An Appraisal of the Status and Distribution of Waterbirds of Algeria: Indicators of Global Changes?

Distribution patterns of ectoparasites of Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) chicks

“…Despite the predominant arid climate, the country holds a large spectrum of wetlands (shallow freshwater ponds, brackish marshes in the North, and vast hypersaline lakes or sebkhas in the South). Algerian wetlands are well-known internationally for their ecological importance: they are important staging posts and wintering grounds for migrating birds (Samraoui and Samraoui 2008;Samraoui et al 2011). The country also houses important breeding sites for many rare, endangered or biome-restricted species, including the Audouin's gull Larus audouinii, white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala, ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca, marbled teal Marmorenetta angustirostris, and the Eleonora's falcon Falco eleonorae .…”

Diversity patterns and seasonal variation of the waterbird community in Mediterranean wetlands of Northeastern Algeria

“…It was represented by more than half of the waterbird species described in Algerian wetlands [99 species identified by Samraoui and Samraoui (2008) and 97 species by Samraoui et al (2011)]. This biodiversity assessment indicates that since its designation as a RAMSAR site in 1983 (Boumezbeur 1993), the discussed area has retained regional importance for the aquatic avifauna (resident and migrant species).…”

“…Waterbird community dynamics are complex and are influenced by natural factors, bird life cycle (migration, breeding and moulting), water availability and anthropogenic constraints, such as hunting, water extraction and agricultural activities (Mundava et al 2012). At the time of global change, most studies have pointed out marked effects of climate change exacerbated by anthropogenic pressures on species and communities (Samraoui et al 2011). Hence, there is a growing need for the development and application of appropriate conservation strategies (Vasilios 2010), which in turn require quantitative information on dispersed bird populations and population monitoring methods and techniques.…”

On the breeding of the Grey HeronArdea cinereain Algeria

“…Common in winter and on passage, the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea is the least abundant species of the colonial herons and egrets breeding in North Africa (Thévenot, Vernon, and Bergier 2003;Isenmann et al 2005;Samraoui et al 2011). In the nineteenth century, breeding in North Africa was only certain for Lake Fetzara with probable but unconfirmed reports for Lake Ichkeul (Tunisia) and Northern Morocco (Heim de Balsac and Mayaud 1962).…”

“…In the nineteenth century, breeding in North Africa was only certain for Lake Fetzara with probable but unconfirmed reports for Lake Ichkeul (Tunisia) and Northern Morocco (Heim de Balsac and Mayaud 1962). A century later, the situation in the region has barely changed with rare and sporadic breeding being the rule in Tunisia (Isenmann et al 2005), Algeria (Ledant et al 1981;Isenmann and Moali 2000;Samraoui et al 2011) and Morocco (Thévenot, Vernon, and Bergier 2003;El Hamoumi and Qninba 2008). In sharp contrast, following the decline in human persecution and the expansion of rice agriculture, the Grey Heron staged a remarkable recovery in Southern Europe in the late part of the twentieth century (Marion 1997;Schmid, Volet, and Thoma 2004;Campos and Fernández-Cruz 2006;Fasola et al 2010).…”