It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Jean-Claude Lefeuvre on 11 October 2024. Professor emeritus at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, a specialist in wetland ecology and a tireless defender of nature, Jean-Claude was a close friend of Luc Hoffmann and an unfailing supporter of Tour du Valat.
Trained as an endocrinologist and a specialist in insect wing morphogenesis, he quickly turned his attention to ecology, exploring moorlands, hedgerows and marshes. He is particularly interested in the interactions between human activities and nature conservation.
Director of research programmes on the western marshes and the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, author of almost 390 publications and a pioneer in the study of interactions between human activities and conservation, he has supervised numerous scientific projects, leaving a lasting imprint on the scientific community.
Jean-Claude has also enriched the Tour du Valat through his commitment, first as a member of the Board of Directors in the 1990s, then of the Scientific Council from 2008 to 2016. His expertise in the western marshes, his global vision of the issues and problems, his extensive knowledge of the workings of the Ministry of Ecology and his broad scientific culture have been invaluable assets for Tour du Valat.
His commitment to wetlands, research and nature protection also extended internationally, notably through his support for the Banc d’Arguin National Park in Mauritania and his active participation in the International Association for Ecology (INTECOL). An Officer of the Légion d’Honneur and recipient of prestigious awards, he was recognised and respected for his dedication.
Jean-Claude Lefeuvre was an exceptional man of science, with encyclopaedic knowledge and an unfailing passion for Nature. Always kind, warm and smiling, he gave sincere attention to everyone, whatever the circumstances.
Thank you, Jean-Claude, for your invaluable legacy and your friendship.
