ABC Meygal – Volcanic Sucs (43)

Saint-Julien-Chapteuil and Queyrières are two towns located in Haute-Loire (43), France. In 2025, they decided to launch a Communal Biodiversity Atlas (ABC).

What is a Communal Biodiversity Atlas ?

A Communal Biodiversity Atlas (ABC) is a biodiversity inventory conducted at the municipal level. Its goal is to record all species and habitats found within the area. Local governments, citizens, and environmental organizations all contribute to this effort. The ultimate aim is to preserve and protect local natural heritage.
Once the inventory is completed, the most significant conservation priorities are mapped, helping municipalities shape long-term environmental policies and action plans.
More than just a species list, an ABC is a decision-making tool that helps local authorities integrate biodiversity into planning and land management strategies.

Why did Saint-Julien-Chapteuil and Queyrières start on an ABC ?

The ecological context of the municipalities of Saint-Julien-Chapteuil and Queyrières is particularly interesting. Located in the southern part of Auvergne, at a geographical and climatic crossroads, they host landscapes and biodiversity of exceptional richness.
Saint-Julien-Chapteuil and Queyrières are situated at the heart of the Meygal massif and are largely covered by forests. The Meygal massif, of volcanic origin, is composed of numerous phonolitic plugs that give the landscape its distinctive character. The highest point of the Meygal, Testavoyre, which rises to 1436 meters, is located in the commune of Queyrières. The forests of Queyrières and Saint-Julien-Chapteuil contain the majority of the Natura 2000 site "Sucs du Velay Meygal." Apart from the forests, this territory is characterized by agricultural areas dominated by bocage meadows, surrounded by a dense network of hedges and dry stone walls, and dotted with hamlets and villages. The valleys of the Sumène and the Gagne, tributaries of the Loire, also structure the landscape.

Why this Zooniverse Project ?

LPO Auvergne, which supports local governments in creating their Biodiversity Atlases, has installed camera traps throughout the ABC area of the Meygal – Volcanic Peaks.
As part of a citizen science initiative, we're sharing these images with you so that as many people as possible can help with the species inventory — even from home!

HAPPY IDENTIFYING!