Temporal Changes in the Distribution and Density of the Iberian Grey Shrike <i>Lanius meridionalis </i>in Southern France from a Spatial Analysis Covering 1994-2023

The Iberian grey shrike, Lanius meridionalis, breeds exclusively in Mediterranean France and on the Iberian Peninsula, where its preferred habitats include a mix of agricultural lands and evergreen oak forests.Despite maintaining a strong presence in certain areas, the species has faced many challenges due to environmental changes, agricultural intensification, and habitat alteration, earning it a place on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.This study presents an in-depth spatial analysis of the distribution and density of the Iberian grey shrike Lanius meridionalis in southern France, spanning 30 years from 1994 to 2023.We applied spatial mapping methods and kernel density analysis to examine changes in the spatial distribution of this species.Our results suggest a 47% reduction in its home range since 1994 and fragmentation in the southern part of its distribution area, distinguishing it from its Iberian stronghold.