Thus, an operation to count these birds was organised on Sunday 8 May 2022. About forty volunteers participated. While some observed the birds from a fixed point (23) on the edge of a grazing area, others followed a shepherd and his flock (6) within their grazing area. All of them met at noon at the Ecomuseum in Saint-Martin de Crau to share their experience and observations over some regional specialities.
Why counting birds ?
The objective was to gain a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of these birds in the coussouls, in order to characterise the risk of predation in each grazing area concerned. These data are one of the parameters that will influence the choice of sites for the reintroduction of the Crau Plain Grasshopper.
In addition, this count also enabled us to introduce the volunteers to the emblematic species of the Crau, to strengthen the links with the shepherds and to help certain novice naturalists to progress.
Thank you to all the participants for their motivation, their curiosity and their good humour!
News
Communicating and raising awareness
An educational kit dedicated to the Crau Grasshopper
Published: Octobre 16 2023
The Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, La Barben Zoo and the Zoological Park of the Museum of Besançon have produced an educational kit to be used at local events to raise awareness among ...
Read more
Communicating and raising awareness
New treasure hunt game “In search of Mr Crau Grasshopper”
Published: Octobre 02 2023
Since last spring, the Ecomusée has been offering visitors the chance to take advantage of their visit to go in search of “Mr Crau Grasshopper”.
Read more
Communicating and raising awareness
An InterLIFE trip for the Crau Grasshopper
Published: Septembre 29 2023
The Crau grasshopper is becoming increasingly popular, and there are many national and international requests for information on this unique insect. Lisbeth Zechner, LIFE SOS Crau grasshopper project manager at the Conservatoire ...
Read more
Breeding and reintroduction
A new generation of grasshoppers for 2024
Published: Septembre 07 2023
The Crau grasshoppers were busy at the start of the summer! Having become adults within a few weeks timeframe and after undergoing five moults, the grasshoppers from the three breeding stations (La Barben Zoological Park, Besançon Museum ...