The major objective of the National Plan of Action (NPA) is to reach or maintain a favourable conservation status for a species. Presently, the European hamster is still classed as unfavourable-bad (U2) by Europe, which means it is in serious dangerous of becoming extinct in France. This will thus be the focus of a next NPA spreading over 10 years, from 2019-2018. This new plan in favour of the European hamster is fuelled by work previously undertaken within the framework of the recently-finished NPA, along with lessons learned from the LIFE Alister programme. Interview with Eric Thouvenot, Project leader for protected species – mammal specialist at the DREAL* Grand Est, NPA animator and coordinator.

An association of all the European hamster regional players

To build this new plan, all the players of the LIFE Alister were invited by the DREAL Grand Est. The aim of the NPA is to reach a population of 1500 European hamsters in a scope of 600 hectares. The results obtained by the LIFE (innovative crops, covers …) could be implemented on a larger scale than this plot, such as the region for example. When protecting a species, the use of living space must be considered. The new NPA is having a wide range of partners work together, hence associating all the regional players concerned by the European hamster. Besides the pursuit of actions already-undertaken (breeding, population reinforcement, knowledge of the species-specific biology, awareness …) they will think about how this area is used by the various players: what are the uses in terms of urbanisation, farming practices; how can the European hamster habitat protection be improved, by focusing more on the region and not just on plots?

5 paths and 22 actions 

Les différentes actions, tant terrain que dans le domaine de la recherche concernant la biologie de l’espèce, sont ventilées en 5 axes et 22 actions :

The various field and research actions regarding the species biology are shared into 5 paths and 22 actions:

• path 1: cross-disciplinary work of knowledge and action for the plain ecosystem
• path 2: understand the species and its interaction with its biological environment
• path 3: preserve and improve the farming habitat
• path 4: preserve and reinforce fragile populations
• path 5: make this species and its protection challenges be better known.

The operational players of LIFE Alister (Alsace Chamber of Agriculture, the French National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS), the French National Hunting and Wildlife Agency (ONCFS), and the Alsace Mammal Protection Work Group (GEPMA) are the main action and path-deciders of this new NPA.

Less “hamster-centred”

The LIFE also established the importance of considering all the biodiversity in the European hamster protection work. Innovative crops have revealed their impact on soil biology (counting worms, presence of springtails), and on the presence of other species such as the Eurasian skylark. The action-plan measures proposed should make habitats more favourable for the European hamster but also, on a larger scale, for all species restricted to the farming environment on the Alsace plain. NPA is widening its scope this time by being less “hamster-centred” and more attentive to the role of the European hamster umbrella species as well as all the biodiversity on the Alsace plain.

Expand actions throughout Europe

Last February, the LIFE Alister organised a workshop in Brussels, with the testimony of other LIFE programmes and additional conservation programmes, like Agrifaune. The consensus is very clear meaning that species conservation can only succeed through multi-partnerships.  The present NPA partners want to promote a European hamster conservation programme, since the species-specific challenges are identical on both the east and west side of the Rhine and therefore building similar actions with other European countries. The problems may sometimes vary but the solutions for conserving the habitat throughout the entire animal reproduction cycle can be transposed. For the species to survive, it’s essential to work towards more favourable habitats for them to promote a survival and reproduction strategy.

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Looking for burrows, indicators of population status

Each year after the European hibernation, the ONCFS officers wander throughout the lucerne and winter cereal fields to locate animal burrows. This provides data to draw-up a distribution map of the species and to assess the population development. This is what allowed us to show the decline of this species. This positioning information of the European hamster is an essential tool for its preservation, as each year they are presented to the farmers who may then collectively choose the areas to plant beneficial crops near the burrows. This change to more precise methods according to species monitoring has already revealed encouraging results. For several years now, we have seen a relative stability for both the resources and the European hamster community.

Understanding the species needs to better adapt the conservation tools

To adapt the conservation tools for this species, we must assess the impact on their biological parameters, such as survival and reproduction. For this, individual monitoring is essential. Using a receptor and a telemetry antenna, the ONCFS can follow all hamster movements, from burrow to burrow until they begin to hibernate or die. Using camera traps at burrow-entrances, we can observe the new litters and estimate the female reproduction rate. Within the context of the LIFE Alister project we were thus able to provide some recommendations regarding farming practices favourable to this species.

Boosting the most fragile populations

Three quarters of the European hamster population in Alsace still remains rather sparse and oftentimes they are cut off from each other.  Therefore, these populations must be reinforced by releasing animals. Since 2003, the ONCFS has implemented a reinforcement programme with individual hamsters coming from three breeders: the Naturoparc, the CNRS DEPE and Sauvegarde Faune Sauvage. Hamsters are released into artificial burrows within closed plots where the winter cereal will not be harvested. This serves as their first home, protecting them against predators. Using the recommendations provided within the framework of the LIFE Alister programme, a diversified ground cover is also sown in these plots, giving them sufficient food resources.

Three quarters of the European hamster population in Alsace still remains rather sparse and oftentimes they are cut off from each other.  Therefore, these populations must be reinforced by releasing animals. Since 2003, the ONCFS has implemented a reinforcement programme with individual hamsters coming from three breeders: the Naturoparc, the CNRS DEPE and Sauvegarde Faune Sauvage. Hamsters are released into artificial burrows within closed plots where the winter cereal will not be harvested. This serves as their first home, protecting them against predators. Using the recommendations provided within the framework of the LIFE Alister programme, a diversified ground cover is also sown in these plots, giving them sufficient food resources.

See also the farming section, preservation of the European hamster, reintroduction of the European hamsters in the Alsace plains, capture and monitoring of European hamsters by the ONCFS

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The LIFE Alister project enabled local testing of innovative conservation actions to be undertaken for the European hamster (Cricetus Cricetus) in Alsace, which is the only place it can be seen in France. An iconic species of the Alsace plain, the European hamster is certainly not the only animal which needs protection: this small mammal represents a whole territory and biodiversity (fauna and flora) closely tied to the agricultural world. This European workshop was thus part of a larger perspective for integration and protection of all biodiversity in an economically lively and dynamic region.

There were many speakers from various European countries who accompanied the LIFE Alister project partners to exchange views and debate throughout the entire workshop. Other people who shared their experiences that day were some members from the European Commission (EASME, DG Environnement, DG Agriculture), but also supervisors of other European projects (LIFE Natureman, LIFE Habitats Calanques, LIFE Vipère d’Orsini, H2020 PEGASUS) or national projects (Agrifaune programme).

Maja Mikosinska, European Commission, EASME / François Omnes from the ONCFS* presents the Agrifaune programme/ Caroline Habold from the CNRS* and Annabelle Revel-Mouroz from the Alsace Chamber of Agriculture presents some of the LIFE Alister work.

Maja Mikosinska, European Commission, EASME / François Omnes from the ONCFS* presents the Agrifaune programme/ Caroline Habold from the CNRS* and Annabelle Revel-Mouroz from the Alsace Chamber of Agriculture presents some of the LIFE Alister work.

This workshop will notably establish the foundations for the LIFE Alister results synthesis, allowing to offer prospects for better biodiversity-preservation assimilation in our European public policies which is an essential issue for the future.

*ONCFS – French National Hunting and Wildlife Agency

*CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research

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The future NPA (National Plan of Action) brings together several players for the conservation of the European hamster including those already present in the LIFE Alister project. This continuity allows research studies to continue regarding food by determining the best associations of seeds for hibernation and reproduction of the European hamster. But the NPA plans to go even further. By co-funding the thesis of Florian Kletty, a PhD student at the IPHC-CNRS, the Regional Department for the Environment, Planning and Accommodation (DREAL) Grand Est makes it possible for him to assess the efficiency of the European hamster results from an agricultural standpoint.

Are his recommendations for seeds compatible in the field? The various hamster diets were chosen following research and discussions with farmers in regards their cultivation methods. Suitable diets should thus allow for practicable and profitable crops to be proposed for the farming world. Last but not least, do innovative crops really have an impact on the presence of micronutrients such as vitamin B3 or mineral salts in farming ecosystems? And how are they positive to the European hamster but also to all the microfauna?

The research work is long and five years is not enough to find both the cause of the problem (as is the case with the reproduction drop-rate of the European hamster) and to find solutions along with implementation methods. For the IPHC-CNRS team led by Caroline Habold, this research will continue within the framework of the new NPA.

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The first roundtable was intended for the major part of the LIFE Alister project: agriculture. After speeches by project partners such as the Alsace Chamber of Agriculture, the CNRS and the ONCFS, it was the turn of some farmers who had agreed to participate in the tests and who had accepted to express their views. This is when the most powerful messages were given.

From left to right: Francis Humann, Laurent Fischer and Vivien Ehrhart

LIFE Alister, the beginning of another form of partnership with farmers

“LIFE Alister was a real turning point in the way of approaching biodiversity and everything was done on a volunteer basis which is an important thing to mention” Laurent Fischer, farmer and president of the AFSAL (Farmers and Wild Animals in Alsace).

“The specificity of CUMA de la Plaine is linked to its creation: 500 letters were sent, allowing us to bring together a core of 16 motivated farmers. The aim of CUMA is to facilitate purchasing very expensive equipment which we could have never bought individually. As an example, a direct seeding machine costs 50,000 euros. Having one has allowed us to test new methods collectively. Innovation and progress research allows us to share experiences and validate failures, which makes it easier to cope and helps prevents the same mistakes from being made over and over again. There is a strong sense of solidarity amongst farmers, and we regularly give each other advice during organized meetings. Before the programme, even with the NPA, this sort of synergy didn’t exist. However, agricultural operations companies had to be reassured as with the CUMA and the cutting-edge material purchased, they were worried about unfair competition. Rules were implemented and it was clearly established that the CUMA should only be used for agronomic testing purposes. We are not here to sell services.” Francis Humann, farmer and vice-president of the CUMA de la Plaine, created as part of the LIFE Alister

What other farmers think about those participating in the tests

Vivien Ehrhart: “Let me re-establish the context. The older farmers had actually been paid to eliminate the European hamster and now we are paid to guarantee their protection. But this animal still has a bad reputation and that’s why it’s not always easy dealing with what other people think. As a young farmer, I’m very attuned to preserving the biodiversity and I try to conciliate both the interests of this mammal and those of farmers. But it’s not always easy. For example, in 2015, the vegetation cover was oats and it had taken over the corn. The yield that year was less and that’s why conserving the European hamster requires considerable efforts from agricultural professionals. This loss of profit really frightens my plot-neighbours who have a negative opinion of my commitment even if, for the most part, this programme is fairly well accepted by non-participating farmers.”

Will the practices linked to conserving the European hamster lead more towards organic methods?

“With organic farming, we didn’t wait for these concerns regarding the European hamster to worry about our soil quality. monoculture isn’t possible so we grow many crops. The hamster zone has made the conversion to organic farming much easier.” Francis Humann, farmer and vice-president of CUMA de la Plaine, created as part of the LIFE Alister

All the presentations and discussions can be viewed on the LIFE Alister website: HERE

All the presentations and discussions can be viewed on the LIFE Alister website: 

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From 2014 to 2017, the LPO Alsace (Bird Protection League) contributed to the Life+ ALISTERprogramme set up to deal with declining populations of the European Hamster (Cricetus cricetus), by monitoring the Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis). The aim of this was to assess the impact of protective measures taken for the European Hamster on the nesting and migratory stopovers of the skylarks.

A census of skylark couples was carried out in spring in areas of 100 ha on average, including plots of land with agricultural measures in favour of the European Hamster, as well as on control sectors without measures. An autumn staging count of the species was also carried out on the same plots.

During the 4 years of the programme, 8 areas of 100 ha were monitored in spring and autumn.

The breeding pair concentrations, although very different depending on the areas, were analysed using statistical tools. In this way, the study highlighted:

• a positive correlation between the size of the plots and the concentrationof the skylark population: The smaller the plots of farming land, the higher is the population density. The positive impact of the smaller plots, which increase the number of field borders (edge effect), has already been established for an abundance of pollinating insects and plants (Hass & al., 2018).

• a low concentrationof skylarks in all the monitored areas: In Europe, the territorial area of skylarks varies between 0.17 and 4.6 ha (1980-1990 period – Géroudet and Cuisin, 1998). Whereas in the case of this study for 2015, the territorial area varies between 5.29 and 12.06 ha. This low level can be explained by the general disappearance of the bird’s habitat, but also by road traffic that causes a high level of noise disturbance during nesting periods (Buxton R. T. et al., 2017). Most of the monitored sites were located near motorways.

• a positive impact on agricultural measures in favour of hamsters on the skylark concentration (24% of a given area must be put into clover, alfalfa and wheat).

• In addition, monitoring migration shows that the plots with measures were not visited during migratory stopovers throughout the duration of the study, as the crop cover is too dense for the species. A study (Eraud & Corda, 2004) on the night-time use of the plots in winter showed that there were more skylarks when the vegetation reached a height of between 1 and 10 cm and when vegetation ground cover was between 10 and 75%. Conversely, plots devoid of vegetation were avoided, which therefore means that ploughing has an adverse effect.

So this experience has led to proposals that will benefit the whole faunistic category in farming environments:

• To further reduce the size of agricultural plots

• To increase the amount of favourable and very favourable crops and fallow land

• To phase out the use of pesticides

• Not to leave the land bare in autumn and winter

• To create ‘squares for skylarks¹ ‘to increase the edge effect

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The study of animal behaviour is essential in order to understand why some installations are unsuitable and how to create solutions. By observing the activity around wildlife crossings, which are very common in Alsace to enable animals to cross the barriers that roads create, researchers deduced that these installations are ineffective for small animals, and can even be dangerous.

Deadly crossings

Wildlife crossings can be different sizes, they are sometimes tunnels with a lane for agricultural machines. By studying the visitors to these installations in more detail, it was found that small animals rarely used these large-scale crossings due to a feeling of insecurity. They prefer narrower passages. However, narrower passages can sometimes be deadly traps where wily predators (cats, foxes, etc.) wait at the end for prey species such as the European Hamster, field mice and other small mammals (Study by J. Jumeau and Y. Handrich, CNRS-DREAL, 2013)

A bright idea

Could there be a way to enable these small animals to cross barriers while reducing the risk of predation? The idea was to design a system that could be incorporated into existing wildlife crossings. A tube that the animal could use to cross while feeling safe, or at least take shelter in the event of imminent danger. This was the subject Yves Handrich’s team worked on within the LIFE Alister project (M. Tissier, J. Jumeau & Y. Handrich, CNRS-DREA, Life ALISTER, 2013-2017). The tube’s diameter was a suitable size for European Hamster crossings, with lateral openings to enable these prey animals to enter the tube at any moment during the crossing.

A system tested in a laboratory and in an enclosure in a nature site

The A.P.T. (Anti-Predation Tube) was tested in laboratory conditions, both with and without confrontation with a live predator (mobile or immobile). It was also tested in a wildlife crossing where both ends were fenced in. The European Hamsters lived there in comparatively wild conditions. As these animals quickly return to their behaviour in the wild, this situation means they can be observed in a near-natural environment, such as it would be if they were in the wild.

Cameras and camera traps in the tunnel meant researchers could study the animals’ behaviour while they were crossing the tunnel, as well as in the presence of a predator; the predator used was a house marten, in a cage of course.

What are the results of these tests today?

• For European Hamsters:

  • Adding an APT in the Hamsterducts does not significantly speed up the crossing time

  • In the presence of a predator, males use the APT more frequently, there is not a significant change for females

  • Improved responses for individuals who were ‘acclimatised with a nature course’ (results not yet published)

  For similar small animals

  • Significant increase in crossings where there is an APT, but only in large-scale crossings

  • Small mammals use the APT freely, but stoats and weasels also use it

  These overall results are sufficiently conclusive for the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research) to publish recommendations:

  • APT, which are inexpensive and easy to maintain, should be installed in all wildlife crossings for hamsters and in agricultural underpasses

  • Tests should be continued on a wider range of animals before widespread installation in all types of crossings for small animals

The question of the future installation of APTs inside wildlife crossings in areas where hamsters are present will be put to the DREAL Route (Regional Department for the Environment, Planning and Accommodation) during the next NPA (National Plan of Action) in favour of the European Hamster.

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Reconnecting populations of European Hamsters

One of the reasons for the reduction in European Hamster populations originates in land fragmentation. In the Alsace plains with dense populations, road infrastructures and growing urbanisation, the animals’ territory is reduced and they find it especially difficult to pair up with mates during the breeding season. It is therefore essential that the various hamster populations can be reconnected either by wildlife crossings (road infrastructures), or by the possible use of the urban periphery environment*that would enable a link to be created between agricultural areas, the European Hamster’s natural habitat. A study led by CNRS from 2016 to 2018 included several phases, in a controlled setting at a breeding centre and then onsite. It today leads Odile Petit’s team to believe that urban periphery zones are of interest within the context of an action to reconnect hamster populations and in certain conditions, with regard to current legislation.

Photo Yolan Richard

Constraints relating to the animal

Releasing bred European Hamsters to help increase the wild populations cannot be undertaken without knowing about the animal and observing its needs, as well as the regulations concerning protected species. The European Hamster is a hibernating nocturnal animal that needs to protect itself from predators, find food and build up reserves that are essential during hibernation, so it must be able to benefit from a suitable plant environment and quiet areas. The soil characteristics also seem to be an essential aspect in choosing a burrow location. In Alsace, burrows can be found mainly in soils rich in loess, but the study has shown that the hamsters can adapt and dig burrows under a tree where the soil has been aerated by the root system. The guide gives a summary of the research that includes the documentary aspects, laboratory experiments (the impact of light pollution on the animals’ health and reproduction), and the release experiments in two sites in Alsace. It ends with very precise action guidance sheets on planning recommendations such as flower meadows, lighting and even water evacuation systems (deadly traps for all kinds of small animals).

To conclude, is it possible to have European Hamsters in urban periphery areas?

This entirely original study shows scientists and managers of environmental issues that different approaches to the topic of ‘nature in towns’ should be explored. It may not be the best way to protect a species as priority should be given to the animal’s conservation within its natural habitat. But species conservation can be undertaken with complementary actions and in this context, it may be advantageous to use the urban periphery environment to reconnect populations where land fragmentation due to urbanisation represents a real problem for survival. Additional studies will be carried out to check the capacity of European Hamsters to reproduce in an urban periphery environment.

The Guide can be downloaded here

*Urban periphery zones are defined here as artificialised areas, built up or not, in direct relation to agricultural areas (preferably protected by the decree of 9 December 2016 relating to the habitat of the European Hamster)

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About a dozen farmers who took part in the trials implemented within the scope of the LIFE Alister project met up in the middle of December, at the invitation of the Chamber of Agriculture and ONCFS (French National Hunting and Wildlife Agency), for a friendly and informal discussion over a flame-grilled tart, preceded by workshops that enabled the actions and shared progress to be evaluated.

In spite of the sometimes disappointing technical results for some of the trials, partly due to the particularly erratic weather in Alsace in recent years and partly due to a great number of technical points that still have to be controlled, the farmers gave a very positive assessment of their participation in the project. A project that enabled them to experiment with new practices as well as opening up to new ways of thinking and seeing things.

Generally positive testimonies with some criticism

« Before, I just did like everyone else without thinking about it. Due to the project trials, as well as the courses, study trips and suggested measures for saving the hamster, I’ve modified my system. Ten years ago, I was growing maize in monoculture, but now it’s completely different.  »

« We’ve learnt new things, new techniques, an understanding of how the soil, plants and auxiliary plants work; it’s a new way of looking at our work. »

« At certain times it was interesting to be able to reflect together, in CUMA de la Plaine and meetings »

« I realised that for years, my practices haven’t been in line with my aspirations, I didn’t really think about it but I wasn’t satisfied and that motivates me to look for techniques that will enable me to stop using certain products. »

The farmers considered that the technical trials for under-seeding that have not yet been mastered, should not however be abandoned. Among the difficulties encountered, they deplored a certain strictness in the way the trials were carried out, relating to logistics and the multi-stakeholder operations of the actions; they would have preferred to have been more involved in the creation and process of some of the trials rather than only focussing on the biological needs of the hamsters.

There is still a lot to be done

When asked about the work to be continued after the project, the farmers made many suggestions, such as intercropping legumes, under-seeding with species and sowing dates better suited to the weather in Alsace, no-till, growing wheat in a permanent cover of alfalfa, and even the idea of starting to test methods and cropping systems that would enable glyphosate to be phased out, since this substance may be banned in the near future. For that, they need to be assisted by agronomists, continue to discuss with other innovative farmers, continue to reflect and share their experiences locally with their neighbours. Access to specific farm machinery and scientific and technical knowledge about topics relating to agro-ecology and soil conservation techniques is also essential. Even if the work carried out during the LIFE Alister project probably plays only a small part, it seems it has introduced social innovations as much as techniques in the way of working in the farming profession.

Seeds have been sown. Now they must be taken care of as we hope that conditions will be right for a good harvest.

About the same subject: agricultural tutorials

Interview with Hubert Charpentier

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The project that began in July 2013, will end in March 2019. But the end of LIFE+ does not mean the experimentations and actions regarding conservation of the species will stop. Most of the partners will be meeting within the new NPA in implementing the results of LIFE and pursuit of the actions!

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