For several days, researchers at the Institute for Research on Insect Biology (IRBI) have had a new playground. “Cabins” perched fifteen meters above the ground, a few minutes’ walk from their office. In the Grandmont faculty woods, two new platforms were installed around the trees last week.
“Two years ago, we had already imagined a prototype of a research platform in trees to study the evolution of biodiversity at height, in the face of climate change and human activity”recalls David Giron, director of Irbi.
David Giron, director of Irbi, on the rise.
© (Photo NR, Pascaline Mesnage)
“There is no equivalent on the planet”
Models imagined from structures used in the entertainment industry. “We adapted them by working with architects and engineers. We installed shelves, guardrails and tarpaulins to protect against the rain. » Inside, the researchers set up their microscope, plugged in their computer. “This saves us time, we can take an insect and analyze it on site, without going to the laboratory. There is no equivalent on the planet. »
In the Grandmont woods, in Tours, a mini-laboratory has taken shape fifteen meters above the ground with a microscope and computer equipment.
© (Photo NR, Pascaline Mesnage)
A smaller and higher platform – it rises 25 meters from the ground – allows you to reach the canopy. “It is equipped with a mast which allows us to hoist measuring devices”explains David Giron. A real opportunity also for the teams from the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE) who use the platform. “Until now, we didn’t really know what was happening above the canopy. »
These installations, financed by the State-Region plan contract are carried out within the framework of a European program. “It aims to map biodiversity on a global scale, in urban and non-urban environments. » Another laboratory equivalent to that of the Grandmont woods was set up in the Larçay woods.
“The study is being carried out in around a hundred locations around the world and will last seven years. » In Grandmont, samples are taken every day.
A zip line connects the two platforms and allows samples to be taken at height, among the trees.
A zip line connects the two platforms and allows samples to be taken at height, among the trees. ©
(Photo NR, Pascaline Mesnage)
In Martinique and Guadeloupe In Tours, this Saturday, the general public was able to discover this unusual laboratory. Equipped with harnesses, the visitors climbed onto the platform in a few minutes, one after the other.“Absolutely incredible” enthused a mother, visiting the structure with her son. More than a research tool, the cabins are intended to raise awareness of biodiversity among a wide audience.
“We hope to reach schoolchildren and students. We have prepared an educational kit on insects. »
For now, the Epiphyte platform designed in Tours is already making progress: similar equipment will soon be installed in Martinique and Guadeloupe by researchers from the Paris Natural History Museum.
Ultimately, the Grandmont woods should accommodate around fifteen platforms.
€130,000 for the Luna platform, €25,000 for Epiphyte.
An ocean of knowledge at Grandmont Park
The science village, on the Grandmont faculty site in Tours, is open this Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the theme of oceans. From neuroscience to underwater archeology, insect biology and even artificial intelligence, a rich program awaits the visitor.
Nearly 50 entertainment stands are offered with laboratory visits, an escape game, experiments, treasure hunts, observations, workshops, a science café, etc.From 6 years old. FREE ENTRANCE.
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