Formiche di Grosseto

The Formiche di Grosseto (it. formiche = ants) are several small rocks that are counted include the Tuscan Archipelago. Administratively, they belong to the municipality of Grosseto.

Location and description

The Formiche are surrounded by about 100 m deep water and there are several kilometers off the coast of the Parco Naturale della Maremma. They consist of three uninhabited islands with a total area of ​​about 1500 square meters and a few meters in height. From north to south these are:

The largest rock, Formica Grande, is a lighthouse. The waters around the Formiche are a popular diving area.

Flora and Fauna

On the islands, one occurring only there phenotype of the ruin lizard lives ( Podarcis siculus ); In the 19th century this population was classified as a distinct subspecies ( P. sicula robertii ). The gecko species Phyllodactylus europaeus is present. The islands are a popular breeding ground for pairs of steppe seagulls, but threaten the local vegetation (eg, occurring only there Strandfliederart Limonium doriae ). In order to control the further development, the island has been declared a protected area SIR (zone of regional significance ).

In addition, the island is located in the multinational reserve Cetaceans Sanctuary ( sanctuary of whales). In fact, for example, Sightings of dolphins in the area quite frequently.

42.56666666666710.883333333333Koordinaten: 42 ° 34 'N, 10 ° 53 ' E