The Natura 2000 networkaims to preserve biological diversity throughout the European Union, and is at the heart of its nature conservation policy. It is a network of natural areas identified for the rarity or sensitivity of species of flora and fauna and their habitats.
The aim of the Natura 2000 network is to preserve protected species and conserve environments, while taking into account economic, social and cultural aspects, as well as specific regional features. The Natura 2000 policy is based on the application of two directives adopted by the European Union to provide the Member States with a common framework for action in favour of the preservation of species and natural environments of Community interest, with high stakes.
Both types of Natura 2000 site are present within the territory of the Communauté de Communes Pyrénées Haut Garonnaise.
The “Chaînons calcaires du piémont commingeois” site, which comes under the Habitats Directive, is located in the south of the département, in the historic Comminges area. It covers an area of 6,198 ha.
It is characterised by a series of low and medium hills containing glacial lakes, with altitudes ranging from 440 m to 1,041 m (Plamajou, near the Saint Martin refuge). Its climate is the result of a mountainous line with an Atlantic influence resulting in summer rainfall, fine sunny days in winter and fog that stops at the foot of the hills.
The site is predominantly forested, with xerothermic limestone facies, grasslands and woodlands of Mediterranean and then montane affinity, and a diversity of mixed deciduous trees. The valley bottoms are of the bocage type, with permanent grassland and a linear pattern of hedges and woodland. Finally, numerous chasms, caves and limestone cliffs provide a remarkable habitat for rare flora and fauna. This vegetation and its wealth of wildlife are found alongside a variety of human activities. The site is home to farming and grazing, forestry, tourism and leisure activities (mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, climbing, etc.).
The Natura 2000 site is covered by inventories of Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest, as well as classified and listed sites.
There are many issues at stake on the site: it is exposed to agricultural regression or changes in sustainable practices. It is sensitive to fires and the risks of drying out and polluting streams. Land fragmentation complicates its management. The development of outdoor leisure activities can also have an impact on the fauna and flora of Community interest.
Species covered by the European Union’s Habitats, Fauna and Flora Directive :
The white-clawed crayfish , Austropotamobius pallipes, is brown-green on the back and white on the belly, with several small lateral spines. It is a freshwater aquatic species found in rivers, lakes and ponds.
It is associated with the habitat of Community interest: 3260 – Rivers of the planitiary to montane levels with Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation. The management of this habitat, which is sensitive to changes in the physical quality of watercourses, is directly linked to that of the catchment area.
The white-clawed crayfish is a protected species, classified as “Vulnerable” in France (INPN). It is a bioindicator of good river quality. Its main threats come from disturbance of the quality of the aquatic environment. It needs banks in good condition and a low degree of anthropisation (structures leading to higher temperatures and oxygen deficiency). The introduction of exogenous species leads to competition in watercourses that is unfavourable to the white-clawed crayfish, such as American crayfish, which are asymptomatic carriers of a disease that is fatal to our species.
On our territory, it is present on the Natura 2000 sites Chainons calcaires du piémont commingeois and Gar Cagire.
The rhinolophus euryale , Rhinolophus euryale, can be recognised by its nose formed by a horseshoe-shaped fold of skin, its brown patch around the eyes and its ears with a pinkish interior. This species is found in karstic landscapes rich in caves and close to water. In winter it breeds almost exclusively in caves and cavities.
It is associated with habitats of Community interest:
It is a protected and threatened species, classified as “Vulnerable” throughout Europe (INPN). Its main threats come from changes to the landscape, the destruction of wooded edges, the uprooting of hedges and riverbanks, and the use of pesticides. Also, the securing of cavities or caves by obstruction or filling in reduces the number of nesting places for this species. It is very sensitive to disturbance caused by the use of caves (tourism, caving). Occupied caves are monitored by the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels to ensure that populations are maintained.
In our region, it is present in the Natura 2000 sites Chaînons calcaires du piémont commingeois, Gar Cagire and Haute vallée de la Garonne.
The marsh copper, Lycaena dispar, can be recognised by its golden-red wings edged in black and its small pale bluish-grey wings. It is a species of butterfly found in the wet and marshy meadows of the foothills of the Garonne, particularly the dock meadows.
It is associated with habitats of Community interest:
It is a protected species throughout Europe (INPN). Its main threats come from wetlands being affected by drainage for agricultural or urban development purposes. Also, the colonisation of invasive exotic plant species is leading to a decline in its host plant. The species is also sensitive to roadside mowing, phytocides and insecticides, intensive grazing and changes in farming practices.
In our region, it is present in the Natura 2000 site Chainons calcaires du piémont commingeois.
The Natura 2000 site “Zones rupestres xérothermiques des bassins de Marignac Saint Béat, Pic du Gar et Montagne de Rié” ( Xerothermic rocky areas of the Marignac Saint Béat, Pic du Gar and Montagne de Rié basins), which comes under the Habitat Directive, is located in the Comminges, in the canton of Luchon. It covers an area of 7,680 ha.
It is in a mountainous area, with a high relief of Pouy de Hourmigué (1685m), Montagne de Rié (1130m) and the peaks of Gar (1785m), Escalette (1856m) and Cagire (1912m). It has a mountain climate with oceanic influences.
The diversity of rocks, slopes, relief and altitudes provides a wealth of natural flora and fauna. The vegetation ranges from holm oaks and thuriferous juniper to sub-alpine grasslands and rocky outcrops.
The Natura 2000 site contains Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest. It also includes a Directed Biological Reserve, home to the main Thurifer Juniper station.
The main activities are forestry, agriculture with cattle and sheep rearing, and leisure activities (hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing, etc.).
The site also faces a number of challenges, such as the high rate of forest access, the local decline in pastoralism, the increase in climbing and the sharp rise in human use.
Species covered by the European Union’s Habitats, Fauna and Flora Directive :
The Pyrenean Desman , Galemys pyrenaicus, recognisable by its long proboscis, is a semi-aquatic mammal found in wetlands and aquatic environments.
It is associated with habitats of Community interest:
This is a protected species, rare in France and classified as “Vulnerable” (INPN). It is an excellent indicator of water quality and quantity. It is highly exposed to climate change (disappearance of prey), but also to the deterioration in the quality of watercourses and to human activities (pollution, physical modifications to the environment with dams, destruction of banks, canyoning, etc.). The Desman also suffers from predation, particularly by domestic cats. We still have a lot to learn about this very rare and discreet species. The Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels is monitoring it as part of the National Action Plan.
On our territory, it is present on the Natura 2000 sites Gar Cagire and Vallées du Lis, de la Pique and d’Oô.
The Alpine Rosalia , Rosalia alpina, can be recognised by its central blue colour and long antennae. It is a beetle found in ancient ash woodlands, particularly in areas of dying pollarded ash. It can be found in old, senescent or dead trees, or freshly felled trees of various species.
It is associated with habitats of Community interest:
This is a protected species, classified as “Vulnerable” worldwide (INPN). Its main threats come from the destruction or elimination of dead or senescent trees, as well as cutting too steeply, the fragmentation of woodlands and the use of insecticides. The removal of individuals by collectors is also a threat to the species.
In our region, it is present in the Natura 2000 sites Chainons calcaires du piémont commingeois, Gar Cagire and Vallées du Lis, de la Pique and d’Oô.
The Great Rhinolophus , Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, is recognisable by its large size, grey-brown back and yellowish-white belly. It can be found in abandoned and unused buildings, attics, church roofs, attics, galleries and warm cellars.
The species is associated with the following habitats:
It is a protected species (INPN). Its main threats come from disturbance, the poisoning of its food chain by pesticides, the damming and channelling of watercourses, and the development of lighting. The species is also sensitive to the drastic modification of landscapes by intensive agriculture, the dismantling of landscape structures and the trivialisation of the landscape by the uprooting of embankments and hedges, the disappearance of hedgerows and the deforestation of riverbanks. The securing of old mines and the installation of “pigeon-proof” netting in bell towers reduce the number of possible nesting places for this species.
In our area, it is present in the Natura 2000 sites Chainons calcaires du piémont commingeois and Gar Cagire.
The “Haute vallée de la Garonne” Natura 2000 site,a result of the Habitats and Birds Directive, is located in the extreme south-east of the Haute Garonne département. It covers a total area of 11,134 ha.
This site includes the mountainous massifs on the border on either side of the Garonne valley. It is very rugged, typical of the central part of the Pyrenean range, with a succession of long ridges and deep valleys. Its altitude ranges from 515 m to 2,629 m, with the Pic de Crabère as its highest point. The climate is mountainous, with oceanic influences.
The site boasts a range of bioclimatic levels, with a wealth of flora and fauna, including a well-represented avifauna. Grouse, Black Woodpeckers and Tengmalm’s Owls all thrive here. The sub-alpine zone, with its moors, grasslands and extensive grazing, is regularly visited by birds of prey such as the Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture and Griffon Vulture. The mosaic of alpine habitats is also ideal for red-billed crabs and rock ptarmigan.
The site is a Forest Biological Reserve. It also includes inventories of Zones Naturelles d’Intérêt Ecologique Faunistique, as well as classified and listed sites.
All of this heritage is at risk. The site is suffering from pastoral regression and the abandonment of hay meadows. The development of tourism, if it does not respect the ecological balance, could pose a threat.
Species covered by the European Union’s Birds Directive :
The Bearded Vulture , Gypaetusbarbatus, can be recognised by the rusty-orange colour of its belly plumage and its goatee-like shape with black feathers framing its head. This bird of prey is found in habitats with steep slopes, open spaces, rocky areas and scree slopes. It prefers limestone massifs with numerous cavities and caves.
It is associated with habitats of Community interest:
It is a protected species, classified as “Endangered” in France (INPN). It contributes to the elimination of carcasses in the mountains, thus fulfilling a health function in the wild. Its main threats come from poison, collisions with overhead power lines or cables and bush clearing. The species is also sensitive to disturbance at its nest, noisy activities, flying overhead vehicles, vehicle traffic that is too close, and certain leisure activities (skiing, climbing, via ferrata, flying, etc.). It is monitored as part of the Zones à Sensibilité Majeures programme by the LPO.
On our territory, it is present on the Natura 2000 sites Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d’Oô and Haute Vallée de la Garonne.
The Egyptian Vulture , Neophron percnopterus, is recognisable by its small vulture-like body, its black and white colours and its yellow face. It is a bird of prey found in rocky and bare habitats, with cavities on steep cliffs.
It is a protected species, classified as “Endangered” in France (INPN). It contributes to the balance of the natural environment by eating carrion. Its main threats come from predation on young, the reduction in hunting territories due to agricultural abandonment and the closure of environments, collisions with power lines as well as poisoning and shooting. It is also sensitive to disturbance during the breeding and rearing season. It is monitored as part of the Major Sensitive Areas programme by the LPO.
On our territory, it is present on the Natura 2000 sites Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d’Oô and Haute Vallée de la Garonne.
The Golden Eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, can be recognised by its size, which is larger than that of a buzzard, and its dark brown plumage tinged with gold on the head and neck. It is a bird of prey found in mountainous environments, on cliffs and in open areas.
It is associated with habitats of Community interest:
This is a rare, protected species, classified as “Vulnerable” in France (INPN). It regulates the populations of its prey, selecting out weakened or sick prey and favouring the survival of those in better health. It also limits the spread of disease. The main threats to the golden eagle come from the reduction in its hunting grounds as a result of agricultural abandonment and the closure of habitats, which also lead to a reduction in the species’ food resources. The golden eagle is also sensitive to collisions with infrastructure, poisoning and shooting, as well as to disturbance during the breeding and rearing period by motorised and non-motorised vehicles, infrastructure and certain sporting and tourist activities.
In our area, it is present in the Natura 2000 sites of the Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d’Oô and Haute Vallée de la Garonne.
The “Vallée du Lis, de la Pique et d’Oô“siteis located in the central Pyrenees, on the border with Spain. It comprises 3 Natura 2000 sites, including 2 under the Habitats Directive and 1 under the Birds Directive. They respectively cover 8,251 ha for the “Haute vallée de la Pique” site, 3,407 ha for the “Haute vallée d’Oô” site and 10,490 ha for the “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d’Oô ” site.
The altitude of the sites ranges from 650 m to 3,222 m at the summit of the Pic de Perdiguère in the Haute Vallée d’Oô site. These sites have a mountain climate.
They are characterised by high glacial valleys divided into four main valleys, plateaux and a chain of peaks over 3,000 m high.
The vegetation ranges from hilly to alpine. The valley floors are mainly made up of meadows that are regularly fertilised and maintained by mowing or grazing. The landscape is criss-crossed by lines of trees and hedges. Intermediate areas are occupied by woodland. There are also intermediate grazing areas (up and down the mountain pastures). The mountain pastures are very rich in habitat, with significant wetlands and grasslands characteristic of the sub-alpine and alpine levels. Shrubby moorland is also well represented. As well as this diversity of natural environments, the diversity of fauna is just as great.
These Natura 2000 sites include Zones Naturelles d’Intérêt Ecologique Faunistique et Floristique (Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest), as well as classified and listed sites, and a managed Domanial Biological Reserve.
The sites face various challenges. Over-visiting certain sites can have a negative impact on the fauna and flora of local interest. The same applies to the development of tourist activities and off-piste walking. In addition, the presence of mountain huts can lead to the risk of waste water or waste being discharged.
The Damier de la Succise , Euphydryas aurinia, can be recognised by its pale orange and yellow wings, edged in black and with a line of black dots on the hind wings. It is a butterfly that can be found in various types of open environments close to a more or less wooded edge. Its host plant is Succisa pratensis.
It is associated with habitats of Community interest:
It is a protected species in France (INPN). Its main threats come from the disappearance of favourable habitats and associated landscape structures.
In our region, it is found in the Natura 2000 sites Chaînons calcaires du piémont commingeois, Gar Cagire and Vallées du Lis, de la Pique and d’Oô.
The capercaillie , Tetrao urogallus, can be recognised by its black coat with metallic blue-violet or green highlights on the breastplate and its bright red protuberance above the eyes. It is a galliform found in deciduous, coniferous or mixed forests and heathland above 1000m altitude.
It is associated with habitats of Community interest:
This is a protected species, classified as “Vulnerable” in France (INPN). The capercaillie is an “umbrella” species, meaning that its preferred habitat is also ideal for a host of other species. Conservation measures for the species and its habitat therefore benefit many other animal and plant species. Its main threats come from predation on egg-laying and young by martens, foxes and wild boar. The species is also sensitive to disturbance near breeding sites and singing places, dog roaming, poaching, winter tourism and infrastructure (collisions with cables, power lines, fences and wire mesh). The overpopulation of ungulates browsing the herbaceous layer, the closure of environments, the degradation or destruction of the lower layer essential for nesting, the fragmentation of habitats and climate change are also threats to the species.
In our area, it is present in the Natura 2000 site Haute vallée de la Garonne and Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d’Oô.
The Tengmalm’s Owl , Aegolius funereus, can be recognised by its small size, large round head, white face and bright yellow irises. It is a nocturnal owl found in coniferous or deciduous forests in mountainous areas. It prefers old stands with cavities suitable for nesting.
It is a protected species (INPN). Its main threats come from the rejuvenation of forest stands, the felling of dead trees and trees with cavities, the size of trees and predation by martens.
In our area, it is present on the Natura 2000 sites Haute Vallée de la Garonne and Vallées du Lis, de la Pique and d’Oô.
