A stretch of the Scrivia stream, between the villages of Arquata and Tortona. Habitats include large areas of shingle, dry grasslands, and riverine woodlands (poplar Populus, oak Quercus). The main land-uses are nature conservation and research, and gravel extraction.
Key biodiversity
The area is important for the presence of breeding Merops apiaster and there is a small mixed heronry. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aquila clanga (min. 1, winter).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The main threat is from gravel-extraction activities. Bird-ringing has been carried out regularly since 1990 by Museo di Storia Naturale di Carmagnola.
Protected areas
National Partial International None900 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Reserve (Torrente Scrivia, 900 ha).
