{"id":382,"date":"2024-10-22T11:06:43","date_gmt":"2024-10-22T11:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/?p=382"},"modified":"2024-10-22T11:06:45","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T11:06:45","slug":"discovering-biodiversity-researchers-explore-the-hidden-treasures-of-guadeloupe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/en\/discovering-biodiversity-researchers-explore-the-hidden-treasures-of-guadeloupe\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering biodiversity: researchers explore the hidden treasures of Guadeloupe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n            <p><strong>IN BRIEF<\/strong><\/p>\n            <ul>\n                <li>Six-week scientific mission to study the <strong>biodiversity<\/strong> of the small islands of Guadeloupe.<\/li>\n                <li>Analysis of the varied geographies of the islands: <strong>The Saintes<\/strong>, <strong>Marie-Galante<\/strong>, And <strong>La D\u00e9sirade<\/strong>.<\/li>\n                <li>Interaction of researchers with <strong>students<\/strong> in biology to collect marine specimens.<\/li>\n                <li>Objective: discover and reference <strong>species<\/strong> unknowns and document the <strong>wildlife<\/strong>.<\/li>\n                <li>Importance of <strong>double insularity<\/strong> Guadeloupean in the study of species <strong>endemic<\/strong>.<\/li>\n                <li>Exploration of a terrestrial component to complete research on <strong>insects<\/strong> and others <strong>faunas<\/strong>.<\/li>\n                <li>Threats to biodiversity, particularly from <strong>invasive alien species<\/strong>.<\/li>\n            <\/ul><p>\n        <\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around a hundred scientists are on a mission in <strong>Guadeloupe<\/strong> to explore the <strong>biodiversity<\/strong> islands of the archipelago, notably <strong>The Saintes<\/strong>, <strong>Marie-Galante<\/strong> And <strong>La D\u00e9sirade<\/strong>. For six weeks, these researchers study both land and sea, aiming to identify new species and better understand the region&rsquo;s unique ecosystems. <strong>S\u00e9phora Bajazet<\/strong>, a biology student, takes part in this exciting adventure where they examine small marine and terrestrial organisms, with the hope of discovering still unknown species. The project, named <strong>\u201cThe Planet revisited\u201d<\/strong>, highlights the importance of preserving this exceptional biodiversity, especially in the face of threats from invasive exotic species and increasing urbanization.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Smart Regions: Prot\u00e9ger l&#039;\u00e9cosyst\u00e8me de Petite Terre en Guadeloupe\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GjLKESYwiOQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guadeloupe, with its enchanting landscapes and unique biodiversity, is attracting more and more attention on the scientific scene. Currently, an international mission, \u201c <strong>The Planet Revisited<\/strong> \u201d, is underway, bringing together researchers to explore the lesser-known islands of this archipelago. For six weeks, they study the biological richness of the Land, and in particular small islands like Saintes and Marie-Galante. The main objective of this mission is to collect new data on the fauna and flora, while identifying species that have not yet been documented. Immersed in the vibrant waters and turned towards the land, these expeditions are crucial to better understand and protect Guadeloupe&rsquo;s biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A crucial issue for biodiversity<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Biodiversity in Guadeloupe is <strong>exceptional<\/strong>, but it is also <strong>threatened<\/strong>. Climate change, pollution, and urban sprawl weigh heavily on the natural environment. In recent decades, some species have disappeared, while others are in danger. It is in this context that the current expedition takes place. Invaluably valuable, biodiversity is key to the health of ecosystems, which provide vital services, such as water supply, crop pollination and climate regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The \u201cPlanet Revisited\u201d mission<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Entitled \u201c <strong>The Planet Revisited<\/strong> \u00bb, the main aim of this scientific mission is to carry out a systematic assessment of the marine and terrestrial biodiversity of the small islands of the archipelago. More specifically, researchers explore the <strong>Saintes<\/strong>, <strong>Marie-Galante<\/strong>, And <strong>La D\u00e9sirade<\/strong>. Around a hundred scientists from various countries came together to work together, sharing their knowledge and skills in the field. During this six-week period, they carry out <strong>dives<\/strong>, of the <strong>hunts<\/strong> of species and <strong>analyzes<\/strong> in the field, with the hope of discovering new species and studying those at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The research method<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research teams use different tools to collect data. Coral reef dives are carried out using<strong>underwater vacuum cleaners<\/strong> and of <strong>brushing baskets<\/strong> to collect living organisms which are then classified and analyzed. In addition, certain species are photographed, collected for DNA analyses, and documented in order to complete local biodiversity databases. The diversity of workshops and specializations in the laboratory allows a complete scientific approach, right down to the genetic analysis of the samples collected.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fascinating discoveries<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each new dive brings its share of <strong>surprises<\/strong>. Researchers hope to identify currently undocumented species. Previous marine expeditions have discovered more than <strong>300 new species<\/strong> along the Guadeloupean coast. The aim of this mission is to extend these discoveries to <strong>biotopes<\/strong> less explored. This could therefore be an opportunity to discover endemic species, which do not exist anywhere else in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fragile biodiversity<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The work of scientists is all the more urgent given the <strong>fragility<\/strong> of the biodiversity of small islands. The double insularity of Guadeloupe means that each island has a unique evolutionary history, with faunas that can be very isolated, creating distinct ecosystems. However, this biodiversity is threatened by<strong>urbanization<\/strong> and the introduction of invasive exotic species, which disrupt the balance of local ecosystems. THE <strong>cats<\/strong>, THE <strong>chickens<\/strong>, and the <strong>goats<\/strong>, for example, represent undeniable threats to endemic fauna.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Researchers and their motivations<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These researchers, passionate about biodiversity, see this mission as much more than professional experience. For them, it is an opportunity to refine their knowledge and contribute to the <strong>protection<\/strong> of their environment. Participating in this scientific exploration is a unique chance to see the beauty and richness of their island up close, while playing a role in the <strong>preservation<\/strong> of these unique natural resources.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The importance of awareness<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond research, education and <strong>awareness<\/strong> are essential to protect biodiversity. Once the results of the mission have been synthesized, it is crucial to share them with the public in order to inform and provoke interactions with nature. The objective is to motivate the community to cherish and preserve this natural heritage, which is a treasure for future generations. Understanding and appreciating biodiversity must be at the heart of local initiatives, involving residents in the protection of their environment.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An underwater treasure to preserve<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The marine biodiversity of Guadeloupe is quite simply <strong>breathtaking<\/strong>. There we find emblematic species such as <strong>turtles<\/strong>, THE <strong>rays<\/strong> and colorful fish that inhabit the coral reefs. Underwater explorations are often unparalleled and amateur divers come from all over the world to admire these aquatic landscapes. However, these ecosystems are vulnerable to <strong>pollution<\/strong>, At <strong>dubious turbotating<\/strong> and other human activities that threaten natural habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples of marine discoveries<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the notable marine discoveries made during previous expeditions, species of corals known as <strong>asleep<\/strong> were analyzed. These corals, which play a key role in maintaining the marine ecosystem, are not only impressive with their diverse colors and sizes, but are also essential for stabilizing the seafloor and providing habitat for other species.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Predictable but essential conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While research continues, the \u201cPlanet Revisited\u201d mission is crucial to better understand the richness of Guadeloupe\u2019s biodiversity. The dissemination of this knowledge will contribute to the need felt in all communities to act in favor of the preservation of this unique environment. By offering new light on the importance of ecosystems, scientists hope to raise awareness for a <strong>lasting protection<\/strong> of Guadeloupe. Each discovery, each expertise is a step closer towards a better understanding of the hidden treasures of our planet.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/biodiversity.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"discover the importance of biodiversity for our planet, its current threats and how we can act to preserve the richness of species and ecosystems that support life on earth.\" loading=\"lazy\">\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cWe collected what we could from the tide, and now we sort by species. \u00bb<\/strong> What an incredible experience for these scientists on the island of Terre-de-Haut! S\u00e9phora, a biology student, enthusiastically describes how she is immersing herself in this exciting mission. \u201c <strong>It&rsquo;s fascinating to see with my own eyes the species I&rsquo;ve been studying for years. \u00bb<\/strong> She is totally absorbed in her work, despite the breathtaking view of the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cIt\u2019s a real concentrate of biodiversity! \u00bb<\/strong> says Laure, a marine biology researcher. She explains that the objective of this mission is to discover and reference species that have never been seen before. \u201c <strong>We hope to find specimens unique to the small islands of the archipelago. \u00bb<\/strong> As coordinator, her determination is palpable and her enthusiasm contagious.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Olivier, professor at the university, wanders through the laboratory being installed. <strong>\u201cEach workshop has its own theme, there are even shellfish which are the subject of special monitoring! \u00bb<\/strong> He emphasizes the importance of working in collaboration with other researchers from around the world. <strong>\u201cIt\u2019s really teamwork and it\u2019s nice to see so much passion brought together here! \u00bb<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few meters away, the director of the French Biodiversity Office, Olivier Thibault, observes an insect trap hanging from a tree. <strong>\u201cCollecting these insects is a step towards understanding our biodiversity. \u00bb<\/strong> He goes on to explain that even species considered negligible, such as flies, are worth studying because they play an essential role in the ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another scientist, Line, recalls that <strong>\u201cEach dive can reveal hidden treasures, such as little-known corals or rare fish species. \u00bb<\/strong> It expresses a sense of urgency: <strong>\u201cIt\u2019s very hot outside, and we have to be quick to get our freshly collected samples back to the lab. \u00bb<\/strong> This constant competition with time highlights how valuable this work is.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These testimonies only reinforce the idea that Guadeloupe, with its rich and varied biodiversity, is a true living laboratory and a field of exploration for these passionate researchers. They all agree that <strong>\u201cDiscovering the secrets of our islands is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. \u00bb<\/strong><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>IN BRIEF Six-week scientific mission to study the biodiversity of the small islands of Guadeloupe. Analysis of the varied geographies [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":378,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-382","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-non-classe-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/382","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=382"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/382\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":426,"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/382\/revisions\/426"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=382"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=382"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decouvrirlaguadeloupe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=382"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}