Chantemerle, on the heights of Samoëns

4 points of interest

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  Weather vs Climate

  Weather forecast is the assessment of what the weather will be like over a short period of time. Forecasts are made on the basis of fluid mechanics, combining factors such as air, wind and water... Climate is the study of meteorological variables over a long period of time (30 years by convention). Several parameters distinguish weather from climate: - The time scale: weather forecasts are made over a week, whereas climate trends are thought out over a decade or even a century. - The geographical scale: weather forecasts are local, whereas climate forecasts look at trends over an entire region, or even the planet. In short: weather forecasts look at day-to-day fluctuations, whereas climate forecasts look at all these fluctuations over a long period of time. Here’s a fun hint: You've been a calm, reserved person for 30 years (climate) and you get all worked up for 72 hours (weather)!

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  Fauna

  The Bat

  Bats, often little-known and sometimes disliked despite their unassuming nature, play an essential ecological role. They help maintain the balance of ecosystems by regulating insect populations, ensuring pollination and assisting seed dispersal. In France, there are 34 species of bats, some of which are common, such as the Common Pipistrelle and the Common Serotine, while others, like the Long-fingered bat, are rare and more isolated. These fascinating creatures use echolocation: they emit ultrasound to hunt, enabling them to detect the position and size of their prey based on the returning echo. However, bats face many challenges, including the decline in biodiversity due to climate change and the use of pesticides, which is adversely affecting their prey, insectivores. Habitat destruction, light pollution and road collisions are also serious threats. Taking all bat species together, bats in mainland France have declined by 38% in 10 years (according to the Office National de la Biodiversité index). To find out more, visit the Vigie-Chiro website.

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  Fauna

  Light pollution

  Light pollution caused by both public and private lampposts in France limits the visibility of the brightest stars, making it difficult for 80% of the population to observe the sky at night. Night-time lighting seriously disrupts the balance of ecosystems, altering the behaviour, interactions and habitats of several nocturnal species: - Altering predator-prey interactions: hunting mechanisms are disrupted and many insects die of exhaustion, as they are attracted by the light. - Collision with illuminated buildings: Migrating birds are often disorientated by urban lights and can collide with illuminated buildings. - Displacement of species: If species migrate because they are being disturbed for whatever reason, this leads to fragmentation of populations and a loss of genetic diversity. - Disruption of natural rhythms: Activity, reproduction and migration cycles are all altered. This can have serious consequences for the survival of certain species. Shortening the length and intensity of lighting hours is a good start to taking action to protect wildlife and biodiversity.

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  Fauna

  Don’t leave the rubbish on its own!

  In the mountains, litter takes a very long time to decompose. Wildlife can eat it, and micro-organisms in the soil can be affected by the chemical compounds it contains, all during the many years that rubbish takes to decompose. To prevent animals from ingesting harmful substances, let's take all our rubbish with us, even toilet paper and apple cores! Let's adopt certain habits: - All rubbish (even biodegradable rubbish) should be taken home with you in your bag. - Pick up any rubbish you may come across