What happens to ptarmigans when marmots arrive? [Qu'advient-il des lagopèdes quand les marmottes arrivent?].

Résumé

The population of ptarmigans (Lagopus muta) in southern Pyrenees is endangered and vulnerable. The most optimistic estimates calculate no more than 400 individuals in the Pyrenees. They are very sensitive to landscape changes and their population is limited to few points at the highest altitudes of the Pyrenees. These sites are being occupied by alpine marmots (Marmota marmota) since 1980, with a very high expansion rate. Some personal observation of forest services point at a possible negative effect of the presence of marmots on ptarmigans. We will present the preliminary results of a meta-analysis about preferences of habitat of both species. Overlapping areas can thus be detected through GIS analysis. To complete this approach, we will also present results on interactions of both species based on observations in sites where they cohabit