Conservation

Conservation ecology: understanding for better protection

In the current context of the erosion of biodiversity, our research is anchored in the conservation biology of amphibians and other organisms inhabiting ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Quantifying decline. Standardized surveys in a wide range of habitats allow precise spatial and temporal monitoring of populations and provide quantitative measures of species decline while delineating distributions. At regional, national and European levels, our monitoring and mapping analyses have shown colossal losses of biodiversity, with declines in both common and rare species.

We have a central interest in intraspecific diversity, particularly in paedomorphosis, a process by which salamanders and newts mature while retaining gills. Our research has noted the near extinction of these phenotypes in some regions, while emphasizing the value of conserving these fabulous examples of developmental variation.

Identify the causes of the decline. We then aim to identify the determinants of site occupancy and the decline observed in the populations. Here again, long-term monitoring in many contexts is particularly useful for identifying new threats. Thus, we have been able to show the effect of species introductions, such as teleost fish or invasive frogs, on aquatic ecosystems and in particular on amphibians. Some species, often considered to be of little threat, have proved to be detrimental for the persistence of native species. The intensification of agricultural practices can lead to scarcity, pollution and ultimately inadequate water bodies. Climate change can also play a significant role in increasing the risk of drying up. Overall, all these effects also impact connectivity, which in turn contributes to decline by disrupting the necessary flows between sites.

Understanding the mechanisms. We analyse the behaviour of species in detail and identify the contexts in which environmental disturbances can have a harmful effect. The study of behavioural patterns, dispersal and trophic flows is thus essential to understand the place of species in these networks and the way they react to disturbances.

Communicate and act. Our research allows us to communicate directly during fieldwork on the existence of threats. We inform managers about the presence of protected species and the threats they face. Targeted management has led to the resilience of locally extinct populations while ex-situ conservation programs contribute to reintroduction projects for endangered species. Our results gave support for legislative change in favour of biodiversity conservation. At the European level, we participate in the establishment of IUCN red lists, in collaborative programs (COST for example) and in joint campaigns with environmental protection organisations (WFD - CAP - Biodiversity Strategy ; see also summary in Amphibia-Reptilia). We have also coordinated the Action Plan for the Danube crested newt (SEH / Danubeparks). It is also through public websites that this information is relayed (see for example National Geographic, Daily Science). Our message has also been disseminated through various documentaries (on the ecology of the pedomorphosis of American tiger salamanders (film by D. Bay), on that of European newts (extract) or on the conservation of Japanese giant salamanders).

Finally, through our Master's courses, we aim to train students to understand the ecology and conservation of amphibians and, more generally, the behaviour of species. Our master internships are also mostly focused on amphibian conservation, thus providing a complementary basis to the biology curriculum to start a doctoral thesis in the field or join entities dedicated to conservation.

All research activities are carried out with all the requisite precautions, notably by using specific equipment reserved for each study area and adequately disinfected between each site.

 

SELECTION OF PUBLICATIONS IN CONSERVATION ECOLOGY

Some representative publications in conservation ecology:

Invasive alien species

Rarity and declines

Quality of habitats and ecological network

Management

Action Plan

updated on 5/13/26

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