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What to do if you cross these animals when out walking in France
From hornets to vipers, keep an eye out for these potentially dangerous species
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Courtship or rivalry: experience avian mating season in France
Jonathan Kemp deciphers the flamboyant displays put on by birds
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Killing wolves in France is ‘counterproductive’ amid livestock attacks, say experts
Wolf sightings are on the rise but the killing of these animals remains a divisive issue
Using natural 'bio' mosquito repellent may kill birds
A scientist is demanding a review of the use of natural bio mosquito control, claiming it is harmful to some birds.

The bio insecticide Bti is based on bacteria and is sprayed from planes and by pump teams across the south of France, from the Carmargue national park to the Spanish border.
Dr Brigitte Poulin, a director with the Tour du Valat research institute which concentrates on Mediterranean research, said: “At first, people believed that it was a miracle solution, compared to the ‘kill everything’ insecticides used before. Our research has shown that there is a negative effect, especially on house martins, which feed mosquitoes to chicks, and on other birds and dragonflies. But when we published it, the anti-mosquito body which works with local authorities did not want to take any notice.”
Read more: gardeners in France asked to help hedgehogs in new campaign
Dr Poulin said people should learn to live with mosquitoes better, saying it is tourists who complain, not locals. Another idea is traps with a bait that gives off carbon dioxide and smells known to attract mosquitoes, as these target specific areas, such as towns.
Shopping local: France's AMAP farm basket scheme explained
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