In response to the continued degradation of natural habitats and to the threat of extinction hanging over many wild species, the European Communities Council adopted, on May 21, 1992, the "Habitats" directive.
his directive requires member states to provide a list of remarkable sites, identifiable as such according to the criteria defined in the text, in order to establish a coherent European ecological network: the "NATURA 2000" network.
The primary purpose of the directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity, to conserve habitats, fauna and flora, while taking account the economical, social, cultural and regional requirements. It contributes to the goal of a sustainable development.
The French state has chosen to accompany the official designation act of a site in Special Areas of Conservation with an objective document: such a document,
containing an inventory of biological resources and conservation measures to be undertaken, was prepared for the site of GOUFFRE DE LA FAGE, by the GROUPE MAMMOLOGIQUE ET HERPETOLOGIQUE (MAMMALS AND HERPETOLOGY GROUP) of the LIMOUSIN (e.mail : gmhl@wanadoo.fr).
The originality of the GOUFFRE DE LA FAGE lies in its rich population of bats.
Among the 33 species present in France, 14 hibernate in LA FAGE, including 10 very regularly. The exceptional character of this cave is also the number of inviduals: about 14,000 individuals on average find refuge each winter, all species confounded.
In addition, the pit of LA FAGE is not only a hibernation site but also a parturition site of first importance: 4 species of high asset value breed there, and form colonies of several thousands of individuals.
For all these reasons, LA FAGE is one of the most remarkable sites in Europe for bats and was proposed to integrate the Natura 2000 European network.
Interpretation trail under construction.
To open yourself to an unknown world: observe…and listen!!!
|
Map
Contact Us
