Living with living things in the city: the contributions of research

Louise Eydoux:The effects of de-impermeabilization on soil biodiversity

De-impermeabilization is now emerging as a solution to increasing urbanization and massive soil impermeabilization. However, this practice is recent and its effects on urban soil biodiversity remain poorly documented. 
We therefore sought to understand the impact of de-impermeabilization, particularly in schoolyards, on soil biodiversity by focusing on three groups with major ecological roles and varying dispersal capacities: microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), earthworms, and ants.

Benoit Pujol: "Weeds to the rescue"

The renaturation of urban spaces offers a nature-based solution for adapting to the high temperatures caused by climate change. In Occitanie, the number of days when temperatures exceed 30°C has doubled since 1950. Faced with feasibility and sustainability constraints, we propose focusing on spontaneous vegetation: "weeds." We will experimentally compare the adaptability of these spontaneous plants with that of local plants (Mediterranean plants from horticulture), which are highly prized. We are implementing a science-society approach in the city of Carcassonne in order to reconcile fundamental and applied sciences conducted with and for society. 

Simon Lacombe: "The European otter is back in France: Pressure and presence in urban areas."

Over the past few decades, the European otter (Lutra lutra) has made a spectacular comeback in France. It now occupies nearly two-thirds of the country, including heavily anthropized landscapes, and is now present in the immediate vicinity of many major cities. In this presentation, we will examine how the species uses urban and peri-urban environments, and what pressures these environments place on its survival. We will focus on two case studies: monitoring the presence of otters in and around the city of Montpellier, and analyzing the risks of road collisions in Brittany.

* By entering your email address, you agree to receive a weekly summary of the UM calendar by email and acknowledge that you have read ourprivacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe linkor by contacting us by email.