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In Haiti, pollinating insects find refuge in urban green spaces of Port-au-Prince
On the island of Hispaniola, the biodiversity of Haiti faces consequent anthropogenic constraints. Deforestation, which unfortunately continues today, is such that the country has lost more than 99% of its primary forests. However, other types of vegetation exist in Haiti. In particular, urban green spaces form a mosaic of potential habitats for many species, including […]
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REVPOL project – where are we?
Started just a year ago, the REVPOL project continues in Martinique and Guadeloupe. The main objectives remain the same: to enable managers of urban green spaces, both public and private, to act to protect local biodiversity by adopting revegetation strategies that favour local pollinators.
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Martinique: a three-week mission to study freshwater turtles
Freshwater turtles may seem harmless, but some species are nonetheless invasive and potentially dangerous for local biodiversity. This is the case for two species in the West Indies: the Antillean slider (Trachemys stejnegeri), native to Puerto Rico, and the Yellow-bellied slider turtle (Trachemys scripta), native to the United States. To better understand the demographic parameters […]
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Environmental diplomacy: a training provided to young Caribbean diplomats
The insular Caribbean is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet, home to a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. This biodiversity is exposed to many threats, such as climate change, deforestation, or the anthropization of natural environments. The preservation of this natural heritage is linked to global […]
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In Cuba, anoles living in suburban habitats differ from those from natural forests
Urbanization is a growing phenomenon, with many consequences on animal species. In Cuba, the lizard Anolis homolechis, endemic to the island, is found in both natural and suburban environments. A comparison between these two habitats, however, shows variations in the lizard populations.
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Camera-traps to spy on columbid birds
Pigeons and doves play a crucial role in the dynamics and diversity of many ecosystems, thanks to their ability to disperse seeds. Their decline could therefore affect other species, including both animals and plants. In the insular Caribbean, data on columbid species are still scarce. In a recent study, camera-traps were used to learn more […]
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A soundscape approach to learn more about a critically endangered Cuban frog
The Cuban archipelago hosts more than 70 species of frogs and toads, the high majority of them being endemic. This biodiversity is at risk, with an estimated 80% of amphibians being threatened in the island. Among them, the Cuban frog Eleutherodactylus bartonsmithi, which is considered as critically endangered, is only found in an extremely restricted […]
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Looking for anole lizards: A mission in Dominica
A new mission has just ended in Dominica. Although conducted for scientific purposes, the mission was also a great human adventure in this island that is referred “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” in reference to its exceptional conservation. Here is the story of a week dedicated to anoles.
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Blood or saliva: In birds, the DNA sampling method matters
In the study of many species, DNA samples provide valuable data. In birds, DNA is often extracted from blood samples, a method that requires a potentially stressful handling for the animal. DNA extracted from saliva could offer a good compromise under certain conditions, as shown by a comparison of the two methods in the White-crowned […]
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MERCI project: On the way to the next field missions in Dominica and Martinique
The MERCI project, which aims to study invasive exotic reptiles in the insular Caribbean to anticipate the risks of invasion and adapt management measures, continues in the various territories concerned.
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