Vipers, toads and a white summit
An isolated mountain with a warm and dry climate at the base and a cold, alpine climate at the summit - there are only three mountains in the world with these characteristics: The Kilimanjaro, the Fujiyama and Mont Ventoux. The different climatic conditions on the mountain's base, the slopes and the summit lead to a high diversity of plants and animals, concentrated on a small geographical scale.
"Mont Ventoux is one of the best studied sites in France", explains Ken Reyna, research coordinator of the UNESCO biosphere. "For centuries, naturalists have climbed the mountain in order to examine its plants and animals". Even today, naturalist from all over Europe come to photograph and study the fauna and flora.
If they are lucky enough, naturalists have the chance to spot the Orsini Viper, the most endangered species on the mountain. Its protection is Ken's major concern: "The viper has a black market value of 3000 Euro. It's habitat at Mont Ventoux is very small, and the refurbishment of ski pistes reduces it even more." The viper likes small bushes and stones, which in turn are unfavourable for skiers. A research project has identified the most important areas, and now the reserve management embarked on dialogues with the ski lift operator in order to find the best solution for both.
Other nature conservation projects include the protection of reptiles and amphibians in the UNESCO biosphere's transition zone. Another concern is the white summit of the mountain. "The forest moves upwards, more and more trees are growing on the white stone slopes and start to displace the precious alpine vegetation of the summit. Perhaps, in some years, we might have to cut them down." An indicator of climate change? "There is less snow year after year, even the ski operators have problems. I am not sure, but climate change could be a reason."
25.09.2005 10:21h
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