Since 2022, the POPCO-IMBE-develops research in Senegal around the issues of agro-ecological transition and human-nature co-viability in a Sahelian context. Supported by Hervé Jourdan, This work is being carried out in areas characterised by highly heterogeneous agricultural practices, contrasting plant cover densities and very pronounced seasonal variations.
Field missions to support research
In the autumn, missions were carried out in the groundnut basin by Hélène de Méringo and Arne Saatkamp with two complementary objectives:
understand the role of an «engineer» ant, Messor galla, This is a key factor in the dispersal of seeds and the maintenance of useful biodiversity in agricultural landscapes; ;
explore the contribution of’eco-acoustics for long-term monitoring of ecosystems and associated human practices.
Ants, ecosystem engineers
As part of the European Galileo project, This study looks at the ecosystem services provided by nature in the context of sustainable family farming. It analyses the interactions between arthropods and weed biodiversity at the edges of fields, in particular the seed dispersal service provided by granivorous ants. Messor galla.
These ants are likely to have a major influence on the functioning and sustainability of agroecosystems, and are the subject of a detailed assessment of the weed flora along a agricultural intensification gradient and nest density. In total, almost 800 vegetation plots were characterised in order to estimate the extent of seed dispersal by ants.
Eco-acoustics: towards long-term monitoring of Sahelian environments
At the same time, a network of passive acoustic recorders has been deployed for several months now along gradients of agricultural use (groundnut basin) and restoration (area of the Great Green Wall). The aim: to establish reference conditions to monitor changes in biodiversity based on animal acoustic signatures.
A specific experiment made it possible to calibrate sound propagation in densely vegetated environments. Coupled with a standardised inventory of fauna, these results will help to link acoustic signals to actual levels of biodiversity.
Partnerships and support
This work is supported by the CNRS MITI (project Rescape) and the’OHMI Téssékré, in collaboration with Étienne Thoret (Timone Neuroscience Institute).