevalent grain farming; the construction of secondary residences in the most attractive tourist areas. Improper use of the karstic cavities as dumps for urban solid waste and solid waste.’