Priorités de conservation des espèces en Auvergne : l’apport des Listes rouges régionales

Using subnational Red Lists from the former Auvergne region and available occurrence data, multi-group cross-analyses were carried out to provide a synthesis of the conservation status of species of Auvergne and to illustrate the main trends as well as the main issues for local biodiversity. The results show there are a large number of threatened and near threatened species, including more than half of amphibians, bryophytes and birds. The highest proportions of unknown species concern certain vertebrates (amphibians and mammals) and flora. There is a lack of public policy framework or regulatory statutes for more than 170 species listed under the ‘Data Deficient’ category and for as many endangered species. There is also strong geographic variation in the distribution of declining species and species ‘Data Deficient’ that focus on the Allier River axis and the mountain ranges. Moreover, there is a marked endemism in the area of the Dore Mountains, the Cantal Mountains and the Mezenc Massif. In the context of regional conservation strategies and knowledge priorities, special attention should be paid to the endemic species of Auvergne currently threatened and a series of remarkable species among vascular flora. Although other factors exist, the main threats are related to the deterioration of habitats. The development of subnational Red Lists, a decision-making tool, must be maintained in order to continue monitoring and conservation of the regional biodiversity.