Letters: Biodiversity is in decline, but not just in France
Reader says the complex systems of weather, migration and global economics all play a part
Not everyone agrees that biodiversity has declined in recent years
Peter Wyeth
To the Editor,
I was struck by the letter from one of your readers, Prue Woodbridge, lamenting the loss of biodiversity she has noticed in the past decade.
It caught my attention not least as we live in the same department, Aude, where I have been observing wildlife for many years.
I have also seen a steady diminishing of the numbers of certain species over the years. At times, it seems dramatic.
The reasons behind this are complex, and need to be analysed to be understood.
Certainly, the overuse of insecticides and herbicides by the farming community is a contributing factor, as Prue points out.
Some of my highly qualified professional naturalists were horrified by the concessions made after the last round of strikes some months ago, saying they felt the work they have been doing for the past 10 years was being nullified.
Another factor is climate change, which goes well beyond the borders of France. Whether the drought conditions we have experienced now for three years can be attributed entirely to climate is a moot point; however a result has been a large decline of insect populations, and this inevitably would be felt higher up the food chain.
There is a chance that this is a short-term loss, and populations will bounce back once rainfall returns to healthier levels. Perhaps.
In the avian world, migrating species are the most threatened as the effects of climate change are felt throughout the planet, including in Africa where ‘our’ swallows and the hoopoes spend a large part of the year when not breeding.
The industrialisation of agriculture through investment by European, Chinese, Russian and other developed economies throughout the global south has to be recognised as a major contributor.
The fact that raptor numbers are holding up is encouraging. It means that their prey species are there.
Recent studies have shown that conservation works if the general public and, above all, governments can be persuaded to invest in these inevitably long-term schemes. There is a small army of dedicated ecologists working for small salaries, making sacrifices simply for their passion for wildlife.
By doing some voluntary work, I have witnessed wonderful sights beyond my wildest imaginations, and these have all been in Western Europe.
So do not despair. Join naturalist associations, become an active volunteer, donate, vote in an appropriate way. Consume less. Make good choices. Every little helps.
Jonathan Kemp, Aude
Read more: Letters: Don’t forget that climate change hits French farmers too
To the Editor,
We are a bit astonished by the recent correspondence about a decline in biodiversity in the French countryside.
In the area where we live, Pyrénées-Orientale, there is a richness of wildlife and the parcelles have more groundcover, meaning more insects and birds.
When we first came here in the 1970s, the soil was bare due to intensive spraying. We are blessed with dozens of natural wine producers and can't think that other countries can provide better wine!
Trish Wickstead & Gill Palmer, by email
Have you noticed a decline in biodiversity in recent years? Or do you think that conservation efforts are paying off? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com
