Environment and habitat

From the Greek ‘herpeton’, meaning ‘something that crawls’. A group of animals comprising various species of reptiles and amphibians.

A public, private or associative entity or system — most often involving multiple partners — specifically dedicated to observing biodiversity in a given territory and sometimes a particular theme, and which contributes to the production and dissemination of information from the data collected, in order to improve understanding.

Condition, at a given moment, of a biodiversity component (species or ecosystem), characterized by its structure, functioning and species community (for ecosystems), or by its abundance, distribution, traits and genetics (for species).

Beneficial flora refers to all animals that are naturally useful to crops. They regulate harmful species or the development of diseases such as powdery mildew. They also reduce the use of pesticides. Beneficial flora mainly consists of insects but certain mammals, birds and reptiles are also a part of it. There are three types of beneficial flora:

• Predators help reduce the chemicals treatments against pests and harmful species.
• Pollinators promote plant fertilization and contribute to fruit production.
• Detritivores decompose organic matter and enhance soil fertility.

Microporous mineral belonging to the silicate group, of natural origin (chabazite, clinoptilolite, etc.) or synthetic. Are used as ion exchangers or as adsorbents.

Running water in oceans and rivers, but also the (rather stagnant) water in lakes and dams.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is defined as DNA that can be extracted from environmental samples, such as water, soil or feces, without the need to first isolate target organisms.

Ensemble de la matière organique, d'origine végétale ou animale

Masse totale de matière de toutes les espèces vivantes présentes dans un écosystème donné. La biomasse peut également désigner un sous ensemble de cette masse comme la masse totale de matière vivante présente à un niveau trophique donné, voire d'une famille ou d'une espèce dans un écosystème (poids total de la matière d'un individu, d'un groupe, d'une classe d'âge, d'un stock, d'une population, ...).

Inventaire des milieux et espèces présents sur un territoire donné. Il implique l'ensemble des acteurs d'une commune (élus, citoyens, associations, entreprises, ...) en faveur de la préservation du patrimoine naturel. La réalisation de cet inventaire permet de cartographier les enjeux de biodiversité à l'échelle de ce territoire.