This ecoregion is restricted to the high mountain massifs of the regions of Basilicata, Calabria and the island of Sicily.

The mountain summits in southern Calabria and northeastern Sicily are frequently covered in dense fog.

[2] The ecoregion's wide altitudinal range results in several forest zones.

At high elevation altitudes there is a north-south slopes gradient of plant communities: Large mammals include roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), European wildcat (Felis silvestris), and crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata).

The Italian wolf (Canis lupus italicus) lives in the peninsular portion of the ecoregion, and Sila and Pollino national parks are home to Italy's largest wolf population.