Almost 50% of the Maremma landscape is included in protected areas and nature reserves. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe wild boars, deer, pheasants, hedgehogs, porcupines, the large and rare crested cuckoo and the European roller. In the Monte Labbro Nature Reserve (page 194) it is possible to see the beautiful Apennine wolves and also the poisonous vipers. Along the coast, birds of prey such as ospreys and peregrine falcons are not uncommon, while the Orbetello lagoon is home to flamingos and American herons.
As far as flora is concerned, there is much more to Maremma than olive groves and vineyards. Sea fennel grows on the coast and wild asparagus inland, together with heather, myrtle and cork. In autumn it is possible to collect porcini, ovoli and chestnuts among the beech, silver fir, oak, orchid and wild daffodils. In the nature reserves of Mount Amiata it is possible to see monumental trees over 15 meters tall, in ancient forests that have existed for hundreds of years.