The otter: a natural return
In the 1960s, the otter had virtually disappeared from the Cévennes. In 1990, a fisherman discovered traces of its presence in the Tarn River. Follow-up checks were conducted on all of the Park’s waterways. These waterways – Lot, Tarn, Luech, Mimente and Tarnon, as well as the Mediterranean drainage basin – were gradually being recolonised. Today, the otter can once again be found throughout the Park.
The European beaver: a helping hand for nature
The beaver, which has been protected since the turn of the 20ht century, has repopulated all Mediterranean tributaries from the Rhone delta, where it had taken refuge.
When the National Park was created, the Mediterranean drainage basin had already been re-occupied by the beaver. It was then reintroduced in the Tarn and Doubie rivers, in the Atlantic basin. Some animals probably also crossed the watershed themselves, as suggested by the numerous traces on either side of the watershed, at the heads of the drainage basins.
Today, steady beaver populations can be found on both sides of the watershed.
Red deer
From its very beginning, the Park started reintroducing the red deer, which had been extinct in the Cévennes for about three centuries. Simultaneously, the Park put in place follow-up checks to monitor the situation and a hunting plan to control population levels. Red deer populations have indeed developed, mainly in two areas: the upper Tarn and Mimente valleys, and northern Mont Aigoual.
This great ungulate now has its own place amid the Park fauna. Hunters and naturalists have gradually appropriated the red deer, even though it remains a source of worry to some because of the damage it can cause to crops.
Roe deer
The roe deer has had the same evolution as the red deer: extinction, reintroduction, management. It was, however, reintroduced more widely, namely all over France. In the Cévennes, as elsewhere, it has spread more consistently than the red deer and can now be found throughout the Park.
Wild boar
Wild-boar populations have been expanding for over twenty years. They are an emblematic species in the Cévennes, particularly because of their interest as game. In 1978 just under 400 wild boars were shot on Park land; in 1996, over 4,000.
This evolution can be attributed to several factors: the appearance of very favourable biotopes (overgrown land); large quantities of food (chestnuts, beechnuts and acorns); a prolonged policy of release, using crossbred animals; the species’ protected status (in reserves or through localised protection of population groups); less harsh winters, etc.
To improve the situation, the decision has been taken to implement a concerted local management system involving the different parties concerned: farmers, hunters, foresters, protectors, authorities, etc.
Moufflons
The moufflon, long a poachers’ favourite, has benefited from the drawing up of a hunting plan that involves local hunters in the management of this species. Within the Park, the population now exceeds 100 animals, confined to the upper Hérault valley, on Mont Aigoual. A few individual animals have also been observed in the St Germain de Calberte area for the past few years. Moufflons also frequent the Tarn gorges and the rims of the Causse Méjean and Causse de Sauveterre.
Bats
The Park territory is particularly rich in bats. This is due to the diversity of climate influences and environments, and the numerous potential host sites: swallow holes, caves, mine levels, various buildings. De ce fait ce territoire. An inventory of bat species and their habitats is being prepared.
Przewalski’s Horse : the last wild horse
The Przewalski’s Horse was first described in 1879 by Colonel Przewalski on his return from a voyage to Mongolia. It is a member of the horse family (Equidae), a family that also encompasses zebras and wild donkeys. The Przewalski has
never been domesticated, unlike other horses such as the mustang, which are descended from domestic animals that escaped into the wild. It has therefore been recognised as the only wild horse species in the world.
The hamlet of Le Villaret remains a scientific centre for studying Przewalski behaviour and for monitoring the contribution that their grazing makes to maintaining open spaces. Elsewhere on the Causse Méjean, it is extensive sheep farming that makes it possible to maintain both economic activity and a remarkable landscape and biodiversity. The presence of wild horses has also contributed economically by fostering a specific form of tourism. TAKH, by launching itself into this adventure, has given Le Villaret a new lease of life.