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Shipping list no.: 2004-0123-P. ; "Prepared for: Coachella Valley Association of Governments; Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; Bureau of Land Management." ; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 5-6). ; Mode of access: Internet.

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The exotic pet trade has been identified as a main threat to many reptile and amphibian species, especially for optically attractive species or those with special biological features. The international exotic pet trade is largely unregulated and in large parts still heavily depends on wild-caught specimens. Rarity sells, and species that are new to science or new on the pet market are highly sought-after and may fetch record prices. The European Union is a main hub and destination for both legally and illegally sourced wildlife. In the German town Hamm, one of the largest reptile trade shows in the world takes place four times a year, attracting traders and clients from across Europe and beyond. Based on ten case studies, our article illustrates marketing mechanisms and trade dynamics for reptiles and amphibians, which have only recently been described by science. The paper also highlights the problems of insufficient international legislation to prevent over-exploitation of such species or even those which are nationally protected in their country of origin, and presents solutions. ABSTRACT: Direct exploitation is one of the five main reasons for the loss of biodiversity, and collections for the international pet trade are an ongoing threat for many reptiles and amphibians. The European Union and in particular Germany have a central role as a hub and destination for exotic pets from all over the world. Rare species of reptiles and amphibians especially are in the focus of collectors. Rarity on the market may be either caused by rarity of a species in the wild or by a limited availability for sale, e.g., due to national protection measures in the range state or remote localities. The present study identified 43 species that are not listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and were only recently described, but have already entered the European pet trade. Ten of these species were selected as case studies, representing species from ...

Context Given the decline in amphibian populations worldwide, it is essential to build a better understanding of human behaviours that jeopardise their survival. Much of the literature regarding the social–psychological determinants of behaviours related to wildlife has focussed solely on general wildlife beliefs rather than specific attitudes towards a particular species. Aims The goal of this study was to assess how individuals' behavioural intentions towards a rare and little-known species, the hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), are influenced by their attitudes towards the animal and their more general beliefs about wildlife. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to landowners in Missouri (n = 1 065) and Indiana (n = 1 378) in counties where the hellbender is known to exist. A multinomial logit regression model was used to assess the relationship between basic wildlife beliefs, species-specific attitudes and behavioural intentions towards the hellbender. Key results The response rate was 36.6% in Missouri and 41.0% in Indiana. The more value individuals placed on non-hunting wildlife experiences, the less likely they were to say they would engage in a behaviour harmful to the animal (β = –0.47, P = 0.030). The more negative the attitudes towards the hellbender held by individuals, the less likely they were to say they would remove the hook (β = –0.55, P < 0.001), put the animal back (β = –0.77, P < 0.001), or call a resource professional (β = –0.33, P = 0.023). A comparison of the Akaike information criterion (AIC) scores and model log-likelihood values without (AIC = 2 858.36; LLV = –1 395.18) and with (AIC = 2 232.60; LLV = –1 077.30) the species-specific attitude measure showed that its inclusion improved the model. Conclusions Positive attitudes towards the hellbender and mutualistic wildlife beliefs were related to non-detrimental behavioural intentions. However, attitudes towards the animal were found to be a stronger and more consistent predictor of behavioural intentions than basic wildlife beliefs. Implications Efforts to conserve rare or little-known species should focus outreach strategies on developing positive attitudes towards these species, so as to achieve desired changes in behaviour.

Globalization has facilitated the emergence and spread of novel pathogens, representing a major conservation challenge. The amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, epitomizes this unprecedented threat, being responsible for declines and extinctions of amphibians worldwide. Chytridiomycosis has had both immediate catastrophic impacts during initial epidemics, as well as more variable, ongoing effects as the pathogen transitions to endemicity in its new distribution. Where B. dendrobatidis is now endemic, effective management actions are needed to prevent further extinctions of species. Yet, after nearly 20 years of research, management solutions remain rare or largely untested. Here, we highlight the potential for mitigation strategies focused on the environmental part of the host-pathogen-environment triangle to facilitate coexistence with the pathogen, using an extensive literature review to demonstrate that environmental conditions and demographic processes can strongly mediate the impact of B. dendrobatidis, and the capacity of amphibian populations to withstand disease-associated mortality. In particular, novel management approaches to achieve coexistence could focus on manipulating environmental conditions to decrease suitability for B. dendrobatidis and/or increase demographic resilience to disease-associated mortality. Such strategies include translocation to, or creation of, environmental refuges, and habitat manipulation to increase recruitment and offset elevated adult mortality. We argue that responding to chytridiomycosis requires a conceptual readjustment of our baselines to recognize that endemic B. dendrobatidis infection is the 'new normal' in surviving populations of many susceptible amphibian species. We conclude with recommendations for research and management actions that can help achieve coexistence of amphibian species susceptible to B. dendrobatidis. ; Australian Government's National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub

Context
Frog species are now targets for delivery of high-value managed environmental flows on floodplains. Information on the drivers of frog presence and abundance is required to support adaptive management, including analysis of the roles of flood frequency, flood timing and habitat type.

Aims
This paper describes frog species richness and abundance responses to flooding and habitat type in the Barmah Forest, part of the largest river red gum forest in the world.

Methods
Surveys were conducted at 22 sites over 6 years, to determine species presence, relative abundance, and evidence of breeding. Data were then used to examine temporal patterns within and between wet and dry years and spatial relationships with site geomorphology, vegetation form and wetting frequency.

Key results
Six species were common and widespread, and three were rare. The seasonal timing of peak numbers of calling males differed among species. The seasonal pattern of calling for each species did not differ between wet and dry years; however, significantly lower numbers of frogs were recorded calling in dry years. The number of frogs calling was significantly higher in well vegetated grassy wetlands. Evidence of a positive relationship between wetting frequency and numbers of calling males was found for Limnodynastes fletcheri, Crinia signifera and Limnodynastes dumerilii. The abundance of tadpoles was significantly higher in wet years.

Conclusions
The seasonal timing of flooding in Barmah Forest will influence the breeding success of individual species with different preferences. Flooding from September to December is required to cover most preferred breeding seasons, but longer durations may be required to maximise recruitment. This, together with regular flooding of well vegetated grassy wetland habitat, will increase the likelihood of species persistence and maximise diversity. Insufficient flooding frequency will result in reduced frog species richness and abundance.

Implications
Managed flooding is important for frog abundance and species richness. This study emphasises the value of key habitats such as well vegetated grassy wetlands and reinforces the need to make their preservation a priority for management. It has identified knowledge gaps to drive future data collection for improved modelling, including a need for further research on flow-regime change and frog communities.

Mediterranean temporary ponds are a priority habitat under the European Union Habitats Directive, but those of natural origin are scarce, as many of them have been destroyed or transformed into permanent waters. The aim of this study is to highlight the conservation value of the system of temporary ponds in Do˜nana National Park, where more than 3000 water bodies may be lled during wet years. They are located on soils of aeolian origin where water persistence is favoured by the presence of an argilic semi permeable horizon and by a relic clay-rich sandy layer. Temporary ponds can be classi ed across a wide hydroperiod gradient. Most ponds ll with autumnal or winter rains and persist up to late spring or summer, and only a few may persist through summer. Eight of the 11 amphibian species of this area require temporary ponds for breeding. More than 124 taxa of macroinvertebrates have been recorded, coleopterans (56 taxa) and heteropterans (19 taxa) being the richest taxonomic groups. Several zooplankton species are endemic to this kind of habitats, such as the copepod Dussartius baeticus and the rotifer Lecane donyanensis. Regarding vegetation, at least 55 hydrophytes species were identi ed in the ponds sampled, and also some species endemic to SW Iberian Peninsula (Callitriche regis-jubae, Scorzonera stulosa, Callitriche lusitanica) and others are in relic situation (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Thorella verticillato-inundata, Lemna trisulca). The conservation value of these ponds is highlighted by the large variety of protected and/or rare species of ora and fauna, which are favoured by a high pond abundance and connectivity.

This study was conducted during 2006 - 2010, with 7 surveys (June 2006, October 2006, April 2007, May and July 2008, March and September 2010) and duration of 10-20 field-working days per surveys. Totally, 22 survey transects were established within Strict protection zone and Ecological restoration zone of Xuan NhaNR. Each transects were repeated 2-4 times, resulting in total length of surveyed transects of about 350 km. In addition, about 250 local residents and forest rangers were interviewed during the surveys.This study has recorded 39 reptile species and 27 amphibian species. In comparison with 2003 herpetological list, this study adds 7 reptile and 6 amphibian species (species with * in Table 1) to the list, however, it could not record 10 reptile and 1 amphibian species. Combining results of this study with species recorded in 2003 herpetological list gives an updated herpetological list of 50 reptilian species (16 families) and 28 amphibian species (6 families). Of which, 23 species are being threatened, comprising 19 species listed in Red Data Book of Vietnam (2007), eight species listed in the IUCN Red List (2010) and 11 species listed inthe Governmental Decree 32/2006/ND-CP on protection of rare and precious species. This figure indicates high biodiversity conservation significance of Xuan Nha NR. Information on distribution of herpetofauna by different habitat types and current threats to the fauna was also given.

As a result of factors such as global warming, habitat destruction, and species introduction, amphibians are declining worldwide. No one, however, has analyzed the status of polymorphic amphibian species at a national or continental scale, although some local reports exist. Our aim was to report on the loss of intraspecific heterochrony as a loss to diversity in determining the consequences of fish stocking on European populations of paedomorphic newts. Paedomorphosis is a polymorphism in which larval traits are retained in the adult stage. We surveyed 39 paedomorphic populations of the alpine ( Triturus alpestris) and palmate ( T. helveticus) newts, all but one of which initially occupied fishless ponds and lakes in France, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Greece. Exotic fishes were found in 44% of the studied aquatic habitats, with a 100% presence in Montenegro. At all sites paedomorphs disappeared and metamorphs declined. Only fish explained these population changes because alternative factors such as drying were not significant. More catastrophically, fish introductions occurred in habitats known to support the largest populations of newts and even some endemic subspecies. If management and legislative measures are not taken to stop fish stocking, protect paedomorphs as conservation units at national and international levels, and restore natural habitats, all the largest paedomorphic populations may disappear in the near future. Their disappearance would represent a loss of one of the rare, fascinating examples of intraspecific heterochrony. ; Peer reviewed

As a result of monitoring research conducted in 2015-2017 on the territory of the nature reserve "Yelanetskyi steppe" and adjacent areas, 5 amphibian species (fire-bellied toad, green toad, common spadefoot, marsh frog, H. arborea) and 7 species of reptiles (sand lizard, green lizard, blotched snake, large whipsnake, grass snake, dice snake, pond turtle). The presence of some of the species specified in the project of the reserve creation, namely pond turtle, green lizard, large whipsnake, steppe viper, common toad and common newt has not been confirmed on the reserve's territory. The presence of 8 species was registered directly on the territory of the reserve, and another 4 species were registered in the vicinity of the rivers Gromokliya and Gniloy Yelanets. The most numerous among the identified amphibians are the semi-terrestrial species, such as the common spadefoot and the marsh frog. Sand lizard is the most widespread reptile species within the reserve territory and its population is characterized by an exceptional variety of coloration morphology. It should be noted that for more than a 30-year period a unique numerous population of the blotched snake has been preserved here. According to original data, more than two dozen snake specimens were registered in the vicinity of the Rosa beam. Due to climatic changes, it is proposed to expand the reserve's territory in ecotone river areas where there are finds of blotched snakes and large whipsnakes (RBU, 2009), green lizards (RBU, 2009) and pond turtles (IUCN (LR/NT)) to conserve biodiversity and protect rare species. In
particular, the expansion of the boundaries of the reserve is necessary in the context of climate change, as it leads to a shift in the natural habitats of certain amphibian and reptile species, and is also an important step towards the expansion of the Emerald Network of Ukraine

Mediterranean temporary ponds are a priority habitat under the European Union Habitats Directive, but those of natural origin are scarce, as many of them have been destroyed or transformed into permanent waters. The aim of this study is to highlight the conservation value of the system of temporary ponds in Doñana National Park, where more than 3000 water bodies may be filled during wet years. They are located on soils of aeolian origin where water persistence is favoured by the presence of an argilic semi permeable horizon and by a relic clay-rich sandy layer. Temporary ponds can be classified across a wide hydroperiod gradient. Most ponds fill with autumnal or winter rains and persist up to late spring or summer, and only a few may persist through summer. Eight of the 11 amphibian species of this area require temporary ponds for breeding. More than 124 taxa ofmacroinvertebrates have been recorded, coleopterans (56 taxa) and heteropterans (19 taxa) being the richest taxonomic groups. Several zoop1ankton species are endemic to this kind of habitats, such as the copepod Dussartius baeticus and the rotifer Lecane donyanensis. Regarding vegetation, at least 55 hydrophytes species were identified in the ponds sampled, and also some species endemic to SW Iberian Peninsula (Callitriche regis-jubae. Scorzonerajistulosa, Callitriche lusitanica) and others are in relic situation (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Thorella verticillato-inundata, Lemna trisulca). The conservation value of these ponds is highlighted by the large variety of protected ancl!or rare species of fiora and fauna, which are favoured by a high pond abundance and connectivity. ; Las lagunas temporales mediterráneas son hábitats prioritarios incluidos en la Directiva de Hábitats de la Unión Europea. que han sido frecuentemente destruídos o transformados en medios permanentes. siendo actualmente escasos los de origen natural. Este estudio pretende resaltar la importancia que tiene el sistema de charcas temporales del Parque Nacional de Doñana en la conservación de flora y fauna acuáticas. Este sistema comprende más de 3000 cuerpos de agua en años lluviosos, localizándose en las zonas de origen eólico, donde la permanencia del agua se ve favorecida por la presencia en sus suelos de un horizonte argz1ico y semipermeable y por una capa arenosa relicta rica en arcillas. Las lagunas temporales se pueden clasificar en función de su amplio gradiente de hidroperiodo. La mayoría de ellas se llenan con las lluvias de otoño o invierno y pueden permanecer hasta el final de la primavera o principios del verano y sólo algunas pueden mantener agua en verano. Las lagunas temporales son los hábitats de reproducción de ocho de las 11 especies de anfibios que se encuentran en Doñana. Se registraron más de 124 taxa de maeroinvertebrados, entre los que los coleópteros (56 taxa) y heterópteros (19 taxa) fueron los grupos taxonómicos con mayor número de especies. En el zooplancton. destacan especies endémicas de este área, como el copépodo Dussartius baeticus y el rotífero Lecane donyanensis. Entre las especies vegetales características de las lagunas temporales se han identificado más de 55 hidrójitos, encontrándose además algunos endemismos del suroeste ibérico (Callitriche regis-jubae, Scorzonera fistulosa, Callitriehe lusitanica) , así como especies amenazadas (Hydroeharis morsus-ranae, Thorella verticillato-inundata, Lemna trisulca). Las lagunas temporales de Doñana son de gran importancia para la conservación de un amplio número de especies protegidas y singulares de su flora y fauna acuática, que se ven favorecidas por la gran abundancia y conectividad de medios acuáticos.

Context
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, methods are a novel application of non-invasive genetic sampling in which DNA from organisms is detected via sampling of water or soil, typically for the purposes of determining the presence or absence of an organism. eDNA methods have the potential to revolutionise the study of rare or endangered taxa.

Aims
We evaluated the efficacy of eDNA sampling to detect populations of an amphibian of conservation concern, the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis), indirectly from their aquatic environments.

Methods
We developed species-specific primers, validated their specificity and sensitivity, and assessed the utility of our methods in silico and in laboratory trials. In the field, we collected water samples from three sites with known densities of hellbenders, and from one site where hellbenders do not occur. We filtered water samples, extracted DNA from filters, and assayed the extraction products for hellbender DNA by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis.

Key results
Our methods detected hellbenders at densities approaching the lowest of reported natural densities. The low-density site (0.16 hellbenders per 100 m2) yielded two positive amplifications, the medium-density site (0.38 hellbenders per 100 m2) yielded eight positive amplifications, and the high-density site (0.88 hellbenders per 100 m2) yielded 10 positive amplifications. The apparent relationship between density and detection was obfuscated when river discharge was considered. There was no amplification in any negative control.

Conclusion
eDNA methods may represent a cost-effective means by which to establish broad-scale patterns of occupancy for hellbenders.

Implications
eDNA can be considered a valuable tool for detecting many species that are otherwise difficult to study.

Due to legal requirements, nature managers increasingly have to carry out assessments of biodiversity for conservation purpo­seso For ponds, a type of waterbody now widely recognized as an important reservoir for freshwater biodiversity, standardized bioassessment methods are needed, but still rare. We produced such a tool for smalllowland waterbodies in Switzerland: the Pond Biodiversity Index ("IBEM"). This Index is the adaptation of a method used by researchers for assessing the biodiver­sity in ponds, PLOCH, which does not currently meet the requirements for routine use by nature managers because it is too expensive and requires a high skill level in taxonomic identification. A method intended for practitioners has to be simple, standardized, cheap, adjustable, and consistent with the legislative framework. In order to fulfill these requirements, the theoretical and practical aspects of IBEM were developed with a group of representative end users including nature conservation managers, consuitants, govemmental organizations and taxonomic experts. To develop the method, we used a species dataset from 63 Swiss lowland ponds which included five taxonomic groups: aquatic plants, aquatic Gastropoda, aquatic Coleopte­ra, adult Odonata and Amphibia. The following topics were addressed: (i) the number and type of taxonomic groups which should be used for producing the index (is it possible to use surrogates?) (ii) the level of identification for each taxonomic group (species? genus? family?) (iii) the sampling strategy (sampling technique, number of replicates), (iv) the calculation of a unique index and the strategy for assessing its score, and (v) the transfer of this new method to end users. The new method IBEM uses all five taxonomic groups, because a subset of groups did not produce reliable assessments of pond biodiversity. Identification to genus level is required for four groups (aquatic plants, aquatic Gastropoda, aquatic Coleoptera, aduit Odona­ta) and species level for Amphibia. The sampling methodology is based on the stratified random strategy used in the PLOCH method, but with a slight modification in the number of samples per pond. The assessment follows the methodology adopted by the European Water Framework Directive, and the ratio of the observed richness to a reference-based predicted richness is translated into one of five quality categories for each pond. The final index is the mean of the five assessment scores. To facilitate the implementation of the IBEM method, a website (http://campus.hesge.ch/ibem) enables online calculation of the index, and provides instructions on both sampling and assessment methodologies. Furthermore, training courses are organized by the authors of the method for end users. ; Debido a requerimientos legales, es cada vez más necesario que los gestores del medio ambiente lleven a cabo evaluaciones de la biodiversidad dirigidas a la conservación de la naturaleza. Para las charcas, pequeñas masas de agua ampliamente reconocidas como importantes reservorios de diversidad biológica acuática, los métodos normalizados de bio-evaluación son necesarios, pero aún escasos. Para esta tipología de pequeñas masas de agua situadas a baja altitud en Suiza se ha elaborado el índice de Biodiversidad de charcas ("IBEM"). Este índice es la adaptación de un método utilizado por los investigadores para evaluar la diversidad biológica en charcas, PLOCH, que no cumplía los requisitos para un uso rutinario por parte de los gestores del medio natural por ser demasiado caro y requerir un alto nivel de experiencia en la identificación taxonómica. Un método destinado a estos profesionales tiene que ser sencillo, estandarizado, económico, ajustable y en consonancia con el marco legislativo. Con el fin de cumplir estos requisitos, los aspectos teóricos y prácticos de IBEM se han desarrollado con un grupo representativo de posibles usuarios, incluyendo gestores conservadores, consultores, organizaciones guber­namentales y expertos en taxonomía. Para desarrollar el método, se ha utilizado una base de datos de 63 charcas Suizas, situadas en altitudes bajas, que incluye cinco grupos taxonómicos: plantas acuáticas, gasterópodos acuáticos, coleópteros acuáticos, odonatos adultos y anfibios. Se han estudiado los siguientes aspectos: (i) el número y tipo de grupos taxonómicos que se deben utilizar (es posible el uso de sustitutos?) (ii) nivel de identificación para cada grupo taxonómico (¿especie, género, familia?) (iii) estrategia de muestreo (técnica, número de réplicas), (iv) cálculo de un índice único y procedimiento para la asignación de valores y (v) la transferencia de este método a los posibles usuarios. El nuevo método IBEM utiliza los cinco grupos taxonómicos, ya que un subconjunto de ellos no produciría evaluaciones fiables de la diversidad biológica de la charca. La identificación a nivel de género es necesaria para cuatro de estos grupos (plantas acuáticas, gasterópodos acuáticos, coleópteros acuáticos, y odonatos adultos) y para los anfibios es necesario el nivel de especie. El muestreo sigue un diseño aleatorio estratificado, utilizado en el método PLOCH, pero con una ligera modificación en el número de muestras por charca. La evaluación sigue la metodología adoptada por la Directiva Marco de Aguas, y la relación entre la riqueza observada y la del estado de referencia se traduce en una de las cinco categorías de calidad para cada charca. El índice final es la media de las cinco puntuaciones de la evaluación. Para facilitar la aplicación del método IBEM, un sitio web (http://campus.hesge.ch/ibem) permite cálculo del índice a través de la red y proporciona instrucciones tanto de las metodo­logías de muestreo como de la valoración. Además, los autores han organizado cursos de formación sobre el método para los usuarios.

he local landscape Feofaniya is located on the outskirts of the Kyiv and represents communities of native oak wood with high density of ancient trees and hornbeam forest, steppe meadow, culture phytocenoses, cascade of ponds, stream. For the period 2012-2018 11 species of fish, 8
amphibians, 7 reptiles, 111 birds, 29 mammals were identified. Of these, 82.0 % of species are protected internationally, 8.9 % at the state level of the Ukraine, 12.6 % are regionally rare. In 81% of animal species, the reproductive site passes through the tract, and in half of them the whole life cycle. 19 % of the species composition of birds (Aves) are sedentary, 58 % arrive for nesting, 12 % for feeding, 9 % for wintering, 2 % for migratory (Regulus ignicapillus, Nucifraga caryocatactes). 82.8 % of mammals (Mammalia) are sedentary, 10.3 % are migratory (Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus pygmaeu, Nyctalus leisleri), 6.9 % with unexplained status (Neovison vison, Capreolus capreolus). The local landscape has 12 alien species. Carassius gibelio, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix released into ponds with the purpose of stocking. Trachemys seripta elegans bring vacationers to the ponds. Pseudorasbora parva, Perccottus glenii, Streptopelia decaocto, Dendrocopos syriacus, Phoenicurus ochruros, Serinus serinus, Ondatra zibet, Pipistrellus kuhlii, Neovison vison penetrated the local landscape independently from neighboring biotopes. Thanks to biotechnical measures aimed at improving the living conditions of animals (protection of natural nests and the creation of artificial ones), hanging feeders in the winter, hanging shelters for daytime and wintering bats. The negative impact on the biotopes of Feofaniya from the side of recreants is somewhat leveled at the expense of educational work with vacationers. The most relevant propaganda work is aimed at educating
correct behavior in nature, explaining the need to protect all plant and animal species, their biotopes, and explaining the consequences of disturbing the balance of sustainable development of ecosystems.

In France, local public authorities have taken a growing interest in ecological landscape management of urban parks and gardens since the 1980's. It results in the emergence of a new landscape model that embodies the encounter between two tendencies in urban territories. First, the growing influence of biological sciences on urban planning through the "urban ecology" political horizon. Second, the enlargement of nature conservation policies, that starts to include ordinary nature and urban biodiversity. The aim of this PhD was to analyse the relations between local practices, knowledge construction and landscape production, implied by the attempt of a local public authority to reconcile urban leisure and biodiversity conservation in the same place without segregation. This work was based on an ethnographic study in the Seine-Saint-Denis district near Paris, where a local model was created to express this idea, the "harmonious management" model. It emerged after a conflict about the preservation of a marsh in a large park built in the 1960's. Today the 400 ha of the park welcome more than 2 million visitors per year. The fact that the park shelters rare birds and amphibian species, pointed at local associations, has led to the integration of this place to a Natura 2000 site. The park history is closely linked to the influence of the hygienist ideology on the urbanisation of Paris region. In contrast with this history, the redefinition of the environmental public action is associated to the implication of local public authorities in considering biodiversity as a management objective. It leads to the creation a new institutional landscape model, which management is at the confluence between horticulture and ecosystem restoration. This redefinition goes along with the reconfiguration of knowledge and practices legitimacies, where scientific approaches gain influence. The rationalisation of public action toward biodiversity conservation also goes along with the production of new constraints for city-dweller ...

In France, local public authorities have taken a growing interest in ecological landscape management of urban parks and gardens since the 1980's. It results in the emergence of a new landscape model that embodies the encounter between two tendencies in urban territories. First, the growing influence of biological sciences on urban planning through the "urban ecology" political horizon. Second, the enlargement of nature conservation policies, that starts to include ordinary nature and urban biodiversity. The aim of this PhD was to analyse the relations between local practices, knowledge construction and landscape production, implied by the attempt of a local public authority to reconcile urban leisure and biodiversity conservation in the same place without segregation. This work was based on an ethnographic study in the Seine-Saint-Denis district near Paris, where a local model was created to express this idea, the "harmonious management" model. It emerged after a conflict about the preservation of a marsh in a large park built in the 1960's. Today the 400 ha of the park welcome more than 2 million visitors per year. The fact that the park shelters rare birds and amphibian species, pointed at local associations, has led to the integration of this place to a Natura 2000 site. The park history is closely linked to the influence of the hygienist ideology on the urbanisation of Paris region. In contrast with this history, the redefinition of the environmental public action is associated to the implication of local public authorities in considering biodiversity as a management objective. It leads to the creation a new institutional landscape model, which management is at the confluence between horticulture and ecosystem restoration. This redefinition goes along with the reconfiguration of knowledge and practices legitimacies, where scientific approaches gain influence. The rationalisation of public action toward biodiversity conservation also goes along with the production of new constraints for city-dweller ...