Jean-Luc Bourrioux embodies the fight for the preservation of the northern harrier on the plateaus of Haute-Marne. A particularly important action during the nesting period.
A long-standing commitment: the testimony of Jean-Luc Bourrioux. For more than 40 years, Jean Luc Bourrioux has been passionately involved in the protection of northern harriers. Every year, during the nesting period, he takes his vacation to monitor the nests and ensure their safety. In 2024, Jean-Luc watches over 25 nests, although he is aware that not all of them will survive due to predation, bad weather and other hazards. His dedication illustrates the importance of individual actions in the conservation of endangered species.
Jean-Luc Bourrioux embodies the heart of the battle for the preservation of northern harriers on the Haute-Marne plateaus. His testimony highlights the daily challenges and fragile successes of protecting these majestic raptors. It is an example of citizen commitment to confront threats to biodiversity.
An elegant raptor in danger
The Common Harrier (Circus pygargus) is a medium-sized diurnal bird of prey, recognizable by its graceful gliding flight and long, thin wings. Males have silvery gray plumage, while females and young have reddish hues. However, these birds nest on the ground in cereal fields, making them particularly vulnerable to agricultural activities, particularly harvests which can destroy their nests, but also to predation by badgers, foxes and wild boars.
Diet and migration
The Common Harrier feeds mainly on small mammals, such as voles and field mice, but also on grasshoppers and crickets or locusts in Africa, it is an effective ally for the preservation of crops. This varied diet allows it to adapt to the different conditions of its habitat. Northern harriers are also long-distance migrants. They spend the winter in sub-Saharan Africa and return to Europe in the spring to breed. This long migratory journey exposes harriers to many dangers, including extreme weather conditions and anthropogenic threats such as illegal hunting and destruction of their habitats.
Strengthened protection initiatives
To respond to the various threats, actions have been put in place by several wildlife protection organizations. Volunteers and ornithologists, notably from the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO), the Federation of Regional Natural Parks of France (PNRF) and other local associations.
Location and marking of nests
During the nesting period, men and women monitor and survey the fields to spot the nests of the Northern Harrier. Once located, the nests are protected by the installation of a “protective mesh cage” which helps deter predators, then the nests will be marked with clearly visible stakes to avoid their accidental destruction by agricultural machinery, especially during harvest. .
Partnership with farmers
Collaborations are established with farmers to make them aware of the presence of harriers and encourage them to help preserve wildlife. Some farmers agree to delay the harvest or leave small squares of unharvested crops around the nests. This represents approximately 4 square meters on a plot, allowing young harriers to fly away safely.
Nest surveillance and monitoring
Nests are regularly monitored to assess nesting success and intervene in the event of danger. Rings and transmitters are sometimes placed on young people, but also on unidentified adults; they can also be captured, to follow their movements and better understand their needs and behaviors. These actions are supported by institutions such as the Center for Research on the Biology of Bird Populations (CRBPO) and universities.
Encouraging but precarious results
There are around 5,000 pairs of Northern Harriers nesting in France, or around 50% of the world population. Preservation efforts are beginning to bear fruit. In 2023, the LPO recorded a 15% increase in protected nests compared to the previous year, with a nesting success rate reaching 80% in monitored areas knowing that around 50% of young will not see the following spring.
However, challenges remain numerous: climate change, agricultural intensification and urbanization continue to threaten harrier habitats and food sources. The situation of the common harrier mirrors that of birds and insects living in cultivated plains.
Annual fluctuations mask the slow but continuous decline in wildlife in agricultural areas over the past 50 years.
Good years and occasional actions still allow us to hope to see these birds, symbols of our living plains, for a long time to come.
A call for collective action
The preservation of Northern Harriers during nesting requires collective mobilization. Everyone can contribute by reporting the presence of nests or by adopting agricultural practices in partnership with volunteers for the preservation of birds. To find out more and participate in the protection of gray harriers, it is possible to join volunteer programs during the nesting period, around twenty hours of your time will contribute to the protection of these birds of prey or get involved in campaigns local awareness campaigns. Together, we can guarantee a future for these majestic birds.
These initiatives aim to provide a safer future for Northern Harriers, allowing these magnificent animals to continue to fly over the French plains for future generations. Jean-Luc Bourrioux and his 40 years of dedication are living proof that individual commitment can have a significant impact on the conservation of biodiversity.
From our correspondent Virginie Thibault
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