The Donzère-Mondragon Hunting and Wildlife Reserve (RCFS) is made up of a medium resulting from the digging of the floodway. It includes the whole of the diversion channel, its banks and dikes, as well as a variable surface of adjoining land consisting of mounds and embankments (platforms). These lands have evolved more or less freely and more or less rapidly since about sixty years now forming varied habitats and juxtaposed mosaic.
The vegetal formations thus evolve from environments open to afforestation according to the type of soil and management.
Due to its location in an important Rhine-Rhone migratory crossroads, this site represents a remarkable migratory stop before crossing the Mediterranean, and a nesting and wintering area for many bird species. The particular character of this biogeographical crossroads of the lower Rhone Valley is revealed by the variety of its Mediterranean and Mediterranean flora of arid environments (Roux et al., 2007).
The Donzère-Mondragon Hunting and Wildlife Reserve (RCFS) is made up of a medium resulting from the digging of the floodway. It includes the whole of the diversion channel, its banks and dikes, as well as a variable surface of adjoining land consisting of mounds and embankments. These lands have evolved more or less freely and more or less rapidly since about sixty years now forming varied habitats and juxtaposed mosaics.
Major Site Values & Outcomes
Due to its location in an important Rhine-Rhone migratory crossroads, this site represents a remarkable migratory stop before crossing the Mediterranean, and a nesting and wintering area for many bird species. The particular character of this biogeographical crossroads of the lower Rhone Valley is revealed by the variety of its Mediterranean and Mediterranean flora of arid environments (Roux et al., 2007). The site has numerous habitat and species of conservation significance: ZNIEFF (national), Natura 2000 (EU Birds and Habitats Directive); Community and heritage habitats: the Blondel pond – the canals – the temporary pools – the grasslands; Rich floristic conservation stakes: grasslands, different species of orchids; Some fauna species include: the European Bee-eater, the Lesser Bittern, the Gray Heron, the Black Kite, the Beaver, the European Otter, the Schreibers Miniopter; the Graslin’s Clubtail, the Agrion of Mercury. The reserve is part of the network of sites for the observation, maintenance and restoration of Red Partridge in the Mediterranean region coordinated by ONCFS. Plants: More than 700 species of terrestrial and aquatic plants inventoried.
As an indication of conservation outcomes: 28 species of breeding birds registered on the red lists, and more than 60 birds with national and European protection status are present in the reserve. While management is maintaining values, improvements can be made.
EAGL statement:
The agreement between CNR / ONCFS, the setting up of a multidisciplinary management committee, the development of research programs with research institutes and the MNHN testify to the manager’s willingness to involve various partners in the management of the site. The strategy of ecological rehabilitation and local integration is remarkable. This site is an illustration of changing mentalities (the CNR in the 1970s was the target of environmentalists). This site signs the entry of a new category in the sample of candidates. The enthusiasm is shared in the working group vis-à-vis exemplary governance.
In 70 years the site has experienced a very positive evolution in terms of biodiversity and valuation of ecosystem services. The current ranking in the National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve should guarantee and amplify this evolution in the years to come. Much knowledge has been gained about the main values of the site. However, even if criterion 2.1B is considered achieved, it will need to be clarified, but this must be coupled with the provision by IUCN of a list of ecosystem services.
The reserve classification with specific objectives developed in the management plan, as well as the integration of broader planning documents such as the Docob Natura 2000, inscribe the management of this site in the long term. The committed approach of ranking in the National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve and the creation of an APPB confirm and strengthen the protection and management of the site’s biodiversity.
Criterion 3.4 on Threat Management is partially achieved to date as additional water quality testing is required. They are planned and must now be planned on the counter channels. Then, the working group wanted to know what was the exotic invasive species of black locust. A follow-up is well done and the species seems to remain confined to the spaces in which it was planted.
Criterion 3.6 on access management, resource utilization and visits is also partially achieved to date as the management team feels that it can do more in this area. In 2015, the management of the reserve was associated with this diagnosis (current signage, information panel proposals) on the territory of the reserve. The first panels that have been developed on pastoral management (Galloway cows) as well as on biodiversity are available. Other panels are being manufactured. This operation was provided for in the 2013-2017 management plan and is gradually taking shape.
Following the review of the nomination of the Donzère-Mondragon Game and Wildlife Sanctuary, the members of the EAGL welcomed the remarkable efforts of the team of managers for the conservation of values of the site and underlined the quality and the completeness of the file. All indicators are achieved or exceeded. On the basis of these elements, the EAGL unanimously voted in favor of the inscription of the Donzère-Mondragon Game and Wildlife Reserve on the protected area green list.
Reviewer Statement
Verification of the conformity of the necessary documents (conformance of format and form) and availability in COMPASS.
Verification of consistency of document dates
Verification of good use of COMPASS Portal by EAGL
Verification of used of panorama and protected portal
First analysis done 05/07/2017 and final validation 20/10/2018
