{"id":49867,"date":"2025-12-23T15:48:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T14:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourduvalat.org\/?p=49867"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:33:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:33:38","slug":"a-look-back-at-two-years-of-data-collection-on-bats-and-wetlands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourduvalat.org\/en\/projects\/a-look-back-at-two-years-of-data-collection-on-bats-and-wetlands\/","title":{"rendered":"A look back at two years of data collection on bats and wetlands"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the second year of the Rest-Chir\u2019Eau project comes to a close, we look back on two years of data collection on bats and wetlands, carried out through two field campaigns.<\/h3>\n
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Knowledge transfer prior to a participatory monitoring session. \u00a9 Rest-Chir’Eau<\/span> \u00a9 Rest-Chir'Eau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since late 2024, the Rest-Chir’Eau project has been studying bat activity in the Canal du Japon area, formerly known as the Bras de Fer du Rh\u00f4ne, in Camargue.<\/p>\n

The aim of this study is to use bats as a bioindicator species to assess the functionality of wetlands and the Trame Turquoise* (a network of wetlands and waterways) and, ultimately, to propose a restoration plan for this area of the former Bras de Fer in Camargue, involving the various stakeholders in the region. By studying chiropteran activity in these environment, we can gain essential information about hydrological functioning, the quality and use of habitats, and ecological continuity.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Focus on an innovative monitoring protocol<\/h3>\n

Over the past two years, several actions were implemented to reinforce our knowledge.<\/p>\n

The first phase of the project aimed to improve understanding of the close links between bats and wetlands. To this end, an experimental monitoring protocol was deployed in seven marshes located along the former Bras de Fer du Rh\u00f4ne river during four key periods of the year.<\/p>\n

This field campaign was an ambitious challenge, as it required taking into account significant constraints while adhering to a rigorous experimental protocol. To date, this challenge \u00a0has been successfully accomplished, providing \u00a0a large set of environmental and biotic data in addition to the passive recording of bat activity.<\/p>\n

This success was made possible \u00a0by putting in place adaptive and creative solutions. The support of local partners and stakeholders (owners, users, volunteers, etc.) was also crucial, and we are very grateful to them!<\/p>\n

We now have a dataset that is being analyzed. Here are some figures that we have so far:<\/p>\n