Biodiversity is increasingly endangered all over the world. According to several studies, the nature crisis is unprecedented.[1] Species are disappearing rapidly, and it is becoming more difficult to replenish populations.[2] In 2019, the report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) identified five main causes of this decline: land-use change, overexploitation of resources, climate change, pollution, and invasive species.[3]
However, biodiversity is essential to life on Earth. It provides food, water, and medicine and helps regulate the climate. The more diverse ecosystems are, the more resilient they are to crises such as droughts or diseases. Its disappearance thus weakens our security, our health, and the balance of the planet.
Species considered ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’, or ‘vulnerable’ according to the IUCN Red List are said to be ‘threatened’.[4] Scientists study these species to determine their level of threat and better understand the severity of their situation.[5]
Château de Vullierens’ Commitment to Environmental Conservation
Château de Vullierens is actively involved in biodiversity conservation. As part of this commitment, the estate gave Célia Noger, a student at HEPIA (Geneva University of Applied Sciences in Landscape Architecture, Engineering and Architecture), the opportunity to conduct a study on strengthening the ecological network. During this work, several threatened species were observed.
Threatened Species Observed at Château de Vullierens During the Study
Among them, the Plantain Fritillary, a threatened butterfly species, is present on the castle grounds. The threat to this species is linked to the disappearance of its habitats, mainly due to the intensification of agriculture.[6]
The Variegated Conehead and the Marsh Grasshopper, two vulnerable orthopteran species, are also present on the study site.[7] Their potential decline is also due to habitat loss caused by agricultural intensification.[8]
A new species has also been identified: the midwife toad.[9] Tadpoles were discovered in the fountain in front of the castle. Although the current population appears viable, it remains very small.[10] According to a specialist from Karch-GE, this species had not been reported in the area since 2015, when it was observed in the Perrause wetland in Aclens, about 1.5 km from the estate.[11]
Thus, four amphibian species are present: the midwife toad, the alpine newt, the common frog, and the marsh frog, the latter being an invasive species.[12]
A great diversity of threatened birds to discover
In total, 52 bird species were recorded on the site during surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024 by Eric Morard (Delarze et al., 2024).[13] Among these species, some are threatened. These include the skylark, whose main threat is agricultural intensification, as well as the hoopoe, which faces a decrease in available food, as do the common redstart, the whinchat, and the European greenfinch.[14]
The house martin, the barn swallow, and the common swift have also been observed, with the main threats being the reduction of suitable nesting sites and the shortage of nesting materials.[15] The common kestrel, the barn owl, and the wood sandpiper also live in the Vullierens area, as do the red-backed shrike and the spotted flycatcher.[16] Other threatened birds have been observed, but only as migratory visitors: the Peregrine Falcon, the Yellow Wagtail, the European Turtle Dove, and the Cattle Egret.[17]
Mammals present on the estate
Finally, several mammals have been observed, including the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), the Stone Marten (Martes foina), the European Badger (Meles meles), and a pair of European Hares (Lepus europaeus).[18]
Observing biodiversity at Vullierens: A haven for biodiversity
The Vullierens estate is a privileged location for observing biodiversity in all its richness. By strolling through the grounds, you can discover an incredible variety of species, from birds to fascinating amphibians. It’s a unique opportunity to experience an immersive encounter with nature, where humans and wildlife coexist in perfect harmony.
In conclusion, Vullierens Castle is a true haven for biodiversity, harboring a wide variety of species, some of which are threatened. Thanks to conservation efforts, the estate provides a favorable environment for many plants and animals, thus contributing to the preservation of local nature.
[1] Ofb.gouv – Threats to biodiversity
[2] Ofb.gouv – Threats to biodiversity
[3] Ofb.gouv – Threats to biodiversity
[4] WWF – Report: Endangered animals
[5] WWF – Report: Endangered animals
[6] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[7] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[8] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[9] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[10] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[11] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[12] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[13] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[14] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[15] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[16] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[17] page 36, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”
[18] page 37, Célia Noger, “Strengthening the ecological network in the Vullierens area”