Launch of the Life project “SOS Criquet de Crau”!
This locust (Prionotropis rhodanica) is only found in the “Coussouls de Crau”, an area of dry grasslands located in the Bouches du Rhône, between the Alpilles and the Mediterranean. Although it is large (3.5 to 4.5 cm long), it is very difficult to observe it, as it is particularly good at camouflage!
Unfortunately, it is “Critically Endangered” of extinction, due in particular to the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat.
This is why the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the Chamber of Agriculture of the Bouches-du-Rhône, the La Barben animal park and the Besançon Museum, surrounded by numerous technical partners, national and international experts as well as local actors, are joining forces in this “Life” project, supported by the European Commission, to save this locust.
4 objectives:
– Expand areas of favourable habitat
– reduce threats (predation by birds, etc.)
– Breed it in captivity to reintroduce it
– make it known to the general public and raise awareness of its preservation
In addition to the fact that this locust is part of our heritage, it is an “umbrella” species: protecting it means protecting its environment and all the species associated with it!
Our team is therefore preparing to welcome its first locusts this spring, in order to reproduce them, in peace and quiet – so you will not be able to observe them directly. But our educational team will take care of helping you discover this atypical, discreet, but so precious species!
More information: www.lifecriquetdecrau.com
