CASE STUDY 4

French Case Study

The French case study area (CSA) is dedicated to examining the impact of deciduous hedgerows on small mammal biodiversity and mitigation of rodent-borne zoonoses in coniferous forests. This CSA is situated within the Landes pine forest near the Western coast of France, south of the Arcachon Bay. It comprises a network of hedgerows that vary in their connectivity and density. The Landes forest stand as the Europe's largest man-made woodland, predominantly cultivated with maritime pines (Pinus pinaster) for industrial purposes. The relative ecological impoverishment of this forest makes it highly susceptible to risks such as wildfire, wind damage, pests, and diseases. In response to these challenges; the planting of deciduous hedges is considered as a potential solution to enhance biodiversity and mitigate these risks. Hedges are recognized for their capacity to support biodiversity by offering habitats, shelter, and food for various plant and animal species. However, our understanding of the impact of these hedges on biodiversity and health remains scarce. Therefore, our primary aim is to investigate the influence of deciduous hedges on the diversity of small mammals and their ectoparasites (ticks) as well as their role in mitigating zoonotic diseases associated with these animals.

RESTORARION &

INTERVENTION MEASURES

Nature restoration

Reforestations

Rewilding

owl

Public health interventions

ENVIRONMENTAL

SAMPLES

Reservoirs

rat

bat

Vectors

mosquito

tick

Environment

water

soil/sediment

Case Study Activities

Using the case study of the Landes forest in France, we aim to understand the impact of ecological restoration (deciduous hedges within pine forests) on the circulation of rodent-borne zoonotic agents.

To achieve this, spatio-temporal samplings of the rodent community have been conducted following the SUPERB project design, i.e. in 53 sites representing different categories of ecological restoration depending on connectivity and surrounding forest quality) and of control areas (pines; broadleaved patches). Molecular and serological approaches are employed to describe the diversity of zoonotic pathogens circulating in these rodents, as well as their gut microbiome and diet.

Concurrently, non-invasive methods for studying mammalian biodiversity are developed in these same sites, aiming to better understand the species richness of small mammal communities and the presence of other species involved in zoonotic cycles, without impacting the ecosystem.

In fine, this case study area will enable to test whether deciduous hedges in the Landes pine forests:

contribute to the restoration of terrestrial small mammal biodiversity,
mitigate the zoonotic risk associated with rodents through dilution effects or modification of pathogen-pathogen interaction networks, and
identify hedge characteristics associated with the strongest impacts on biodiversity and/or zoonotic risk.

This work is conducted with stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation and public health agencies.