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n. 26/2009 -
The formation of the Giare dates back to more than 2.5 million years ago, when a series of volcanic eruptions spread thick strata of basalt over the surface of the Miocene terrain consisting of marl, sandstone and limestone.
Subsequent weathering processes eroded the marl-sandstone terrains round the basalt outcrops, thus creating tablelands with steep flanks, varying in height from 400 to 600 m asl. While the Giara of Siddi has suffered extensive deforestation, the Giara of Gesturi, more isolated and less accessible, has maintained its original habitat with flourishing Mediterranean scrub vegetation and small surface ponds which enabled the survival of the herds of wild horses far which it is famous. The Giara of Gesturi covers an area of 45 km2 and its edge is dotted with a string of nuraghi and megalithic structures, domus de janas, and areas far the shaping of flint tools. One of the most important of these ancient remains is the proto-nuraghe of Bruncu Madugui dated at about 1800 BC. To fully understand the importance the Neolithic people attached to the Giare, all visitors need to do is look out from the edge of the plateau, which dominates over the whole of the hills and plains at its foot. It is a fascinating sight, which becomes truly unique in spring when the whole of Marmilla is dressed in a host of colours. Springtime is also when visitors crossing the tableland can admire the wild Giara horses browsing in ascented prairie of white crowfoot covering the small rainwater ponds or paulis, surrounded by cork tree and ilex woods. But of course the main attraction is the wild horses themselves, the quaddeddus. About 700 pure breed horses live wild here in small herds with a male herd leader and several mares. Of uncertain origin, these small horses have some unique characteristics: they are small in stature, with thick manes and almond-shaped eyes. They come under the strict protection rules of the authorities.
