TOUR DU VALAT

A research centre for the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands

  • View the web site in French ( New window )
  • News
  • Publications
  • Job opportunities

Select another project :


Control of an invasive alien species: Baccharis halimifolia, in the Rhône delta

Baccharis halimifolia cutting

Project leader: Marc THIBAULT (See the CV)

Team:

Anne Charpentier , Emilien Duborper, Loïc Willm


Baccharis halimifolia is a shrub originating in North America that was introduced into France for its ornamental qualities and whose presence in the Camargue has been known at least since the 1980’s. Its rapid spread poses conservation problems at a national level (Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts) and also in Spain, Portugal and Australia. In the Rhône delta, colonisation affects several habitats, with Phragmites reedbeds and Cladium marshes being highly sensitive. Colonization by Baccharis halimifolia modifies significantly vegetation structure and as a consequence it may eventually have adverse effects on local flora and on associated uses (reed harvesting, wildfowling).


Contents:


Issues :

  • Evaluation of costs to control the undesirable impact of an alien species (Baccharis halimifolia) in wetlands areas
  • Maintenance or restoration of satisfactory conservation status for the following habitats and their associated flora: Cladium mariscus marsh, Phragmites australis beds, Mediterranean wet grasslands with tall herbs of the Molinio-holoschoenion, associated Mediterranean temporary pools and associated flora.

Activities:

  • Study of populations structure and colonization mechanisms in the Rhône delta
  • Test and evaluation of control methods
  • Management costs estimates
  • Stakeholders awareness.

Partners:


Top