A young and highly motivated wildlife rescue organization based in Provence is paving the way for the future of conservation in the South of France.

The South of France is one of the richest areas in biodiversity. It is home to 85% of the mammal species found in mainland France, over two-thirds of reptile species, and more than half of the bird species, according to the Regional Biodiversity Observatory. However, the coastal areas are also the most densely populated, and ongoing urbanization is steadily shrinking wildlife habitats, especially the rich wetland areas.

Amid this tension, a new force for wildlife conservation is emerging: TOTEM, an association dedicated to protecting the region’s rich biodiversity. Spearheaded by dedicated volunteers, TOTEM aims to provide long-term care solutions for wildlife while raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

One of TOTEM’s founders and key members, Jennifer Jolicard, is a seasoned volunteer who has been working in wildlife conservation for over a decade. Her deep background includes formal training as a veterinary tech/assistant, proven volunteer commitment for organizations like LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux and the co-creation of CSAM (Centre de Sauvegarde de la Faune Sauvage) in the Maritime Alps. Her passion for wildlife preservation shines through as she discusses the organization’s goals and the challenges they face, and with years of experience in the care of animals, she is well placed to lead the effort. Thanks to her tenacity, she has managed to mobilize regional heavyweights like the mayor of Grasse, Jérôme Viaud; the president of the Conseil National de la Protection animale (French National Council for Animal Protection) Dr. Loïc Dombreval; and Dr. Nicolas Martinez, one of the very few veterinarians specialized in wildlife care.

A Collective Effort with a Strong Vision

If TOTEM was founded by individuals from various backgrounds who share a common goal of protecting wildlife and raising awareness about biodiversity conservation, it is not “just another wildlife rescue organization”; it is a collective of passionate individuals, including veterinarians, communicators, and transport volunteers, all driven by a shared commitment to protecting biodiversity. The co-founders, including TOTEM’s president Alice Brunet, who is a veterinarian specialized in wildlife, bring years of experience and appropriate certification to the table. The declared goal is to open wildlife care centers that will serve as safe havens for the region’s fauna.

Filling a Gap in Wildlife Rescue

In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region, there are already several wildlife rescue centers, including LPO and CSAM. However, TOTEM aims to fill a significant gap by addressing the needs of species not adequately covered by these existing structures. Some smaller or more specialized organizations may lack the training or authorization required to care for wildlife properly. TOTEM’s focus on experience and adherence to legal standards ensures that animals in their care receive the best possible treatment.

Currently, TOTEM does not yet operate its own wildlife care centre. Instead, the organization runs a hotline (SOS Faune Sauvage) to provide advice and guidance to those who find injured or distressed animals. In many cases, the advice involves minimal intervention, such as leaving young raptors in place for their parents to care for them. This approach helps reduce unnecessary admissions to wildlife care centers, which are often overwhelmed.

The team also assists with animal transportation when it is not feasible for individuals to handle wildlife themselves. For instance, the group recently helped transport injured birds to care centres, although this service is currently limited by the availability of volunteers.

Real-Life Examples: Saving Wildlife, One Call at a Time

One of the stories shared during the interview illustrates the importance of TOTEM’s hotline service. During the fledgling season for young owls, the hotline received numerous calls about chicks found on the ground. In most cases, the team advised the callers to leave the birds where they were, as their chances of survival were better with their parents. This simple intervention prevented unnecessary strain on the wildlife care centres, which are often overloaded.

Unfortunately, not every case has a happy ending. A young seagull with a broken wing in Toulon was reported, but no volunteers were available to intervene. Despite their best efforts, the bird endured unnecessary suffering over several days before being euthanized. Such cases drive home the urgent need for a well-coordinated wildlife intervention team, one of the key projects TOTEM is working on.

Photo copyright Alice Brunet

Building for the Future: TOTEM’s Key Projects

TOTEM has ambitious plans to expand its impact. Currently, they are working on four major projects, each at different stages of development.

1. Wildlife Rescue Team: This intervention group will be responsible for managing the hotline and coordinating responses to wildlife emergencies in the PACA region. The team will also collaborate with local authorities to assess and manage wildlife incidents. During off-peak periods, the rescue team will focus on education, visiting schools and businesses to raise awareness about wildlife protection.

2. Multi-Species Care Centre in the Var: TOTEM aims to open a multi-species care center by the end of 2025, with facilities to care for larger mammals like deer and carnivores. This center will complement existing care centers in the region, ensuring that animals such as chamois do not have to be transported long distances for treatment.

3. Waterbird Care Centre: Another planned facility will cater exclusively to waterbirds, a species that requires specialized care. The center will need to be equipped with heated training pools and oil spill decontamination units to treat birds affected by potential maritime pollution.

4. TOTEM Biodiversity Label: The organization is also developing a certification program for organic wine producers who wish to integrate biodiversity conservation into their vineyards. By encouraging the presence of species such as bats and birds, the label promotes ecological practices that benefit both wildlife and agriculture.

Photo copyright Vin Brunet

Challenges and Collaborations

Like any young organization, TOTEM faces financial challenges. Despite their passion and determination, securing enough funding remains a hurdle. They are actively seeking public and private funding to make their projects a reality. The support they have received so far from regional politicians and local associations like LPO Var’nat has been encouraging.

Collaborations with other organizations, such as FACE Var, are also helping to raise awareness and educate the public about wildlife conservation.

TOTEM is convinced that the future of biodiversity lies in collaboration. By working together with other associations and public entities, they hope to create a more effective and cohesive approach to wildlife protection in the region.

How You Can Help

There are many ways for individuals to get involved with TOTEM. One of the most important ways to do so is to signal wildlife in need of medical care. See relevant information (phone number and QR code) at the end of this article.

Photo copyright Anne Hirsch

The association also welcomes donations and memberships, which help reduce their reliance on public funding. Additionally, they are always looking for new partners, whether through corporate sponsorships or collaborations with local businesses. Those with land suitable for wildlife care centers are also encouraged to reach out.

Ultimately, TOTEM is about creating a future where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously. Through their initiatives, they hope to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the natural world, ensuring that the region’s biodiversity thrives for generations to come. TOTEM may be a young organization, but with its passion, expertise, and clear vision, it is set to become a key player in the conservation of wildlife in Provence.

What to Do When Spotting Wildlife in Medical Need or Distress

This Just In

Conference: “Our Hedgehog Neighbours: How to Protect Them Properly?”

Presented by Dr. Alice Brunet, wildlife veterinarian and president of the TOTEM association.
September 24th at 5.30 pm
17 Rue Ernest Reyer, 83400 Hyères, France
Organized as part of the Hedgehog Festival by France Nature Environnement
Sign up here

During this conference, TOTEM provides insights to help you better understand the hedgehog, a charming little mammal. Who are they? How do they live? How can we help them? How can we protect them in practical, everyday ways in our gardens? How can we recognize when they are in distress? These are some of the questions the association will answer for you.

All images courtesy TOTEM; lead image © Anne Hirsch; all other images as credited