Ciocaș -Vițelului Hills - protected natural area

🌿 Natura 2000 protected area since 2007 and a nature reserve of national importance. It covers an area of 977 ha, 90% of which belongs to Covasna County and 10% to Brasov County. 
The site hosts numerous steppe species in a region of high and mountainous hills. The species of steppe plants are located on the southern and western slopes of the Ciocas, Beldie and Viţel hills. An European priority interest habitat was identified in this site, as well as peri-panonic sub-continental hedges and six species of community interest.

🦉 The region overlaps with the bird protection area of the Bodoc and Baraolt Mountains, therefore it is very important for bird conservation (e.g. black stork, owl, red-footed falcon). The area offers a wide range of biological, geological and archaeological values. The archeological vestiges of the Aruișd culture were discovered on the Tyiszk hill. 

📸 Nicu Farcas (via Wikimedia)