Avifauna diversity and phenology in a Ramsar site: Lake Tonga (Northeastern Algeria)

Abstract

Between 2013 and 2016 we conducted an inventory and characterization of aquatic avifauna at Lake Tonga, a Ramsar site. We identified 61 species belonging to 17 families, dominated by Anatidae with 14 species. The inventoried species have different phenological status. Some are known for their regular wintering and some for their summer concentrations, while others are residents year round. Population analysis showed the presence of endangered species such as Oxyura leucocephala, Marmaronetta angustirostris and Aythya nyroca, that are protected by national and/or international laws. Bird counts showed monthly variations in total abundance and richness, peaking during winter. Peak numbers were recorded in February and January, reflecting gatherings to prepare for prenuptial migration. Analysis of diversity and equitability indices indicated that maximum values ​​were generally recorded during the pre– and post–nuptial passages (H’= 3.51 and E = 0.72). Our results reflect the importance of this wetland as a wintering site and nesting site for numerous waterbirds species.

Diversity and seasonal variation of wader community (Aves, Charadriiformes) in the Mekhada Marsh (northeastern Algeria)

“…Over the study period, Shannon diversity, Simpson's indices and equitability varied according to the richness and abundance of wader population at the Mekhada marsh, but generally showed a diversified population dominated by Scolopacidae and Charadriidae. Previous studies on other sites in the region have shown similar results (Lazli et al, 2018;Bourafa et al, 2018;Bediaf et al, 2020;Gherib et al, 2021). Among the most representative species in terms of numbers, northern lapwing was the most abundant and earliest species at the study site (Lazli et al, 2018;Bediaf et al, 2020;Loucif et al, 2020;Gherib et al, 2021).…”

“…Species observed at the Mekhada marsh during the wintering studied season showed globally the status of winterers with the exception of those that were also breeding. Similar studies reported the same status at various wetlands in the country, such as those of Setif, the Souk Ahras wetland complex, those of Oum El Bouaghi and other sites of the so-called 'El Kala' eco-complex (Seddik et al, 2010;Metallaoui, Houhamdi, 2010;Guellati et al, 2014;Lazli et al, 2018;Bezzalla et al, 2019;Bediaf et al, 2020;Cheddad et al, 2020;Loucif et al, 2020;Gherib et al, 2021).…”

“…On the same site, Bourafa et al (2018) and Bediaf et al (2020) recorded 16 and 14 species, respectively. In the same wetland complex, various surveys have reported, depending on the sites considered, the presence of 12-13 species, also divided into three families (Lazli et al, 2018;Gherib et al, 2021). Among other wetlands in Algeria, those of the high plateau eco-complex host a significant diversity of waders each year.…”

Population dynamics and wintering behavior of the black–headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus at El Mellah lagoon (Northeastern Algeria)

“…In the north-east of the country, the wetlands of eastern Numidia occupy more or less vast areas. These areas are mainly composed of lakes, marshes, chotts, sebkhas, and gueltas, which are globally interconnected and offer excellent conditions for wintering, migration, and breeding of several bird species (De Belair, Bencheikh, 1987;Houhamdi, Samraoui, 2002;Lazli et al, 2018;Benmetir et al, 2020;Gherib et al, 2021). Among these wetlands, those located in the El Kala National Park are the most famous for the diversity of their species and habitats.…”

“…Despite the existence of various works on Algerian aquatic avifauna, in particular, Anatidae, Rallidae, and Podicipedidae (Boumezbeur, 1993;Lazli et al, 2011aLazli et al, , b, 2014Gherib, Lazli, 2017;Menasria, Lazli, 2017;Lazli et al, 2018;Bediaf et al, 2020; POPULATION DYNAMICS AND WINTERING BEHAVIOR OF BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus AT EL MELLAH LAGOON (NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA) Benmetir et al, 2020;Mecif et al, 2020;Ziani et al, 2020;Gherib et al, 2021), few studies have been devoted to seabirds, which have so far received very little attention from researchers. Recent information on this subject is limited to occasional observations and local or global syntheses (Jacob, Coubet, 1980;Ledant et al, 1981;Doumandji et al, 1988;Hamza, Slimani, 1990;Thibault, 1993;Benyacoub, Chabi, 2000;Isenmann, Moali, 2000;Boukhroufa, 2001;Brahmia, 2002;Moulaï, 2006;Bougaham, Moulaï, 2013).…”