Geology
Sabotin, Sveta gora and the Banjšice plateau, all parts of the Dinaric Alps, once formed a single plateau but later, Sabotin was separated from Sveta gora by the Soča river. Geologically, Sabotin is formed of relatively young rocks. The oldest rock strata are composed of gray (110 million years) and white Cretaceous limestone, forming the central and upper parts of Sabotin. They lie on younger marl and Eocene flysch layers which can be found on the foothills of Sabotin. The youngest layers - gravel and conglomerate terraces near Solkan - are less than 1.8 million years old. They were deposited during the Quaternary by the Soča River.
Wildlife
Sabotin is of international importance for bird species conservation. Therefore, it has the status of an area of natural value and was also designated an ecologically important area. It is also included in the Natura 2000 European network of special protected areas.
The Yellowhammer is the most common bird on Sabotin, where one of the highest densities of this bird species in Europe has been recorded. The European nightjar has contributed most to the designation of Sabotin as a protected area. An interesting visitor to Sabotin is the Griffon vulture. It can be seen especially in summer months when it flies between the Croatian island of Cres and the Alps.
The king of the Sabotin ridge and its rocky slopes is undoubtedly the horned viper, Slovenia's most common venomous snake. It can frequently be seen during the warm part of the year but it also comes out during the winter on calm sunny days.
Flora
The flora of Sabotin is some of the richest in Slovenia since Submediterranean, pre-Alpine and Dinaric phytogeographic regions come into contact here. Some plant species occur at the extreme outer limits of their range on Sabotin.
Former meadows and pastures on sunny and less steep western slopes of Sabotin are subject to overgrowth. Grassland species are gradually disappearing and consequently, the biodiversity of Sabotin has been decreasing. Diverse deciduous forests grow on shady slopes.
The flora of orchids, mostly listed as endangered species, is also rich on Sabotin.
This Project was made possible with the financial assistance of the European Union in the framework of the Community Initiative Programme INTERREG IIIA Slovenia-Italy 2000-2006. The national body for the Community Initiative Programme INTERREG IIIA Slovenia-Italy 2000- 2006 is the Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy. The city municipality of Nova Gorica is responsible for the contents of this document, which in no way expresses the views of the European Union.
