Evidence for a differentiated chromosomal race north of classical south European refuge areas in the garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus

in Acta Theriologica (2012), 57(4), 313-320

The dormouse Eliomys quercinus is a forest rodent undergoing long periods of winter hibernation. The species presents a surprisingly large diversity of chromosomal races, which geographic distribution was ... [more ▼]

The dormouse Eliomys quercinus is a forest rodent undergoing long periods of winter hibernation. The species presents a surprisingly large diversity of chromosomal races, which geographic distribution was shown recently to predate the Pleistocene glaciations. Previously reported data on the karyotypes of the garden dormouse in France come from the northeast of the country, where the 2N050 race occurs. New data are presented from specimens trapped near the Atlantic coast (departments of Vendée and Charente-Maritime), in the Pyrenees, the Alps and in the Massif Central. The French Alpine chain, close to the Italian border, is inhabited by the 2N054 race. A karyotype with 2N048 chromosomes, of Iberian type, is found north of the Pyrenees, near the central Atlantic coast and also in the south of the Massif Central, whereas the 2N050 race occurs in the north of the massif. A hybrid between these two races (2N049) was found in Vendée. These facts reveal that neither the Pyrenees nor the Alps constitute a biogeographic barrier to the dormouse and strongly suggest that the present population of northern France derives from a postglacial recolonisation movement initiated in the southernmost regions of France or in the Rhône valley. [less ▲]

Evolution de la répartition de la loutre d'Europe (Lutra lutra) au Maroc

Conference (2012, May)

Base de données mortalité et étude du régime alimentaire (Balbuzard)

Learning material (2010)

Des loutres dans le réseau aquifère des grottes d'Arcy-sur-Cure (Yonne)

in Recherches Naturalistes en Région Centre (2006), 15

La loutre peut aller pêcher loin sous terre et fréquente le milieu souterrain.

Zoogeography of the chromosomal races of the garden dormouse, Eliomys quercinus, in France

Poster (2003)

Recent biogeographic and ecological studies on otter (Lutra lutra) and European mink (Mustela lutreola) in France

in Säugetierkundliche informationen (2001), 25

Otter and European mink are two threatened species in France. The mink is even considered to be on the verge of extinction. Studies have been carried out for more than ten years to attempt to understand ... [more ▼]

Otter and European mink are two threatened species in France. The mink is even considered to be on the verge of extinction. Studies have been carried out for more than ten years to attempt to understand the changes in their distribution and the ecological needs of these two semi-aquatic mustelids. The results of the research programmes completed or still under way, are presented. The French Ministry of Environment has set up two specific restoration plans, with the contribution of Conversation societies for wild fauna and scientific institutions. [less ▲]

Recent evolution of the status of the European mink (Mustela lutreola) and of the otter (Lutra lutra) in France.

in III International Symposium "Semiaquatische Säugetiere und ihre Lebenräume (1999, May)

Research programme on the European otter in the Trebon biosphere reserve (Czech Republic)

Report (1996)

Use of day resting places by the European otter (Lutra lutra) in the Marais Poitevin (France). A radiotracking study

in Mathias, Maria da Luz; Santos Reis, Margarida; Amori, Giovanni (Eds.) et al European mammals. Proceedings of the European congress of Mammalogy (1996)

1. resting place situation. 2. pattern use of the resting places. 3. occupation pattern of resting place and the characteristics of th habitat

Evolution récente du statut de la loutre dans le Parc National des Cévennes

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (1995), 15(2-3-4), 233-238

In the south east of the Massif central, the Cevennes National Park covers the area along the dividing line between the Atlantic and Mediterranean catchment areas. The climatic conditions of these medium ... [more ▼]

In the south east of the Massif central, the Cevennes National Park covers the area along the dividing line between the Atlantic and Mediterranean catchment areas. The climatic conditions of these medium-sized mountains are very varied, with a high degree of seasonnality affecting the hydrologic regime of the rivers. The otter seems to have disappeared from that region around the 1960's. Some years ago, evidence was found again ona regular basis in some of these rivers. From 1990, the evolution of this otter population has been monitored by systematic observation of their signe in the principal watercourses covering an area of about 3000 km². At the same time, a preliminary study of the diet (spraint analysis) has been undertaken. Otter signs have been first evidenced on the upper reaches of the rivers Tarn and Lot. In subsequent years, signs have been disovered on some tributaries and on a watercourse flowing to the Mediterranean side: the river Luech. In the river Tarn (upper barbel zone), the most frequent prey is the gudgeon, reaching more than 50% of the total number of prey. However, when the biomass intake is considered, the barbel appears to play the major role, accounting for 46 % of the total food intake. The occurrence of the brown trout (11 %) and its relative biomass (18 %) are weak when compared with the composition of the river fish fauna (25 to 43 % of the estimated fish biomass). [less ▲]