Abstract

During four years of study (September 2011-August 2015), the rich diversity of
the wetland avifauna of the wilaya of Souk-Ahras was studied, resulting in records of
thirteen species of Anatidae and one species of Rallidae, the Common coot Fulica atra,
which showed a regular presence throughout the study period. Observations on the seasonal
evolution of Anatidae populations and those of the Coot at the study sites made it possible
to define the status and phenology of all the species. The wetlands in SoukAhras area were found to be exploited by the birds for overwintering, as a waypoint during the migrations and for reproduction. A total of ten migratory species was counted and four other species are sedentary breeders (the White-headed Duck, Oxyura leucocephala, the Ferruginous Duck, Aythya nyroca, the Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos and the Common coot, Fulica atra). The species-richness presents inter-site and interyear variations. In addition to hosting a significant proportion of wintering and breeding birds for a large number of species, the numbers at some wetlands meet the criteria for Ramsar designation (Criterion 6) for one wintering and one nesting waterbird species, namely the Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca and the White-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala.
Moreover, the monitoring of this avifauna has shown that these environments are frequented by
four species with an unfavorable protection status nationally and internationally: the Ferruginous
duck, Aythyanyroca, White-headed duck, Oxyura leucocephala, Marbled Teal, Marmaronetta angustirostris, and the Shelduck, Tadorna tadorna. The impact of anthropogenic factors on the waterbird populations at SoukAhras wilaya was very evident during the four seasons.
Despite these negative impacts, the sites of this area still present a great ornithological value.

Information

Item Type:	Journal
Divisions:	» Laboratory for Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems
ePrint ID:	1264
Date Deposited:	2018-06-02
Further Information:	Google Scholar
URI:	https://www.univ-soukahras.dz/en/publication/article/1264

BibTex