The Year Of The Animal In France Zone Books

What if we told you that France is home to some of the most unique, diverse, and captivating wildlife in the world? While the country may be renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, it also boasts an incredible array of animal species that call the French territory home.

From the majestic Alpine ibex to the elusive Lynx, French wildlife is a true treasure waiting to be discovered. The beauty and simplicity of the natural landscapes in France have provided a haven for countless animal species, making it an ideal destination for any nature lover or wildlife enthusiast.

Exploring the French Biodiversity

France is divided into several climatic zones, each of which creates a unique habitat for flora and fauna. This diversity has resulted in an impressive range of animal species, some of which can be found nowhere else in the world.

1668: The Year of the Animal in France (Zone Books)

by April Parker (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34677 KB
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Print length	:	492 pages

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The French Alps, for instance, are home to the Alpine ibex, an extraordinary mountain goat capable of ascending the steepest cliffs with ease. These magnificent creatures are known for their iconic curved horns, which can grow to impressive lengths. Observing these agile animals in their natural habitat is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Another fascinating animal found in France is the agile and secretive Lynx. These medium-sized wild cats are known for their elusive nature, making them incredibly difficult to spot. However, the Vosges Mountains in the eastern part of the country offer a chance to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures, whose populations have been successfully reintroduced in recent years.

The Remarkable Wildlife of French Wetlands

France is also home to an extensive network of wetlands, which serve as essential habitats for numerous bird species. From the Camargue to the Poitevin Marsh, these wetlands provide shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding areas for a myriad of avian creatures.

One of the most fascinating birds found in French wetlands is the flamboyant European flamingo. With its vibrant pink feathers and distinctive curved bill, this magnificent creature is a sight to behold. The Camargue, located in the south of France, is the best place to witness the graceful dance of these iconic birds as they feed in the shallow saltwater lagoons.

Additionally, the White Stork is a remarkable species that has become a symbol of luck in many cultures. Having made a successful comeback in recent decades, these majestic birds can be found nesting on chimneys and tall structures across the country. Their impressive wingspan and elegant flight patterns make them a remarkable sight to witness.

Conservation Efforts and Protection Measures

Recognizing the importance of preserving its exceptional biodiversity, France has implemented numerous conservation efforts and protection measures. National parks, nature reserves, and protected areas have been established to safeguard the diverse range of animal species found within its borders.

Perhaps one of the most iconic conservation success stories is the re of the Eurasian brown bear in the Pyrenees Mountains. Once on the brink of extinction, these magnificent creatures now roam freely in the mountainous landscapes, thanks to the dedicated conservationists who have worked tirelessly to ensure their survival.

Another notable effort is the conservation of the European bison, also known as the wisent. This majestic and powerful animal has been successfully reintroduced into a few selected forests in France. Witnessing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a truly awe-inspiring experience that demonstrates the significance of conservation efforts.

Opportunities for Animal Enthusiasts

If you're an animal enthusiast, there are numerous opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife of France. Local wildlife experts and tour operators offer guided tours, educational programs, and wildlife photography workshops that allow you to get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures that inhabit the French territory.

Whether you're interested in observing rare bird species, tracking elusive mammals, or exploring the diverse marine life along the French coast, there is something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of France and create lasting memories as you witness the incredible beauty of its animal kingdom.

France is not just a cultural and culinary paradise; it is also home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife waiting to be discovered. From the majestic Alpine ibex to the flamboyant European flamingo and the elusive Lynx, the animal kingdom of France offers a captivating glimpse into the wonders of nature.

As we embark on the year of the animal, let us celebrate the remarkable wildlife found within the borders of France. Through conservation efforts, protection measures, and our own commitment to preserving these natural treasures, we can ensure that future generations will continue to be mesmerized by the fascinating creatures that call France home.

1668: The Year of the Animal in France (Zone Books)

by April Parker (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34677 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	492 pages

FREE

Peter Sahlins’s brilliant new book reveals the remarkable and understudied “animal moment” in and around 1668 in which authors (including La Fontaine, whose Fables appeared in that year), anatomists, painters, sculptors, and especially the young Louis XIV turned their attention to nonhuman beings.

At the center of the Year of the Animal was the Royal Menagerie in the gardens of Versailles, dominated by exotic and graceful birds. In the remarkable unfolding of his original and sophisticated argument, Sahlins shows how the animal bodies of the menagerie and others (such as the dogs and lambs of the first xenotransfusion experiments) were critical to a dramatic rethinking of governance, nature, and the human.

The animals of 1668 helped to shift an entire worldview in France — what Sahlins calls Renaissance humanimalism — toward more modern expressions of Classical naturalism and mechanism. In the wake of 1668 came the debasement of animals and the strengthening of human animality, including in Descartes’s animal-machine, highly contested during the Year of the Animal.

At the same time, Louis XIV and his intellectual servants used the animals of Versailles to develop and then to transform the symbolic language of French absolutism. Louis XIV came to adopt a model of sovereignty after 1668 where his absolute authority is represented in manifold ways with the bodies of animals and justified by the bestial nature of his human subjects.

1668: The Year of the Animal in France explores and reproduces the king’s animal collections — in printed text, weaving, poetry, and engraving, all seen from a unique interdisciplinary perspective. Sahlins brings the animals of 1668 together and to life as he observes them critically in their native habitats — within the animal palace itself by Louis Le Vau, the paintings and tapestries of Charles Le Brun, the garden installations of André Le Nôtre, the literary work of Charles Perrault and the natural history of his brother Claude, the poetry of Madeleine de Scudéry, the philosophy of René Descartes, the engravings of Sébastien Leclerc, the trans_fusion experiments of Jean Denis, and others.

The author joins the non_human and human agents of 1668 — panthers and painters, swans and scientists, weasels and weavers — in a learned and sophisticated treatment that will engage scholars and students of early modern France and Europe and readers broadly interested in the subject of animals in human history.