The marine protected area of Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo encompasses about 15,000 hectares of sea and 40 kilometres of coast and includes the islands of Tavolara, Proratora, Molara, and Molarotto. The geomorphological diversity of its coasts and, consequently, of its marine and terrestrial ecosystems enhances its immense natural value, also thanks to the excellent level of preservation of Posidonia meadows. Out of all vertebrate species present in Sardinia, 50% are represented in this area, including Asperula deficiens – an endemic species exclusive to Tavolara Island and among the rarest plants of the world – an endemic species exclusive to Tavolara Island and among the rarest plants of the world –and the blue lizard of Molarotto, whose dark colouration with characteristic pale-blue spots makes it unique worldwide.