The Lesser Kestrel is one of the predators of the Crau Plain Grasshopper. This is why this bird is being studied closely as part of the Life SOS Crau Grasshopper project.
© LPO France
The aim is to identify the risk of predation on the sites where the grasshopper is present and the potential sites for its reintroduction. Depending on the results, the relocation of some of the Lesser Kestrel nesting boxes could be considered, ensuring that there is no negative effect on this protected bird population.
In April and May 2022, 15 falcons were fitted with GPS transmitters to track their movements in the Crau. These transmitters, weighing around 5 grams, were placed on breeding adults at night, without affecting their chances of reproducing success. After a few difficulties (the loss of several tags), a new installation technique was developed by the LPO France, the service provider for this action.
Thus, 8 males and 7 females from 5 sites were successfully equipped.
Since then, these individuals have been monitored once a week at their nesting site, by reading their rings with binoculars. Antennas are used to download the geolocation data stored on the tags.
Cathy Gibault is a veterinarian who has worked for more than 15 years in zoos on conservation programmes for threatened species. Since 2014, she has been contributing to the improvement of knowledge about the Crau Plain Grasshopper. Today ...
Eyes fixed on the ground, three people seem to be wandering at random in the Coussoul under a blazing sun. What are they looking for…?
