Shrikes of Provence – LPO Paca

Study programme on the ecology of an endangered species “at the gates” of the La Barben Animal Park

Shrikes are the subject of a National Action Plan (NAP) supported by the DREAL in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Among the four shrike species concerned by this NAP, the southern shrike, threatened with extinction (status “vulnerable”, IUCN 2017), is experiencing a sharp decline in the south of France and Spain. In Provence, most of the numbers of this species are found in the open scrubland of the main limestone massifs.

In partnership with the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis and supported by our park, a study programme has been initiated by the PACA League for the Protection of Birds on a sector (1350 ha) of the Special Protection Area of the Garrigues de Lançon (municipalities of La Barben, Lambesc and Pélissanne).

This program aims to better understand the ecology of this shrike in relation to the management of its habitat: reproductive phenology, ringing of birds to measure the survival of breeding adults and the recruitment of young birds, impact of work to open up the environment.

We are happy to support this ultra-local program since 2022!