France's Aude hunting season dates announced; calcareous grasslands surveyed in Nouvelle‑Aquitaine

The French prefecture for the Aude department has published the opening and closing dates for the 2026‑2027 hunting season. The schedule covers species such as wild boar (June 1 – March 31 2027), deer, roe deer, red partridge, hares, pheasants, and various waterfowl, with specific start and end dates ranging from September 13 2026 to late February 2027.

In the Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region, the CEN Nouvelle‑Aquitaine team conducted field surveys of calcareous grasslands across the Dordogne valleys, documenting up to 80 plant species per square metre and noting the habitats' vulnerability to agricultural intensification and land‑use change. The study highlights the ecological importance of these grasslands for carbon storage, erosion control, and the preservation of protected and heritage species.