Camargue Biosphere Reserve - France

The Camargue hosts 34 habitats of EU interest (Annex I of Habitats Directive), including 7 priority ones. Actually, most of the surface area of natural habitats is either occupied by habitats of EU interest or by habitats of priority species according to the Bird Directive. Although the Camargue represents only 0,3% of the country area, it hosts 400 (289 regularly) of the 570 French bird species, 50% of dragonflies and freshwater fishes, 30-40% of reptiles, amphibians, terrestrial mammals and nearly 25% of the flora (1200 species) for a total of 489 species of conservation interest. The Camargue also plays an important role for bird migration routes with nearly one million individuals from over 350 species transiting each year though the delta (site of international relevance according to Ramsar for 31 species). The only breeding colony of flamingos (flagship species) in France is also located in the Camargue. Tour du Valat is involved in several long-term population surveys, mostly on birds.