ABSTRACT
/ The valleys of European piedmonts constitute changing narrow corridors within which water, matter, nutrients, energy, and species flow. The dispersion patterns of these flows have been significantly disturbed since the end of the 18th century. Thus, western European valleys have been changed into complex mosaics by implementation of socioeconomical programs. In order to define future actions allowing the preservation of this "ecocomplex" (Blandin and Lamotte 1988), it is necessary to gather precise information of the landscape dynamics. Hence, the study of the European river valleys must be based upon two major steps: (1)the analysis of the present landscape with suitable remote sensing techniques, allowing us to map the complex mosaic of narrow corridors; and (2) the analysis of temporal landscape development patterns since the first engineering works that have transformed the braided channel system. In this paper, the efficiency of the addition of two techniques is highlighted: (1) the "wavelet merging method" from multispectral and panchromatic SPOT images for the floodplain land-cover mapping, and (2) the historical reconstruction techniques from old maps and archive documents in order to analyze the cumulative impacts of engineering works on landscape diversity. To illustrate the method, a particularly complex case study is chosen: the Arc/Isere confluence (downstream from Albertville, Savoie, France). Remote sensing, field survey, and historical reconstruction allowed us to distinguish two types of spatial units: (1) the "functional sets" characterized by independent state factors (edaphic, hydrological, and topographic) and supporting a limited number of vegetation types (spontaneous or cultivated), and (2) the functional unit (= ecotope), which corresponds to a unique combination of vegetation type/functional set.KEY WORDS: Landscape ecology; Floodplains; Vegetation; Land use; Remote sensing; Historical reconstruction; Mapping; Merging methods; Human impacts; Alps; Isere river; France
ABSTRACT
Six primers for the amplification of three non-coding regions of chloroplast DNA via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have been designed. In order to find out whether these primers were universal, we used them in an attempt to amplify DNA from various plant species. The primers worked for most species tested including algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms. The fact that they amplify chloroplast DNA non-coding regions over a wide taxonomic range means that these primers may be used to study the population biology (in supplying markers) and evolution (inter- and probably intraspecific phylogenies) of plants.
Subject(s)
Chloroplasts/physiology , DNA/genetics , Eukaryota/genetics , Oligodeoxyribonucleotides , Plants/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Base Sequence , Exons , Introns , Molecular Sequence Data , Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid , Species SpecificityABSTRACT
The results presented in this study are based on observations made during some 10 years in the French Alps and their surroundings. Forest clusters, as they still cover comparatively large areas, are considered the most favorable foci for several Ixodid species. Recent studies, however, have shown that environment modified by man also harbours large populations of ticks. The spreading of certain species around and even into cities is actually taking place. The following categories of tick species may be distinguished with reference to the artificialization process of the environment: 1. species occurring mainly in forest areas (Ixodes ricinus, I. trianguliceps); 2. species occurring in agricultural, suburban and preurban areas (Dermacentor reticulatus, Rhipicephalus turanicus); 3. species found in either natural wholes, burrows etc. or in constructions amidst rural areas (I. hexagonus, I. canisurga, R. pusillus); 4. species present exclusively in buildings, in either rural or urban areas (R. sanguineus, Argas reflexus). The vectorial role of the various tick species is discussed with regard to the artificialisation process. Particular attention is drawn to the appearance of new, and the extension of previously known foci of disease transmission in the vicinity of large cities.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Physiological , Arachnid Vectors/physiology , Environment , Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology , Ticks/physiology , Animals , Ecology , France , Geography , Humans , Rickettsia Infections/transmission , Rural Population , Suburban Population , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
Following a study of potential vectors of the boutonneuse Fever in the lower Rhône valley, the authors summarize knowledge concerning Rh. turanicus (biogeography, hosts, seasonal dynamics). Using their own work, they emphasize its distribution and ecology in the French mediterranean region: as an exophile species, frequently encountered because of the rich variety of its hosts (domestic and wild) and its adaptability to numerous human biotopes, it probably has a very significant epidemiological role.
Subject(s)
Insect Vectors , Ticks , Animals , Ecology , France , Humans , SeasonsABSTRACT
Investigations carried out on the waste grounds of a certain number of large Mediterranean towns in Provence and Languedoc (France) show the prevalence of Rhipicephalus turanicus in such an environment. The authors analyse the conditions favourable to the installation of the species, and make a comparison between the suburban biotopes with Rhipicephalus turanicus and the homologous biotopes with Dermacentor reticulatus.
Subject(s)
Ticks , Animals , Dermacentor/growth & development , Ecology , Environment , Female , France , Male , Species Specificity , Ticks/anatomy & histology , Ticks/growth & development , UrbanizationSubject(s)
Ticks/classification , Animals , Ecology , Eulipotyphla/parasitology , Female , France , Male , Rodentia/parasitology , Species Specificity , Ticks/anatomy & histologyABSTRACT
Dog piroplasmosis is actually expanding at the periphery of the big cities of the Rhone-Alpes area. The authors present the basis of an epidemiological study and insist upon the interest of vegetation analysis in the detection of the contamination sites.
Subject(s)
Babesiosis/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Animals , Arthropod Vectors , Dogs , Environment , France , Plants , Soil/analysisABSTRACT
Five Ixodidae species parasites of small mammals have been identified in North-western Spain and particularly on the cantabrique Mountains. The authors mention that among these species there are Ixodes acuminatus (Neumann, 1901) and Ixodes trianguliceps (Birula, 1895), which according to their own knowledge, have never been noticed in the Iberian Peninsula so far.
Subject(s)
Ticks , Animals , Arvicolinae , Carnivora , Dermacentor , Female , Male , Mice , Rats , Shrews , SpainABSTRACT
Ixodes trianguliceps, parasite of insectivores and rodent mammals seems to be distributed throughout France, except in the mediterranean low altitude areas. This tick which does not manifest any parasitic specificty, has meanwhile preferred hosts (Clethrionomys glareolus, especially). At low altitudes, it likes forests, hedge-rows and heaths and at higher altitudes (Subalpine and alpine), opened area may be densely inhabited. The authors study the numerous concerned vegetal associations and precise the tick's phenology, particularly in the Bas-Dauphiné. They also discuss the many hypothesis concerning the still unknown ecology of I. trianguliceps free instars.