Biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Rampillon Artificial Wetland Buffer Zones – Seine-et-Marne (77)

Abstract

Artificialisation of land and intensification of agricultural practices have led to the homogenization of landscapes and decline of biodiversity. In fact, the loss of diversity of natural or semi-natural habitats leads to a decrease in species richness in many areas. Among various actions to address these challenges, ecological engineering contributes to restore ecosystem functions and services by relying on nature-based solutions. This is the case of the Artificial Wetland Buffer Zone (in French Zone Tampon Humide Artificielle, ZTHA) whose primary function is to improve the quality of water in an agricultural drainage context. However, it turns out that this tool also promotes habitat diversity in the context of field crops that have undergone major land development to optimize agricultural productivity. In order to assess the impact of ZTHAs on biodiversity at the Rampillon experimental site, inventories on 7 taxa (Amphibians, Chiroptera, Lepidoptera, Mammals, Odonata, Birds and Reptiles) were carried out in 2017, seven years after their construction. As a result, over an area of about 1 hectare it is possible to find more than 40% of the species among the taxa of Amphibians, Odonates and Birds known in Île-de-France. The ZTHAs also promote terrestrial and aquatic ecological networks on a territory that has become homogenous through successive land consolidation, by diversifying the landscape and promoting connectivity between natural elements (role of relay space). In addition, pedagogical and recreational aspects are added to the overall benefit with the installation of an educational trail on the study site. The issues mentioned above stimulate ecosystem services and are pooled on one land site: the ZTHA. Ultimately, their deployment on a larger scale is proposed, which will contribute to the ecological development of territories and allow agroecosystems to have a reduced environmental footprint. This article is the second in a trilogy presenting the different strengths of ZTHAs to face current environmental issues.