Species of great heritage interest
Based on the categories established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are 42 threatened species (of which eleven are critically endangered and 31 vulnerable), 18 rare species, 14 species without status and 20 species to be monitored. The National Park is also home to species of European importance. 103 species are concerned by the European Habitats Directive (two of which are priority species, the rosalia longicorn and the hermit beetle) and 48 by the Birds Directive – of which one, the cinereous vulture (also known as the black or monk vulture), is a priority. Finally, 229 of the species found here are wholly protected by the French environmental code.
Why such an abundance?
This abundance is above all linked to the diversity of terrain, sun exposure, altitudes, climate influences and altitude range. The latter is particularly important for small species (invertebrates, micro-mammals, passerines, etc.).
The human role: important, but with mixed results
Humans were a direct factor in the disappearance of large species. Practically all the large mammals – both ungulates and predators – and the majority of large birds of prey and gallinaceous birds disappeared long ago.
Humans have also indirectly encouraged numerous species by maintaining open spaces: short-grass and other prairies, fields and moors. Human modes of production – so far relatively unaggressive towards the natural environment – have preserved food chains.
Finally, different interventions in favour of the fauna and, more recently, the National Park’s successful reintroductions have encouraged or guaranteed the return of a few species that had disappeared from the area, such as the griffon vulture and the cinereous (or black or monk) vulture.
However, humans do not have mastery over everything. Different species have evolved differently. The disappearance of the little bustard and the grey partridge coincides with the return of the European otter and Tengmalm’s (or boreal) owl, to cite just a few examples.