Monitoring of Lesser Kestrel

The aim is to identify the risk of predation on the sites where the grasshopper is present and the potential sites for its reintroduction. Depending on the results, the relocation of some of the Lesser Kestrel nesting boxes could be considered, ensuring that there is no negative effect on this protected bird population.

Faucon crécerellette fraîchement bagué entre les mains d’un ornithologue confirmé © Jean-Christophe Bartolucci

In April and May 2022, 15 falcons were fitted with GPS transmitters to track their movements in the Crau. These transmitters, weighing around 5 grams, were placed on breeding adults at night, without affecting their chances of reproducing success. After a few difficulties (the loss of several tags), a new installation technique was developed by the LPO France, the service provider for this action.

Thus, 8 males and 7 females from 5 sites were successfully equipped.

Since then, these individuals have been monitored once a week at their nesting site, by reading their rings with binoculars. Antennas are used to download the geolocation data stored on the tags.

News

Breeding and reintroduction

Deux oothèques ressemblant à deux tas de terre

A new generation of grasshoppers for 2024

Published: Septembre 07 2023

The Crau grasshoppers were busy at the start of the summer! Having become adults within a few weeks timeframe and after undergoing five moults, the grasshoppers from the three breeding stations (La Barben Zoological Park, Besançon Museum ...

Breeding and reintroduction

First hatchings 2023

Published: Avril 24 2023

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!

Breeding and reintroduction

Beautiful babies to come!

Published: Décembre 19 2022

In order to ensure the proper development of the grasshopper eggs currently placed in the aviaries in the Crau, three egg pods were dissected on 15 November by Antoine Foucart, an entomologist at the CBGP joint research unit (CIRAD, INRAE, ...

Breeding and reintroduction

Cathy Gibault, veterinarian dedicated to the Crau Plain Grasshopper

Published: Septembre 19 2022

Cathy Gibault is a veterinarian who has worked for more than 15 years in zoos on conservation programmes for threatened species. Since 2014, she has been contributing to the improvement of knowledge about the Crau Plain Grasshopper. Today ...

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