Corsican flora and fauna

Corsica is a magnificent island with numerous nature reserves. Every year, holidaymakers marvel at this spectacular "wild" nature, where jealously-preserved flora and fauna make the Isle of Beauty a wonderful ecotourism destination!

What animals can you see on Corsican soil?

Bighorn sheep in the regional park

Let's start with the majestic mouflon (a muvra), Corsica's emblem, like a king seen from afar. It has lived in Corsica since Neolithic times, and hunting has been banned since 1955. They can only be found in the steep massifs of Bavella and Cintu, and you may be lucky enough to come across one if you're patient, discreet and windward-facing, and equipped with binoculars. The Corsican wild boar (U cignale), the pig's wild cousin, is stocky and fast, and feeds on roots, acorns and chestnuts. With its snout, it digs up and uproots numerous plains and increasingly close to towns, infuriating the inhabitants. Wild boar hunting, an institution in Corsica, attempts to regulate their numbers.

The Corsican donkey (u sumeru), a true companion for man, was once a valuable partner for working in steep, inaccessible terrain. Nowadays, donkey rides are organized, a wonderful experience in the heart of nature. The cursinuthe Corsican breed of hunting and shepherding dog, has been present on the island since the 16ᵉ century. Hardy and robust, it's an excellent guardian, a loyal companion and intelligent. If you come across a hedgehog (U ricciu) during the day, it's not a good sign! It's either hungry or cold. It's not unusual to stop on the road to let it pass. Unfortunately, this regulator of pests such as mice, snails and insects is becoming increasingly rare.

The Hermann tortoise (a cuppulata) is fascinating to observe. Present in Corsica for 300,000 years, it is now the most endangered species in the world. It can live for 100 years, but malice, fires and urbanization often decide otherwise. If you come across it, don't move it around too much, as it will return to its habitat with all the dangers it faces! The Corsican euproct (a tarentella) likes to hunt at night near house lights. With its grainy appearance, this endemic species rids us of mosquitoes and insect larvae, so let's be grateful! Corsica's only deadly animal measures just a few centimetres and wears a red and black coat: it's the Malmignatta, a spider with deadly venom!

Golden eagle in the mountains

Whether you're an ornithologist or just a bird fan, Corsica is a paradise for both sedentary and migratory birds : owl, red kite, owl, peregrine falcon (around 30 pairs), bearded gyraped (the altore) sparrowhawk, swift, blackbird, bluebird, thrush, golden eagle, robin, chickadee, swallow, stork, pink flamingo, crow, cormorant... Not forgetting Audouin's gull, which breeds only on the Corsican coast. When we say Corsica, we mean nuthatch (a Picchjarina): this small, grey and yellow passerine with a long beak lives between 800 and 1800 meters in the middle of pine trees. Present in Corsica for 1,000 years, it is gradually becoming an endangered species. In the Scandola reserve, you may catch a glimpse of the Osprey, a diurnal bird of prey (the fish eagle), diving underwater in search of prey.

Migrations are one of nature's most amazing phenomena. In the dunes of Prunete, the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels de Corse invites you to arouse your passions by observing the dance of birds in the sky. In Cervione, we quantify this beautiful diversity of species from Africa.

Marine riches: fish and shellfish

If you go diving, you'll have the chance to get close to groupers(at Mérouville in the far south), a protected species. Capon, scorpion fish, sarran and red mullet live around the rocks, while live, sar, saupe, corb, saint-pierre, labre and mostelle live in the sand. Unfortunately, pollution, intensive fishing and poaching are making lobster and crab less common on the Isle of Beauty.

birds islands cerbicale corsica © Robert Palomba

Corsican pig

What vegetation in Corsica? Flowers and shrubs of the maquis.

Corsica boasts a wide range of 2,500 plant species, including 131 purely endemic species and 165 endemic to Corsica and other Mediterranean regions. We'll guide you through a very special and varied plant landscape.

Each plant tells a story, an anecdote, a tradition, a legend, a remedy or a recipe. Let us help you find and recognize them, and in so doing, help us protect a wonderful natural heritage!

• The Laricio pine, a magnificent tree that represents Corsica so well and can live for 1,000 years.
• The generous cork oak
• The olive tree, symbol of peace and reconciliation
• The mastic tree protects against epidemics - the one in Ghisonaccia is a thousand years old!
• The arbutus and its red berries in winter, eaten on walks.
• The dwarf juniper: one of the oldest and largest in the world can be found in Morosaglia. It was once used to make seals.
• The poisonous Corsican wolfsbane and the carnivorous butterwort found at the pozzines on the green Cuscionu plateau.
• Myrtle : crumple its leaves to inhale its scent! Its fruit yields an exquisite liqueur.
• The immortelle we've written a long article about it.
• The foxglove, found all over the island along roadsides and paths, offers fuchsia-pink flowers from May to August. Children enjoy popping the flowers on the back of their hands.
• The tiny crocus is especially fond of southern Corsica.
• Pink or white cistus with its scent of immortelle and honey
• Corsican lilac in winter and spring, with its purgative virtues, used to kill worms from animal wounds.
• The white Asphodel , one meter high and with 6 petals, was used to make torches.
• Fragrant alder , with its shiny, heart-shaped leaves. Used to make clogs.
• Laurel and thyme are indispensable in cooking.
• Nepita, the mountain mint, infused to aid digestion.
• Treeheather in undergrowth
• Corsicanforget-me-not nourishes the skin and contains vitamin C

All those with evocative or even poetic names: arecchja capruna or goat's ear, u bilicu or rock umbilicus, e campanelle or amourette, a coda di cavallu or (horsetail), horse's tail, a coda di volpe, (lagurier) or hare's tail, a ghjallina, pullet, u pede di lione or (false buttercup), lion's foot...

The list goes on and on, and if the subject interests you, we invite you to add to it yourself on your next trip to Corsica!

Wind-twisted pines, Aiguilles de Bavella © Robert Palomba

Lavezzi Islands © Robert Palomba

Protecting endemic treasures

To preserve Corsica's wild beauty and unique fauna, a large part of the island (40%) was designated Parc Naturel Régional de Corse (PNRC) in 1972. Unlike French national parks, which only protect uninhabited areas, the PNRC embraces the local population and aims to protect not only the environment, but also the region's cultural heritage.

In addition, seven reserves protect this exceptional flora and fauna:

• the Cerbicale Islands where crested cormorants nest,
• the Etang de Biguglia protects some 127 species of aquatic birds
• The Lavezzi archipelago with 68 species of fish from the mouths of Bonifacio
• The Scandola Scandola reservea UNESCO World Heritage site
• Finocchiarola Islands in Cap Corse
• The Tre Padule in Suartone
• Monte Rotondo Reserve

As you can see, it's important to preserve our natural riches, not only for our own survival, but also so that everyone can enjoy them! Safeguarding our natural heritage is a matter of collective awareness.

Our intimate knowledge of the region, its culture and customs, its history and geography, makes Corsicatours the perfect partner for discovering Corsica off the beaten track. Let's plan your trip to Corsica with complete peace of mind: discovery cruises, self-guided tours, waterfront villas... We also offer a wide range of special offers and personalized tours in all seasons.