In the mountains, a vital challenge: to unite tourism and wildlife conservation

The backpack is ready, as are the hiking boots. Go to places with remarkable natural heritage. And let’s face it, our department has no shortage of them! Precisely the attraction that is aroused can weaken these places. Therefore, it is necessary to respect the instructions given at the beginning of the hiking trails, especially during this sensitive period of births.

“In nature reserves and more generally there is a need to stay on marked routes. Wildlife is exposed to relatively strong disturbance pressure. By following a few best practices and using common sense, we can all help maintain them. ” Explain Remi Laffitte ranger technician in the nature reserve Mantet, responsible for the mission “sporting events and nature activities” in the Federation of Catalan nature reserves.

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Nature wakes up in the mountains: As always, we must keep our distance

“For example, you should avoid coming with your dog, because even though it is not in contact with wild animals, its odor disturbs and stresses the fauna, which considers it a predator.” Rémi Lafitte also recommends remote sensing using binoculars.

“Leaving the trails and getting too close can lead to stress and the withdrawal of animals to less favorable places. The reduction of the time spent feeding leads to a worsening of the risk of predation, an increase in energy consumption and a deterioration of it. physical condition. In birds, this may affect laying and hatching. “

Monitor outdoor sports activities

In the eleven national nature reserves of the Pyrénées-Orientales, it is nature that makes its demands. To ensure the vital needs of the species, the Federation of Catalan Nature Reserves (FRNC) and local leaders try to monitor recreational activities, especially sports.

The reserves are open to nature sports enthusiasts, but subject to compliance with applicable rules “including compliance with the Charter of Good Conduct adopted by the reference sports federations“adds Rémi Laffitte,”in addition to disturbance of wildlife, there may be an impact on other activities, such as agropastoralism but also hunting or fishing.

To promote better cohabitation, thanks to European LEADER funding, FRNC has developed various digital tools fed with scientific data from nature reserves, such as the cartographic website of RN of Mantet, Biodiv’s sports interface orchestrated by LPO by Auvergne Rhône Alpes and Geotrek by the department . These tools make it possible to locate regulated areas and provide information on the sensitivity of species and advice not to disturb them. The important thing is to stay connected with the users of nature spaces “what we do with Natura Catalana, recently published booklets and the website of the Federation of Nature Reserves. We must not have moralizing speeches, people make mistakes through ignorance, it is up to us to continue to inform them, to federate and share.” summed up Rémi Laffitte.

R’ernereserves in actionIoutdoor activities https://www.reserves-naturelles-catalane.org/les-reserves-en-action/les-activites-de-pleine-nature/

Federal scheme for outdoor activities https://www.reserves-naturelles-catalnes.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/schema-federal-2019-2023.pdf

Digital tools https://www.reserves-naturelles-catalnes.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/livret-outil-numerique.pdf