Abstract

The wetlands of eastern Numidia (Northeastern Algeria) constitute an important reservoir of bird biodiversity. They are considered exceptional but unfortunately remain inexplored and little documented until now. Our study was conducted during two consecutive winter seasons (2015-2016 and 2016-2017) in the south of the Mekhada marsh (RAMSAR site), which plays a very important role in the conservation of waterbirds in the Mediterranean basin. To monitoring the phenology of waterbirds, we used a telescope (Optolyth, 20X80). In total, 40 species representing 12 families were listed on this site. In winter, ducks are well represented (10 species, with a maximum of 26,835 and 33,875 individuals, were counted in January and February during both wintering periods). The results of ecological indices (Shannon and equitability) and species richness showed an imbalance in the waterbird population dominated by three families (Anatidae, Scolopacidae and Rallidae). We also noted an increase in waterfowl use in the study area between the two wintering seasons (chi 2 test = 360.12, df = 1, p = 0.0001). Factorial correspondence analysis showed three distinct periods represented (the beginning, the middle and the end of the wintering season). Preliminary results from monitoring wintering waterbirds have shown that the southern Mekhada marsh appears to provide ideal conditions for migratory, wintering, or transient waterbirds (STOP sites).

Keywords: Waterbirds, wintering, Eastern Numidia, Algeria.

Information

Item Type:	Thesis
Divisions:	» Laboratory for Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems » Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life
ePrint ID:	1974
Date Deposited:	2019-10-30
Further Information:	Google Scholar
URI:	https://www.univ-soukahras.dz/en/publication/article/1974

BibTex