Communication acoustique chez le cheval de Przewalski (Equus przewalski poliakov, 1881) réintroduit dans le Parc National de Hortobagy, Hongrie

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (2007), 22

Utilisation de la microchimie de l'otolithe pour discriminer les populations de chabots au sein du bassin de la Meuse walonne

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (2006), 22(2), 39-50

Contribution à l’étude de l’avifaune de l’île Santay, Equateur

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (2005), 22(1), 31-42

The avifauna of the Santay island (Guayaquil, Ecuador) has been studied during a six-months period from September 2000 to February 2001. Nearly half covered by mangrove forest, the island (2 200 ha) has ... [more ▼]

The avifauna of the Santay island (Guayaquil, Ecuador) has been studied during a six-months period from September 2000 to February 2001. Nearly half covered by mangrove forest, the island (2 200 ha) has recently been put on the list of the Ramsar Convention. However, very few data exist about its natural resources. The present results are compared to a previous study carried out in 1994. On the whole 130 birds species have been listed in Santay (48 new for the island) among which 20 Emberizidae, 18 Tyrannidae, 16 diurnal raptors, 20 endemic species to Ecuador, Colombia or Peru, 12 migrating species and 10 species both resident and migrating. Some of these species present abundant populations. Several taxa are considered as threatened. These results confirm the high biological value of the island and involve an important potential for the development of ecotouristic activities. [less ▲]

Le comportement social des urodèles

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (1999), 19

It could be misleading to consider that the social behaviour of newts and salamanders is simple and can be generalized. Indeed, individuals are faced with external and internal conditions which are ... [more ▼]

It could be misleading to consider that the social behaviour of newts and salamanders is simple and can be generalized. Indeed, individuals are faced with external and internal conditions which are extremely variable. In response to these factors, they may respond in a particular way. The behavioural variations, called alternative tactics, allow individuals to improve their fitness, i.e. to ensure the survival of their genes. They can be exhibited in reaction to a large range of factors such as the mere presence or density of competitors, the operational sex-ratio, the behaviour and kinship of the other individuals, the abiotic characteristics of the environment, the experience of the individuals involved. These alternative tactics are favoured in urodeles. Indeed, although the main process of fertilization is internal, they breed by means of a spermatophore deposited in the external environment. Each species of newts and salamanders exhibits specific behavioural patterns as they developed and evolved in particular environments which have exerted selective pressures on the individuals and in this way on the species. As a consequence, the understanding of patterns of behaviour requires that we know the environment in which they appeared. The main occurrence of parental care and territoriality in terrestrial environments may be explained by the features of these habitats in which eggs could not survive without protection, and in which adults may defend areas of particular interest and communicate by means of pheromones. All of these characteristics show that we have to study the behaviour of individuals of different species under several conditions. Without such an analysis, it would be difficult to understand biodiversity. [less ▲]

Evolution des effectifs des Tétras lyres (Tetrao tetrix) dans les Hautes-Fagnes de Belgique

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (1998), 18(1),

Les aires protégées dans la tourmente. Evolution de la situation de 1990 à 1996

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (1998), 18(2), 161-174

The Akagera National Park (ANP) and the Volcano National Park (VNP) are the main protected areas in Rwanda. Following civil war that bloodstained the country since 1990, the destiny of these two parks ... [more ▼]

The Akagera National Park (ANP) and the Volcano National Park (VNP) are the main protected areas in Rwanda. Following civil war that bloodstained the country since 1990, the destiny of these two parks diverged. The VNP, dedicated to the conservation of one of the last population of mountain gorillas and of their habitat, recovered somehow the same situation as before the war despite some gorillas were lost. The ANP, on the other hand, has been invaded by large herds of domestic cattle, which resulted in serious injuries at its integrity. It seems that two-thirds of the park are on the way to be sacrificed and will be devoted to human and cattle settlement. The fate of the remaining third is still undecided. About 63 years after the park was created, the golden era of this protected area of international reputation seems close to an end... But it is the conservationists' duty to carry on. [less ▲]

Evolution des populations du tétras lyre Tetrao tetrix L. en Europe: un essai de synthèse

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (1997), 17((2-3-4)), 287-343

Phénologie et domaine vital de la salamandre terrestre Salamandra salamandra terrestris (Amphibia, Caudata) dans un bois du Pays de Herve (Belgique)

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (1996), 16

The aim of this study was to approach some aspects of the life-history of the fire salamander Salamandra s. terrestris in a small wood of the Vesdre Valley (Liege Province, Belgium). In 1996, 189 ... [more ▼]

The aim of this study was to approach some aspects of the life-history of the fire salamander Salamandra s. terrestris in a small wood of the Vesdre Valley (Liege Province, Belgium). In 1996, 189 salamanders were marked and 68 recaptured. Their cartographic position and the meteorological conditions were noted. Salamanders were active from March to October, mated from May to August and females gave birth to larvae in March-April. Only a small part of the population was active at the same moment. Salamanders were generally faithful to a home range, in spite of some erratic individuals, and are apparently non-territorial. They moved principally along a path. The population is important but strongly threatened by the perturbation of its environment: stream drying, clearing and forest fire. [less ▲]

Le Laboratoire d'Ethologie des Poissons rénové.

Article for general public (1996)

Les échouages de cétacés: une méprise magnétique?

in Cahiers d'Ethologie (1996), 16(1), 126-130