Scientific and technical monitoring

A Rocha France carries out numerous scientific studies on the fauna, flora and habitats around its centres at Mas Mireille and Les Courmettes, as well as elsewhere in France. These studies consist of naturalist inventories (research into the different species present on a site) and ecological monitoring such as long-term biodiversity monitoring or population monitoring, which enable us to assess the relevance of the management measures implemented.

We also carry out scientific research on subjects that provide the scientific knowledge needed for conservation initiatives. Examples include studies on the ecology of threatened species, or on ecological networks.

Scientific monitoring

Our main scientific projects currently involve :

  1. The study and conservation of the European roller
  2. The study and conservation of the Diane
  3. The study and conservation of the Hermit
  4. The study and conservation of the Ocellated lizard
  5. The conservation of the Capercaillie in the Vosges and the Jura

This scientific work is carried out under the direction of our scientific director, based at Mas Mireille, and gives rise to numerous reports and publications (see below).

Other research and monitoring projects :

A Rocha France also participates in various regional and national research and monitoring projects, in particular:

– Bird ringing and Temporal Monitoring of Common Birds with the Natural History Museum

– Winter waterbird counts with Wetlands International

– Regional atlases on various taxonomic groups (notably birds, reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies and butterflies) and various national surveys with the Regional Nature Parks, Natura 2000 sites, the LPO and the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels,

– Participation in national action plans for the Ocellated Lizard, the European Cistude, Odonates, Butterflies, the Starry Bittern and the European Otter.

Our work is largely supported by the participation of many friends, volunteers and trainees, for whom we provide technical training and field supervision.

Publications and scientific reports

Scientific reports and publications on the work carried out by the A Rocha France scientific team:

Prepared by MME BirdLife Hungary on behalf of the European Commission, the aim of this study is to clarify the status and viability of Roller populations in the EU by 2030, to halt the decline of the European population by 2030 and to promote the conditions that will help populations return to a favourable conservation status and allow range expansion in Europe. Click here to read the study.

Two populations of Diana (Zerynthia polyxena) are present on two sites managed by the A Rocha France association in the Baux marshes in the south of France. These sites are subject to conservation management involving late mowing, which aims to favour the Diane’s host plant, aristolochia, while preserving the butterflies. These two populations will be monitored by Capture-Marking-Recapture in 2023 to study population trends. You can find the full study report by clicking here.

The marshes of Les Baux, a Natura 2000 site with MAB certification and a floodplain for the Rhône, contain several elements of ecological continuity, combining characteristic aquatic and terrestrial environments, demonstrating the presence of a significant turquoise network. However, little research has been carried out into this network, and in particular into its functionality, despite the fact that many species dependent on this network are present in the Baux marshes. The aim of the study was to map the turquoise network in the Baux marshes, and to propose management recommendations for hydraulic practices, farming practices and practices relating to vegetation and the banks of canals and riparian vegetation, in order to preserve or restore the functionality of this network. Click here to consult the study. 

In 2023, we carried out two different ringing protocols on the Ilon marsh site, the VOIE protocol, which aims to document variations in migration routes between individuals, in space and in time, and the PHENO protocol, which aims to document variations in migratory phenology of passerines between individuals, in space and in time.
In total, we carried out 24 ringing sessions on this site and 3,417 captures were made of 37 species. To read the full report, click here. 

To read the full study, click here.

To read the study (in English), please request permission by email from Timothée.

The marshes of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, in the Camargue region of France, are traditionally managed using a rotational plan for each plot of land. However, little is known about the effects of slash-and-burn on breeding avifauna in wetlands, and particularly in cladia. We have therefore carried out a study to gain a better understanding of its impact. Read the full study by clicking here. 

In 2022, we carried out two different ringing protocols at the Marais de l’Ilon site, the VOIE protocol, which aims to document variations in migration routes between individuals, in space and in time, and the PHENO protocol, which aims to document variations in the migratory phenology of passerines between individuals, in space and in time.
In 2022, we carried out 25 ringing sessions at this site. A total of 2583 birds of 40 species were captured. Read the full report by clicking here. 

To read the full study, click here.

The Diana (Zerynthia polyxena) was first described in 1775 by Denis & Schiffermüller. This species depends on a plant, Aristolochia. Although it thrives in open environments, the habitat of this plant is currently very fragmented. As a result, most of the Diana populations are very small and very localised. This butterfly is now classified as a threatened species and its presence on a site must therefore be subject to appropriate management to preserve the species. The management plan in place recommends mowing the vegetation during the Dianes’ hibernation period to open up the site without harming the individuals present. The aim here is to increase the Aristolochia population and thus maintain or even expand the habitat that is favourable to the Diana, in order to extend its range. To read the full report, click here. 

To read the study (in English), please request permission by email from Timothée.

Since 2002, A Rocha France has been developing and maintaining a network of nest boxes for rollers in the Vallée des Baux. And since 2016, the team has been mapping and monitoring a number of available natural cavities that could potentially be suitable for the rollier to breed in. Here are the results of our study for the 2021 season: click here.

In 2020, we announced the start of a study in the Vallée des Baux on the European pond terrapin, this discreet and shy aquatic turtle… Read the full study by clicking here. 

In 2020, we carried out 26 ringing sessions on this site. In total, we captured 5,211 birds of 41 species. Read the report by clicking here.

To read the study, click here.

 

To read the study, click here. 

To read the study (in English), please request permission by email from Timothée.

 

To read the study (in English), please request permission by email from Timothée.

 

To read the study, click here.

To read the study (in English), please request permission by email from Timothée.

To read the study (in English), please request permission by email from Timothée.