Counting sheep, gathering local knowledge and cooperating with farmers

Since March 2022,ten farmers from the coussoul have been taking part in a survey on pastoralism in the Crau, led by Perrine Turiez, LIFE SOS Crau Grasshopper project manager at the Bouches-du-Rhône Chamber of Agriculture. As these farmers work on pastureland where Crau Plain Grasshopper populations still exist (Peau de Meau and Calissane), or where there are plans to reintroduce the species in the years to come, collaboration with them is essential.

These exchanges are an opportunity to present the LIFE SOS Crau Grasshopper project to the breeders and to encourage cooperation on several issues: research into the causes of the disappearance of the grasshopper, knowledge of pastoral practices in the Coussoul and their successive evolution, changes in the environment observed by the breeders, etc.

The knowledge obtained will complete the studies underway or planned on the Crau Plain Grasshopper’s habitat and predation by birds on these coussouls. They will also contribute to the selection of sites for the first reintroductions of the Crau Plain Grasshopper.

These surveys will also be used to co-construct grazing management plans with the farmers on these sites, which will aim to create conditions favourable to the reintroduction and/or survival of the Crau Plain Grasshopper, while preserving good breeding conditions.

An ambitious and exciting programme!