Evaluation du succès de restaurations de pelouses calcicoles de la vallée du Viroin : densité en individus et succès reproducteur de deux espèces cibles.

Calcareous grasslands are local biodiversity « hotspots ». Unfortunately, these exceptional ecosystems have undergone a drastic fragmentation since the abandonment of traditional agro pastoral practices. Consequently, many calcareous grassland species are now in danger. In Belgium, since 1990, many hectares of these habitats have been restored to reassemble remaining fragments of calcareous grasslands. The main goal of this work is to participate at the scientific evaluation of calcareous grasslands restoration which took place in the Viroin valley (Namur, Belgium). To reach this goal, information about global and local densities of 2 grasslands species (Helianthemum nummularium and Sanguisorba minor) have been collected on 6 working zones (2 reference grasslands, 2 restored in 1990 and 2 restored in 2006) situated on 2 different sites. Reproductive success traits have been measured on 120 individual samples of each species. Moreover, individuals’ size parameters and some environmental data (soil depth and vegetation structure) have been collected. Results show that global and local densities are lower on recently restored grasslands for both species studied. On the other hand, older restorations and reference grasslands are not significantly different. With regards to the reproductive success of species, individuals on grasslands restored in 2006 have the best results. They produce more flowers, or inflorescences, and more seeds. Differences observed for individuals’ reproductive success have their more probable cause in vegetation structure. The vegetation in the zones that have been restored more recently is more open as the shrubs and trees layer is lower.