No abstract

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The feeding ecology of the aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) was investigated for the first time in north-western Sahara, Djebel Antar (Bechar province, Algeria), from autumn 2015 to summer 2016. Microhistological analyses of faeces revealed an annual diet composed of 23 identified taxa belonging to 16 plant families. The highest species diversity was recorded in spring and summer (23 species), despite a marked consumption of two species: Vachellia tortilis (17.7%) and Avena sterilis (14.0%); diet diversity was lower in autumn and winter (16 species), including mainly Teucrium polium (14.7%, 21.0%) and Gymnocarpos decander (19.7%, 10.0%). The main plant parts consumed during these seasons were stems (77.7%, 65.3%), while leaves and inflorescences were mostly consumed during spring and summer (54.7%, 52.3%). Forbs dominated the aoudad's diet, with 46.3% average relative abundance, including mainly T. polium, Limoniastrum feei, and Chrysanthemum macrocarpum. Woody plants including mainly V. tortilis and G. decander accounted for 33.3% (50.0% in autumn), and grasses including A. sterilis and H. murinum for 20.4% (32.0% in summer). Based on this diet, A. lervia can be classified as a "generalist mixed-feeder."

The striped hyena Hyaena hyaena is listed “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the Mediterranean region as its population and range are decreasing in most countries. In Algeria, the distribution and status of this species have not been reviewed for nearly 30 years. A field survey was conducted during the last 10 years in many regions and suitable habitats in order to update this information. Our results show that the striped hyena was eradicated from some northern areas of its former range, but still occurs in most regions of Algeria. Causes of mortality are reported and conservation measures are suggested in order to keep sustainable populations.

This study aims to determine the morphometric characteristics of Purebred-Arab horses born and bred in Algeria specialized in horse racing depending on age and sex. Measurement of the study was taken at the Kaid-Ahmed racecourse in Tiaret (Algeria). The average size at the withers of the subjects (n=95) was 152.15±05.07 cm, and the thoracic girth was 166.44±06.43 cm. Compared to the height at the withers, the rump size was slightly lower 151.61±04.79 cm, and the body length was almost identical 152.82±06.30 cm with an average weight of 395.83±40.51 kg that is considered minor. Our sample horses appear pretty thick relative to their size with an average circumference of the anterior and posterior guns of 18.30±01.70 cm and 19.68±0 1.79 cm respectively, and in extent arm lengths 30.90±02.66 cm and forearm 31.77±02.81 cm. The various calculated indices qualify our horses as compact horses, light, square and long. The reading of the dress color of our model presents the dominance of the Alazan at 51.57%, and the shape of the chamfer is mostly Camus at 56.84%, giving it a short head with a broad forehead and concave chamfer. Statistical analysis determined that males were more significant than females and adults compared to young.