Review

Raymond Rouch (24.12.1934–14.09.2025), scientist and artist – his contribution to the modern developments of groundwater ecology

¹ Institute of Earth Sciences, NAWI Graz, Geocenter, University of Graz, Austria
² HydroSciences Montpellier (HSM), Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
³ Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
⁴ Chemin de la Fourestole, N°52, 81990 Cambon d’Albi, France
⁵ Chemin de Japhet, N°9, 24140 Saint-Hilaire-d'Estissac, France
⁶ Rue de Polverel, N°4, 19100 Brive-la-Gaillarde; also SEPANSO, 33800 Bordeaux, France

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 16 March 2026
Accepted: 30 April 2026

Abstract

A tribute to Raymond Rouch, a renowned researcher in groundwater ecology, focuses on scientific and cultural aspects of his work filled with new ideas and stimulating results addressed to the following topics: (a) the taxonomy and systematics of copepod crustaceans, particularly Harpacticoida and Gelyelloida, found in groundwater habitats; (b) the groundwater ecology, where innovative ideas, new methods of research, and scientific results helped to promote a modern new groundwater ecology; and (c) the insertion of a hydrogeology approach insofar as the research in ecology required identifying the origin and dynamics of groundwater flows in karst systems in particular. As an addition, the story of the famous Bou–Rouch pump is presented. The interest in various scientific fields reveals Rouch’s broad erudition. He was an excellent draftsman and expressed himself through painting, inspired by Max Ernst and Salvador Dali. The appreciation for the scientific work of Raymond Rouch by the community is illustrated through the dedication to him of 20 species named in his honor. Two annexes include Rouch’s list of publications and a list of the new taxa he described.