Research for biodiversity

Soucieuses de préserver les richesses naturelles exceptionnelles de leur territoire, classé parmi les 35 "hotspots" mondiaux de la biodiversité, la Ville et la Métropole de Montpellier ont signé, le 4 novembre 2021, une convention de partenariat pluriannuelle avec le Centre d'écologie fonctionnelle et évolutive (CEFE). 

Ce centre de recherche de renommée internationale, l'un des plus importants en France, s'associe aux collectivités locales pour un objectif commun : protéger et valoriser la biodiversité dans les espaces verts naturels protégés du territoire métropolitain.

Un partenariat renforcé pour une action plus efficace

Cette convention, qui s'étend sur la période 2021-2026, vient consolider une collaboration déjà fructueuse entre les 3 parties, initiée il y a plus de 20 ans. Elle permet de structurer et d'amplifier les actions menées en faveur de la biodiversité, en s'appuyant sur les recherches de pointe menées par les scientifiques du CEFE.

Elle a pour objet d’initier et animer un réseau de réflexion et d’actions réunissant les personnels du CEFE, de la Métropole et de la Ville de Montpellier, de mobiliser les acquis scientifiques les plus récents sur la biodiversité pour élaborer une stratégie territoriale ambitieuse.

3 axes de coopération majeurs

Le partenariat entre le CEFE, la Ville et la Métropole de Montpellier s'articule autour de 3 axes principaux :

1. Améliorer la connectivité des espaces verts pour favoriser la circulation des espèces et la préservation de la biodiversité dans les paysages urbains.
2. Comprendre et lutter contre les impacts du changement climatique et des invasions biologiques sur la biodiversité en milieu urbain, en développant des stratégies de gestion adaptées.
3. Inventorier, valoriser et partager les connaissances et les outils de sensibilisation auprès des acteurs et du grand public pour améliorer la compréhension et l'appréciation de la biodiversité.

Un engagement fort pour l'avenir

En s'unissant à l'expertise scientifique du CEFE, la Ville et la Métropole de Montpellier affirment leur volonté de placer la préservation de la biodiversité au cœur de leurs politiques publiques. Ce partenariat permettra de mettre en œuvre des actions concrètes et ambitieuses pour protéger les richesses naturelles exceptionnelles du territoire et assurer un avenir durable pour les générations futures.

The meadows of urban parks harbor an astonishing biodiversity. To better understand and preserve this natural wealth, the City of Montpellier's Landscape and Biodiversity Department, in collaboration with CEFE-CNRS, has launched an unprecedented study into the plant diversity of its green spaces.

A rigorous scientific protocol

Inspired by the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle's "Florilèges" participatory science program, the scientific monitoring took place over 10 m² in each park studied. The aim? Accurately survey the flora, analyzing its frequency, biology, ecology and vegetation structure.

128 species surveyed: a plant treasure trove in the heart of the city

Result: 128 plant species were identified, revealing an unsuspected wealth in the heart of the city. Among them, lanceolate plantain, present in all parks, rubs shoulders with field bindweed, Scotch mallow and a variety of grasses typical of the Mediterranean region.

A much greater diversity than in northern France

On average, 28 species were counted per 10 m² plot, i.e. 2 to 3 times more than in northern France. This exceptional plant richness bears witness to the unique climate and environment of the Mediterranean region.

A valuable tool for sustainable management of green spaces

The data collected will enable us to establish a precise inventory of urban flora and identify the factors influencing its diversity. This valuable information will guide the sustainable management of green spaces, promoting the flourishing of biodiversity and the well-being of residents.

Beyond its scientific dimension, this study also aims to raise public awareness of the hidden wealth of urban meadows.

Who hasn't seen these pretty little birds, sometimes colored yellow, black or blue, landing on their balcony or in their garden? They're probably tits, those familiar birds of our cities!

Since 2010, to better understand the living habits of wild species in urban environments, the CEFE-CNRS and the University of Montpellier have been conducting a meticulous follow-up of the reproduction of the great tit and the blue tit. This fascinating study is taking place in the very heart of the city, with the invaluable collaboration of agents from Montpellier's Landscape and Biodiversity Department.

Why chickadees?

These birds were chosen for several reasons: they are ubiquitous in our parks and gardens, but also in more artificial areas (such as along roadsides). What's more, they appreciate artificial nest boxes and are easy to handle, making them ideal study subjects for ecologists.

Nearly 250 nesting boxes scattered around the city

To carry out this research, the CEFE and CNRS teams, accompanied by agents from the Landscape and Biodiversity Department, installed nearly 250 nesting boxes in 5 sectors of the city: la Mosson, the Lunaret zoo, Grammont, Font-colombe and Mas Nouguier.

Meticulous monitoring to understand their lives

This study, which focuses on the ecology, demography, behavior and evolution of chickadees in the city, requires rigorous monitoring every spring. The program includes observation of nests and broods, age determination of chicks, bird ringing and morphometric measurements.

Weekly visits to make sure you don't miss a thing

The nest boxes are visited once a week between mid-March and mid-July. A delicate operation requiring great expertise to avoid disturbing the birds. This is an opportunity to observe nest building, egg laying, hatching... precious moments to better understand the life cycle of these small birds.

Understanding the impact of man on wildlife

The main objective of this study is to determine how human factors such as noise, light, chemical pollution, disturbance and food resources, influence wildlife. This is vital information for better protecting biodiversity in urban environments.