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NATURE RESERVE OF EYNE

Story of flowers
Since the 18th century, many botanists such as the famous Augustin Pyrame De Candolle or Abbé H. Coste have herbalized the Eyne valley. Over the centuries, they have helped to forge the reputation of this site. This reputation has determined the classification of the Eyne valley as a nature reserve.

Flora
Crossing the valley, the flowers of Eyne will punctuate your gaze with astonishing colors and shapes, accompanied by their procession of butterflies. This floristic diversity has several sources: the climatic influences of the valley (oceanic, Mediterranean and continental), the vegetation layering due to the altitude and the nature of the soil. Ancient pastoral practices dating back several millennia have also contributed to changing the landscape.
We thus discover different species, often endemic* resulting from these influences. Pyrenees Adonis and Larkspur flower in subalpine lawns. The Parsley of the isards clings to moving scree. The Androsace of Vandelli shelters in the siliceous rock walls.
*endemic, adj. : species whose geographical distribution is limited

Wildlife
Each flower has its own insects! Bumblebees, butterflies, beetles deserve careful observations and are essential for flower reproduction. The diversity of environments in the Eyne Valley favors the presence of numerous species, including several emblematic ones such as the Isard or the Bearded Vulture emerging from the cliffs. Micromammals, such as the snow vole occupying the high-altitude scree, or the aquatic shrew living in the watercourses, are also part of the valley's heritage species.

Mosaic of natural environments
The succession of different natural environments, under the influence of a high altitude (1600-2860m) and micro-exposures, generates great biodiversity.
– On the mountain level, the forest of pines dominates.
– The subalpine level presents a strong colorful contrast with moors with purgative broom in soulane and rhododendrons in the shade, gradually giving way to lawns concentrating an original floristic richness, shaped by grazing.
– The Alpine level, dominated by the mineral element (gneiss, schists), hosts in the scree and scree specific and endemic* species adapted to extreme conditions. There are also short lawns sheltering characteristic and specialized flora.
A “life-size” laboratory
The reserve participates in and allows scientific research work to develop on its territory. Historical and pastoral ecology studies have demonstrated the human presence in the valley since the Neolithic and have confirmed its influence on the environments. The nature reserve has taken this past into account and is now committed to a policy of sustainable development with breeders.
Work carried out by specialists has clarified the status and ecology of certain species, and allows us to better understand the complexity of living things.

Virtual tour of the reserve
The virtual tour of the reserve allows a real immersion in the place: the details are visible as if you were there!
http://rneyne.ericlopez.fr

Regulation
The Eyne valley benefits from regulations aimed at preserving this heritage for future generations. These rules concern many professional and leisure uses.