Publications
De l’ancienneté du « Christ », dans la vallée des Merveilles
A re-evaluation of the famous 'Christ' petroglyph in the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve suggests its true age may extend into the Iron Age or historical periods, challenging previous Neolithic and Bronze Age attributions. The study employs detailed analysis of pecking techniques and comparative iconographic examination against later anthropomorphic representations to argue for a later chronology. This challenges long-held assumptions about the site's temporal boundaries and raises questions about the continuity and evolution of rock art practices in the region, where petroglyphs endure on ever-changing rock surfaces.
The nutrient economy of Lodoicea maldivica, a monodominant palm producing the world's largest seed
Lodoicea maldivica, the palm producing the world's largest seed, demonstrates remarkable nutrient efficiency to support its high reproductive output despite growing in nutrient-poor soils. Research at the Vallée de Mai UNESCO Site revealed that male and female palms allocate significant amounts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to reproduction, with P costs far exceeding those for vegetative growth. A unique leaf structure acts as a funnel, intercepting particulate material—particularly pollen—which is flushed to the base of the trunk during rainfall, enhancing nutrient supply for both the palm and its dispersal-limited offspring. This study highlights shared traits with other monodominant tropical trees while emphasizing Lodoicea's distinctive features, suggesting an evolutionary history under stable conditions.
Invasion of yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes in a Seychelles UNESCO palm forest
A study on the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve reveals that the invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) has significantly impacted the endemic fauna of this unique Seychellois palm forest. Since its first recorded presence in 2009, the ant has been confined to the northeast region, showing minimal spread between 2010 and 2012. Infested areas exhibit higher temperature and humidity but lower canopy cover compared to uninvaded zones. Notably, endemic arboreal fauna abundance and species richness were reduced in invaded areas, with molluscs entirely absent. This restricted distribution suggests potential biotic resistance or the need for effective control measures to mitigate further ecological disruption.
Scientists’ responsibilities towards evidence‐based conservation in a S mall I sland D eveloping S tate
A successful evidence-based conservation strategy for the endangered coco de mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica) in Seychelles demonstrates how collaborative research and stakeholder engagement can bridge the 'implementation gap' between science and policy. The study highlights that integrating scientific findings with management practices, through a working group involving researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, led to significant conservation actions such as a stewardship scheme reducing poaching by 30-50% and legal harvesting by up to 75%. Key strategies included incentivizing local staff to protect nuts, restricting kernel trade via CITES Appendix III, and revising national legislation. The approach underscores the critical role of scientists in translating research into actionable recommendations, fostering mutual trust, and adapting traditional management practices to achieve long-term sustainability for a flagship species.
World Heritage hot spots: a global model identifies the 16 natural heritage properties on the World Heritage List most at risk from climate change
A global model identifies 16 natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, as most vulnerable to climate change within the next 40 years. These sites, spanning islands, coastal regions, and mountains, face significant risks that could threaten their World Heritage status. The study employs a multi-model approach using general circulation models (GCMs), vulnerability assessments, and Human Influence Index (HII) to create the World Heritage Vulnerability Index (WHVI). This index quantifies relative risk among properties, highlighting areas where proactive adaptation strategies should be prioritized to mitigate climate impacts.
De la patrimonialisation du karst libanais : étude du site Unesco de la vallée de la Qadisha, Nord-Liban
A critical gap in the UNESCO World Heritage inscription of the Qadisha Valley, Lebanon, has been identified: despite its status as one of the country's most significant karst landscapes, geological and spéléological values were marginalized in favor of cultural, historical, and religious significance. Analysis reveals that while the valley's rich history—including its role as a refuge for Maronite hermits since the 5th century and its deep ties to tourism—dominated its 1998 UNESCO listing, systematic spéléological studies highlight substantial untapped geopatrimonial potential. This oversight underscores the need for a more balanced approach in heritage valorization, integrating karst-specific attributes into future conservation strategies.
Morphological and genetic differentiation in populations of the dispersal‐limited coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica): implications for management and conservation
Research on the coco de mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica) reveals that while populations on Praslin and Curieuse islands exhibit significant morphological differences—such as height, growth rate, and seed production—they show remarkably low genetic differentiation. This suggests high phenotypic plasticity and potential long-distance gene flow via wind pollination. The study analyzed 447 trees using morphological measurements and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), finding that the Curieuse population had lower genetic diversity but similar overall connectivity to Praslin populations. Given these findings, the authors recommend avoiding seed transfers between islands in restoration efforts due to uncertainty about adaptive variation.
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