Enjeux de conservation de la macrobiodiversité des lacs de montagne français : synthèse bibliographique

Mountain lake ecosystems have long been considered unchanging, invulnerable and free from pollution because of their isolated location and their remoteness from human activity. Many scientists consider them to be “sentinels” of climate change because they are highly sensitive to climate variations. In reality, they are subject to many pressures, on a global scale but also more locally. These include fish introduction, pressure from invasive exotic species and new pathogens, and environmental pollution resulting in trophic, chemical and mechanical disturbance. This article summarises the literature to provide a better understanding of the issues involved in conserving the macrobiodiversity of high-altitude lakes in France. It provides food for thought by presenting feedback on the management measures implemented in these environments. Finally, it identifies gaps in current knowledge, opening up new research prospects. It was produced under the coordination of the Conservatoire botanique national des Pyrénées et de Midi-Pyrénées, coordinator of the GIS Lacs des Pyrénées and ASTERS, Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Haute-Savoie, coordinator of the GIS Lacs sentinelles.