The rocky environments are highly spectacular, yet, besides the most photographed great walls and spires, the most interesting element for the flora are the sheltered, south facing walls (Col
dei Bòs, Ròzes) and the ravines (canyons of Travenanzes, Fanes, Felizón). The walls, partially free of the Quaternary glaciers, host a relict flora of great bio-geographical value (see chart on endemism).
Very particular rocky mountainscapes are the calcareous Karstic-type uplands (Fòses e Rudo) located to the north of Cortina with shelter under the rock (Sotecòrdes, Colfiédo) often present at the foot of the walls. On the former grows the endemic sempervivum, (Sempervivum dolomiticum), which has become the symbol of the protected area. The sheltered “landri” (shelters below rocks or overhanging cliffs) are perfect environments both as hideout and wintering holds for resident fauna and as habitat for highly specialized flora like the deflexed bur forget-me-not (Lappula deflexa) and Hymenolobus pauciflorus.
Wet zones at every altitude assume absolute importance for the environmental biodiversity in the Ampezzo area and are of great interest to the naturalist. The peat-bogs of Fòses and Falzarego, alone, host and preserve at least five endangered species in Italy, like the marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris). At the upper limit of vegetation, there are other peculiar wetlands, known as “floods of the glacial torrents”, kingdom of relict boreal species. Among them the Scottish asphodel (Tofieldia pusilla) and the Arctic rush (Juncus arcticus). These environments are carefully monitored because they are highly vulnerable, also to climatic changes. The many ponds dotting the valley and its hydro-graphic network form an articulated system rich in biodiversity and fairly well preserved. Rare species growing in this environment are bladderwort (Utricularia australis, U. stygia) and the least burweed (Sparganium minimum).