Utilisation des grandes bases de données internationales de biodiversité pour l'analyse des risques d'extinctions d'espèces

Porteur du projet :         Philippe CLERGEAU - UMR7204

Co-porteur du projet :    UMR7204 - Sandrine PAVOINE

UMR associées :            UMS3468 - Cécile CALLOU

                                        UMR7207 - Régine VIGNES-LEBBE

Etudiant recruté :            Simon VERON

Période & durée du projet : 2013 – 3 ans

Présentation du projet :

Pour étudier les pertes récentes et à venir de la biodiversité, de grandes bases de données sur les distributions spatiales des espèces (e.g. Global Biodiversity Information Facility, GBIF) et sur leur vulnérabilité ont été mises en place (e.g. Liste rouge de l’Union International pour la Conservation de la Nature, UICN). L’objectif de la thèse est d’explorer et de mettre en connexion ces grandes bases de données pour montrer de quelle(s) façon(s) elles peuvent permettre de décrire, expliquer et prédire les pertes de biodiversité.

Résultats espérés :

1) Proposition de méthodes d’analyse de données tenant compte de l’échantillonnage, des échelles locales, régionales, globales.

2) Meilleure compréhension des facteurs qui pourraient conduire à l’extinction d’une espèce et à des diminutions drastiques de diversité phylogénétique et/ou fonctionnelle.

A propos de Simon Veron :

During my PhD « Using large international databases to analyse the consequences of species extinctions on biodiversity » my interest was directed toward biodiversity conservation (similarly to my previous experience on biological corridors [IRSTEA] and coastal dune conservation [IUCN]).

Predicting loss of evolutionary history and its consequences

How extinctions may prune the Tree of Life? I investigated the consequences of species extinction on the loss of phylogenetic diversity and distinctiveness and estimated the factors, such as the phylogenetic clustering of threats, which could conduct to disproportionate loss of evolutionary history. I have also highlighted the benefits to use a phylogenetic approach over approaches based on species richness and functional diversity. Especially evolutionary history may provide ecosystem functions and future benefits to societies which may guide further conservation programs at multiple scales.

Identifying priority areas and species for conservation of evolutionary history

Facing the risks to lose evolutionary history and the poor efforts which have been made toward its conservation I investigated several strategies to identify and protect sites and species whose evolutionary history is threatened. I focused on the Mediterranean basin to show how the areas and species the most at risk are distributed and whether they overlapped with the network of protected areas. Some of those sites may be « cradles » or « museums » of biodiversity which could be further analyzed through phylogenetic based measures. I have also been interested in how the scale may influence conservation needs and proposed strategies at both regional and local scales.

Filling methodological gaps to make accurate assessments of evolutionary history at risk

Uncertainties in predictions of evolutionary history at risk are many. Throughout my PhD I have worked on methodological issues such as the use of large databases, the imputation of missing data, the development of an index which includes co-extinction events, and made some recommendations on the use of indices both on mathematical and ecological aspects (in particular indices based on phylogenies and extinction risks).

Dissemination of knowledge

One of my motivation in research also comes from the communication of scientific results. I published scientific papers, presented oral communications or posters in congress. As research should be dedicated toward a broad public it is also challenging to make it understandable. I chose to present one of my topic of interest through a festival of short films and now helps current PhD students to realize their own films.