An ecological inventory following the 2022 fires
Following the fires of summer 2022 which severely impacted the forest adjacent to the Dune du Pilat, the Syndicat Mixte de la Dune du Pilat has launched a important ecological monitoring work on the Grand Site. These inventories allow us to better understand how nature regenerates itself and adapt site management over time.
Monitoring carried out on the Conservatoire's plots
These monitoring activities are carried out on the plots of Coastal Conservancy, which owns most of the natural areas around the Dune. These areas, directly affected or weakened by the fires, now constitute a a full-scale laboratory to observe the return of biodiversity and the evolution of environments.
Observing wildlife to better protect the site
Among the inventories carried out, particular attention is paid to wildlife monitoring, that is to say the study of animals that live in or return to these areas. This data is essential to reconcile species preservation, public access, and post-fire management.
Bats: discreet allies
The bats are among the species being closely monitored, in partnership with the Cistude Nature association, specializing in the knowledge and protection of wildlife. These small mammals, sensitive to changes in their habitats, are valuable indicators of the quality of forest environments and play an essential role in the balance of ecosystems, particularly by regulating certain insect populations.
By combining all these results, the Joint Syndicate and the Coastal Conservancy have concrete elements to guide management choices: letting nature take its course, intervening on an ad hoc basis, or adapting certain uses. These post-fire ecological inventories thus contribute to the long-term protection of the Grand Site of the Dune du Pilat, while allowing visitors to continue to discover it in the best conditions.
