Poitou-Charentes Wildlife from FrenchEntrée.com

9th February 2010

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Poitou-Charentes Wildlife

By Chris Luck

I hope that this glimpse into the Wildlife of Poitou-Charentes will encourage readers to wander a little from the beaten track and enjoy some of the living treasures that the region has to offer. We live on the borders of Vienne, Charente and Deux Sevres and every day I learn something new and interesting about the natural heritage of Poitou-Charentes and some of the challenges ahead if others in the future are to enjoy the rich diversity that is here.

From a wildlife perspective the first thing most people notice are the birds of prey that can be seen here throughout the year circling the skies, swooping low across the fields or sitting motionless in trees or on posts. If you have come from the UK many of these large birds will be a new experience and will not have been seen before as they are either not present in the UK,

Black Kites (Milan Noir)

such as Black Kites (Milan Noir) or they are only to be found in small numbers often localised, Ospreys (Balbuzard Pêcheur) and Montagu’s Harriers (Busard Cendré) being good examples. Many other large birds which are not birds of prey can also be seen in the skies of the region, Black Storks (Cigogne Noir), Purple Herons (Héron Pourpré) and a recent escape in the 1980’s from captivity, Sacred Ibis (Ibis Sacré), native birds of Africa and the Middle East, are now present and breeding in the region, which although spectacular to see, may not be good news for some native species. These large birds are clearly visible because of their size and the fact that they fly around in open sky, but not all of the birds are as easy to observe.

The most important sites in France for the Little Bustard (Outarde Canepetiere), an endangered, red listed species are to be found in Poitou-Charentes. Corn Crake (Râle des Genêts) and Stone Curlews (Oedicnème Criard), which are both endangered, are also present. These three birds are the subject of various studies and initiatives in an attempt to ensure their long term survival; this is hard and laborious work and takes up a vast amount of peoples time - both paid and voluntary.

Blue throat (Gorgebleue à miroir)

Another bird that is both scarce and difficult to observe is the Blue throat (Gorgebleue à miroir) a smallish robin sized bird that rarely stays still and loves to remain in the cover of thickets or amongst rushes. The males, especially in spring have an incredible blue throat patch separated from the lower breast by black and chestnut bands.

Roe deer (Chevreuil), Wild Boar (Sanglier) and Red Squirrels (Ecureuil Roux) can be frequently seen crossing roads or in fields, some of the other 60 or so species of mammals may require a keener eye or a chance encounter.

Pygmy White Toothed Shrew

The Pygmy White Toothed Shrew (Pachyure Étrustque) one of the worlds smallest known mammals weighing only 2 grams on average is present in Charente and Charente Maitime, but unlikely to be seen, its presence often determined by analysis of Barn Owl Pellets (Pelote d’Effraie des Clochers). The European Mink (le Vison d’Europe), not to be confused with American Mink which are also present, can be found in the river Charente and its tributaries and

Otter

Otters (la Loutre) are increasingly to be found in the rivers of the region. If you were to be extremely fortunate you may see a rare European Beaver (Castor d’Europe) in the Vienne or Charente.

The region is very important for bats with 22 of the 30 species in France to be found here and Charente boasts one of the most important bat sites in France at La Grotte de Rancogne. The natural underground cavities have galleries that extend for 2000 metres and provide a home for more than 20,000 bats more than 15,000 of these being Shreibers Bats (Minioptére de Shreibers), these use different zones in the galleries for breeding, summer residence and hibernation. Due to the importance of this site members of the public are not given access. Other old mines and quarries in the region also play host to important bat colonies.

Tree Frog (Rainette Verte)

For those who like reptiles and amphibians the region provides plenty of colour and interest. Seven different types of snakes inhabit this part of France, some being up to 2 metres long; all are harmless apart from the Asp Viper (Vipère Aspic) a very small snake with an average length of 30cm, although the Asp Viper is venomous, bites are rare and normally not serious. Should you be bitten, stay calm and ask someone to contact the emergency services for you if possible, any of the emergency services will be able to provide assistance. Apply a cold compress if possible and keep warm with additional clothing or a blanket. The beautiful Common Tree Frog (Rainette Arboricole) and its close cousin the Stripeless Tree Frog (Rainette Méridionale) can be seen at the waters edge or sitting in trees catching insects with their tongue. They are spectacular climbers having specially adapted feet with "adhesive pads".

Staying by the water you may see the Yellow Bellied Toad (Sonneur à Ventre Jaune) or a European Pond Turtle (Cistude d’Europe) in the margins, only 20 to 25cm in length, with its olive green shell with yellow spots and dashes as camouflage it’s easy to miss.

Something not so obvious is Desmoulin's whorl snail which inhabits the marshes of Charente and Charente-Maritime where there are sedge and reed beds, here it stays 30-50 cm above the ground or water surface, descending in late autumn to the ground where it spends winter in plant debris. This snail is endangered due to loss of habitat and is a protected species.

Lizards and salamanders are abundant and amongst the dunes or in rocky areas it is possible to see the largest lizard in France, the Ocellated Lizard (Lézard Ocellé) with an average length of 60cm, these lizards often live in pairs – so if you see one it’s mate may be nearby. Although its diet is mainly insects it will also capture and eat small mammals, baby birds, small snakes and other lizards – this lizard can bite if handled but is not harmful.

Ocellated Lizard (Lézard Ocellé)

Ocellated Lizard skin

In a region which encompasses such a diversity of landscapes from the coastal areas, the marais and wetlands, dry limestone plains, peat heath lands, rivers, lakes and disused quaries it is impossible to do more than give a taste. The river Charente alone would provide enough subject matter for a large volume! . I "work" in my spare time with the LPO (ligue de protection des oiseaux), Vienne Nature and Poitou-Charentes Nature. Should anyone be interested in knowing more about the wildlife of the region or the local organisations and conservation projects of the region, please feel free to contact me.

© Chris Luck

Email: Chris@planetepassion.com

Website: www.planetepassion.com

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