The Avian Fauna of the Bertranges

Concerned about understanding the potential consequences that renewable energy production projects could have on the avian fauna of the Bertranges region, the Association for the Defense of the Bertranges sought the support of the Charlois Group to conduct a study of the species present across this area, which is particularly rich in biodiversity.

This study was conducted by the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux), a national association recognized as being of public utility, which works daily for the protection of species, the preservation of habitats, as well as for environmental education and awareness.

This summary of the species present in the Bertranges region was created using data collected by volunteer observers, which were submitted to the participatory site. faune.nievre.org,These observations were then verified and validated by experienced ornithologists. This database thus provides a reliable, though not exhaustive, understanding of the avian biodiversity of the Bertranges.

From the 74,479 data points extracted from the participatory site, the LPO members were able to identify 201 different species, including some nesting species such as the booted eagle, the Montagu’s harrier, the common sandpiper, the black stork, the Mediterranean gull, the Spanish sparrow, the Eurasian scops owl, the little tern, and the northern lapwing, which are classified as endangered, with a high risk of extinction.

This study by the LPO provides various stakeholders in the Bertranges area with an overview of the avian fauna present in the region and helps them approach land development projects, particularly those related to renewable energy, with a greater awareness of nature, its biodiversity, and the impact these projects may have on often fragile and threatened bird populations. More broadly, this type of study demonstrates that a careful selection of wind turbine locations is essential for environmental preservation.

Visuals :European Goldfinch and map of the study area conducted by the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux) © D.R.