In the OtterConnect project, we aim at providing an operational framework for assessing socio-ecological connectivity for small carnivores which influence the dynamics of ecosystems and provide numerous ecosystem services. We focus on the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) an umbrella and indicator species of blue and green infrastructures.
Monitoring
How to survey efficiently otter populations to quantify habitat connectivity and suitability?
Modelling
What are the ecological conditions for otters to disperse and settle in areas or move between populations?
Interacting
How do representations and practices shape habitat connectivity and suitability for otters?
Outreach
Can the otter become an ambassador for wetlands to help preserve them?
Our team
Maëlis Kervellec
PhD candidate at Montpellier University. Maëlis develops statistical models for the analysis of camera trap data with applications to connectivity and large carnivores.
Valentin Lauret
Research fellow. Valentin is interested in biodiversity management issues from an interdisciplinary perspective between ecology, statistics, and social sciences.
Louis Barbu
Intern from BTSA Nature management and protection. Louis is studying the functionality of ecological corridors for the European otter in the Hérault department.
Vincent Sablain
Natura 2000 "Le Lez" coordinator, Manager of natural areas at EPTB Lez.
Yann Raulet
Biodiversity project manager at Montpellier city. Yann is passionate about wildlife photography.
Olivier Gimenez
CNRS scientist. Olivier is a statistician with a special interest in carnivore ecology. He leads the OtterConnect project.
Javi Fernández-López
Research fellow. Javier is interested in mammal abundance and distribution modeling, focusing on human-animal interactions.
Patrícia Rodrigues
Research fellow. Her research focuses on the use of social-ecological approaches for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation."
Claude Miaud
Professor at the EPHE. Claude is a hydrobiologist, vertebrate population biologist and is particularly interested in methodological developments and applications of environmental DNA methods.
Simon Lacombe
"Simon will start a PhD at Montpellier University in September 2023. His PhD will aim at understanding the drivers underlying Otter recolonization in France using various methods in statistical ecology."
Tanguy Daufresne
INRAE researcher. Tanguy is an ecologist with expertise in ichthyology. His work focuses on the interactions between species and the functioning of ecosystems.
Sébastien Devillard
Associate Professor. Sébastien is an evolutionary ecologist especially interested in the conservation and management of mammalian carnivores.
Cécile Kauffmann
Cécile is coordinator of the National Action Plan for the European Otter 2019-2028, at the French Society for the Study and Protection of Mammals.
Nicolas Lescureux
CNRS scientist. Nicolas is an ethnoecologist working on local knowledge about animals.
Matthew Silk
Research Fellow. Matt is an expert uses network approaches to study social and spatial behaviour, often applying these methods to applied questions related to management and conservation.
Gilles Maurer
Beauval Nature scientist. Gilles is studying human animal interactions using an interdisciplinary approach (ethnology, demography, genetics).
Raphaël Mathevet
CNRS scientist. Raphaël is a geographer, working on the conservation of biodiversity, protected areas, and the evaluation of public policies.
Eve le Pommelet
Biodiversity Project manager at EPTB Bassin de l'Or, Natura 2000 "Etang de Mauguio" coordinator.
Thibaut Couturier
Engineer. Thibaut works with protected areas in the development of fauna-flora study protocols (OFB-CNRS cooperation).
Frédérique Roman
Planification project manager at EPTB Orb Libron.
Clément Oyon
Project manager at EPTB Vidourle.
Serge Rouvière
Chargé de Mission à l’EPTB Vidourle.
Antony Meunier
Tatiana Tronel
Naturaliste. Volontaire service civique avec les Ecologistes de l'Euzière. Tatiana a participé au travail de terrain sur le Lez et l'Or.
Caroline Delaire
Master intern in scientific outreach.
Louise D'Hollande
Master intern in ecology.
Lazare Duval
Master intern in animal geography.
Tom Carli
Bachelor intern in ecology.
Alix Cosquer
Researcher in environmental psychology and conservation psychology. Her research focuses on the representations and behaviors of individuals in relation to nature.
Sébastien Ranc
Scientific mediator and naturalist at CPIE APIEU.
Alexandre Dubost
Scientific mediator and naturalist at at Centre Ressources Éduc Nature, domain of Restinclières.
Paula Dias
Project manager in science-society dialogue at CEFE.
Johan Michaux
Johan is Research Director at the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research, and Director of the Conservation Genetics Laboratory at the University of Liège, whose aim is to study and preserve endangered species. Johan is also involved in a wide range of science popularisation activities.
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