Jean-Baptiste Lusson and David Aupermann
Both members of GECNAL, group for the study and conservation of nature in Lorraine, an association for the preservation of biodiversity in the Warndt and the Pays de Nied.
Warndt region
The Warndt is a greasy depression, a buttonhole in the geological sense which corresponds to a large forest area on sandy soil. On the calcareous lawns, there are emblematic species such as the protected butterfly: L’Azuré du serpolet
On the heights, the presence of many birds of prey: kestrel, common buzzard, black and royal kite.
The Warndt, rich in biodiversity with emblematic species such as the Eagle Owl, the largest nocturnal raptor with a wingspan of 1m70, this owl is at the top of the food chain in the forest environment, there are also Amphibians threatened with extinction such as the Brown pelobate without forgetting the European beaver.
The “Warndt chiroptera lodges” in the old copper and lead mines
“Lorraine has only three mining complexes, including that of Warndt, known to provide significant shelter for hibernating and transiting bats. The other two are mines in the Hautes Vosges”.
An agreement has been signed with the municipality of Longeville-lès-St Avold which authorizes GECNAL to make visits and list, for example, several species of bats in the former Haut-Bois copper mine.
In Lorraine 22 species of chiroptera such as the greater and lesser horseshoe bat, the red eared bat, the European Barbastelle, the greater mouse-eared bat…
“The classification of the sites has made it possible, among other things, to finance the security of the sites: installation of armored grids prohibiting access to the general public. Each winter, the CPEPESC-Lorraine ensures, through its voluntary network, the scientific monitoring of term of all the gîtes”.
– David Auperman
Bats are victims of their bad reputation, so here are some clarifications in order to banish prejudices (sources CPEPESC Lorraine):
- Bats are harmless and useful;
- European bats feed almost exclusively on insects. For example, the Common Pipistrelle (one of the smallest bats in Europe) can consume up to 600 mosquitoes per night, or several tens of thousands per year! They do not consume insulation (mineral and vegetable wool, polystyrene, etc.), woodwork or plaster;
- They don’t build a nest, don’t bring any material and only use existing spaces;
- They only give birth to one young per year. They cannot therefore “swarm” like rodents for example (although they are called “mice”!);
- They never get caught in the hair;
- There are indeed so-called “vampire” bats in the world, but it is in Central and South America
- Highly endangered, all bats are protected by law.
To know more about the species present in Lorraine.
Useful links
- website : GECNAL- Study group and nature conservation in Lorraine
- website : CPEPESC Lorraine– Commission for the Protection of Waters, Heritage, the Environment, the Subsoil and the Bats of Lorraine
- In case of questions about cohabitation with a bat, contact : Bat info – Tel: 06 43 68 91 00