The Reserve, of about 350 hectares, is one of the best preserved and important humid environments in southern Italy. A testimony of what remains of the large marshy area that extended from Brindisi to Otranto. The WWF Le Cesine Oasis is located along one of the main migratory routes and is home to numerous aquatic birds. 32 species of spontaneous orchids have been recorded, some of which are included in the national Red List, such as Anacamptis palustris.
The complexity of the habitats makes Le Cesine an area of great naturalistic value, with a mosaic of environments that favors the biodiversity typical of the Mediterranean habitat and that includes temporary ponds, Aleppo pine forests, holm oak forests, mosaics of garrigue and coastal marshes.
Among the fauna species, there are colorful butterflies such as the painted lady and the swallowtail, as well as various species of frogs, toads and newts. Among the reptiles, the marsh turtle and the leopard snake stand out. One hundred and eighty species of birds populate the area during the year, while among the mammals you can find the badger, the beech marten, the wild boar and the wolf.
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