The Colostrai ponds can be found in an area along the coast of Muravera, in the historical region of Sarrabus, in the province of Sud Sardegna.
This pond system is a backshore basin which dates back to 1945-50 when, in order to reclaim the swamp area of Corru’e Gani, the end stretch of Rio Picocca was redirected and filled the natural depression in the Colostrai area.
Nowadays, this wetland, is an important nature site where priority species nest, including the Western marsh harrier and is the natural habitat of different birds including the pink flamingo.
The wetland area plays an important role even for flora associations both as aquatic vegetation and brackish vegetation.
The aquatic vegetation includes the aquatic meadows of ruppia and sea lettuce.
The vegetation surrounding the ponds features rush, glassworts and meadows of the South-African daisy. As well as this, along the shores of the Rio Picocca we find the typical vegetation of this area with oleander and tamarisk.
Shrub, wild olive and Mastic tree flourish around the wetlands.
The wetland is part of the Site of Community Importance (SCI) “Stagni di Colostrai e delle Saline” (ITB040019), regulated by the Rete Natura 2000.
