The Bois des Ayes was listed as a managed biological forest reserve by the National Forests Office in 1990 under pressure from nature protection associations and the municipality of Villar-Saint-Pancrace in the Hautes-Alpes department. This forest extending over nearly 990 acres (400 ha) and culminating at more than 6,561 ft (2,000 m) is among the highest forests in France. It developed between the torrents of Orceyrette and Ayes up to 8,530 ft (2,600 m) above sea level and has a large proportion of old trees (larches, cembro pines) as well as rare animal or plant species which make it a remarkable forest heritage.