Loris Lachat
Master in biogeosciences
loris.lachat@unine.ch
Main themes
- Ecological monitoring and conservation
- Floristic analysis and bioindication
- Soil ecology and soil-vegetation interactions
- Dry grassland ecology
Interests
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to nature and the biodiversity that surrounds us. This naturally led me to study biology, where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Neuchâtel. During my studies, I developed a particular interest in the management, conservation and protection of rare species. These subjects are close to my heart, as I’m convinced that everyone can contribute, in their own way, to the preservation of our planet.
Master’s thesis
Evaluation of the ecological quality and long-term evolution of dry grasslands of national importance in the canton of Jura.
Dry grasslands are emblematic semi-natural ecosystems, among the richest in biodiversity in Switzerland. However, these environments are threatened by degradation dynamics such as overgrowth and fattening. In this project, I am assessing the ecological evolution of nationally important SPAs in the canton of Jura over the last 20 years, by comparing historical floristic surveys (1980-2000) with current observations. The project combines semi-quantitative vegetation surveys (Braun-Blanquet method) on fixed plots with physico-chemical soil analyses (pH, organic matter, C/N, CEC). Indicators such as Landolt values and indicator species will also be used to detect any fattening or overgrowth dynamics. The ultimate aim is to propose a simplified ecological monitoring protocol that can be reproduced on a cantonal scale, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of Jura’s dry grasslands.
Other
I had the opportunity to do my civilian service at the Natural History Museum in Fribourg, where I worked on the management of entomological collections and the herbarium, as well as on field days dedicated to the study of rare species in the canton, including Betula nana. At the same time, I contributed to the activities of the Jurassica museum in Porrentruy, by doing an internship in the herbarium, and I’m currently running science popularization activities as part of a student job.
