Predation by insectivorous birds is one of the threats to Crau Plain Grasshopper populations, particularly by locally abundant or concentrated species.
One of the objectives of the LIFE project is therefore to study the impact of predation and to manage this predation on the sites of the three sub-populations and the reintroduction sites of the Crau Plain Grasshopper without negatively impacting the breeding colonies of insectivorous species.
Héron garde-bœuf, espèce insectivore liée au pâturage © Laurent Tatin - CEN PACA
The Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur will coordinate the following four actions:
To analyse the home range and hunting areas, fifteen birds will be fitted with GPS transmitters by Philippe Pilard (LPO France) in spring 2022, in line with the objectives of the 3rd National Action Plan for this species. Data will be used for the reintroduction of the Crau Plain Grasshopper and the adaptation of nesting sites for colonial insectivores (below).
The abundance of corvids and the cattle heron is closely linked to the sheep flocks. In addition to adapted grazing management, grazing will be limited on the Crau Plain Grasshopper sites using mobile and temporary fencing to exclude sheep flocks and birds very locally (compensatory payments).
The breeding colonies of Jackdaws and Lesser Kestrels are concentrated in buildings. Based on the results of the Kestrel home range study (above) and the Crau Plain Grasshopper reintroduction plan, adaptations will be made if necessary to one or two colonies in order to reduce their size, by translocation of breeding pairs, avoiding any negative impact on the species.
Monitoring of insectivorous birds will be carried out partly with the help of volunteers (e.g. shepherds).
Héron garde-bœuf, espèce insectivore liée au pâturage en Crau © Laurent Tatin - CEN PACA
Finally you can observe them – for real! Or almost…
This spring, our team has prepared a whole programme to discover the Crau Plain Grasshopper
She cuts, assembles, glues, paints and articulates pieces of paper. She sculpts organic figures, plants, animals, then animates them. Her works transpire a naturalist sensitivity at the “edge of the brush”.
Within the framework of the LIFE SOS Crau Grasshopper project, our teams are mobilized to help as many people as possible discover this endangered species, starting with our future citizens!
Finally you can observe them – for real! Or almost…
This spring, our team has prepared a whole programme to discover the Crau Plain Grasshopper
The first hatchings of Crau Plain Grasshopper in 2023 took place at the beginning of April and observations of the first juveniles are multiplying by the day!
She cuts, assembles, glues, paints and articulates pieces of paper. She sculpts organic figures, plants, animals, then animates them. Her works transpire a naturalist sensitivity at the “edge of the brush”.