Ecology, phenology and wintering behavior of Anatidae in the wetlands of Souk–Ahras (north–eastern Algeria)

Abstract

Ecology, phenology and wintering behavior of Anatidae in the wetlands of Souk–Ahras (north– eastern Algeria). Understanding the spatial and temporal niche of waterfowl is essential for effective management and conservation. To determine the ecology and phenology of Anatidae in North Africa, we carried out a 12–month study (2019–2020) in three wetlands that constitute a winter refuge for waterbirds in the Souk–Ahras region in north–east Algeria. We surveyed species richness, the seasonal pattern of the number of Anatidae, and their wintering diurnal behavior using regular counts and scans. We recorded thirteen species: six wintering species (Anas clypeata, Anas penelope, Anas strepera, Tadorna tadorna, Aythya ferina, Anas crecca crecca) and three sedentary nesting species (Anas platyrhynchos, Oxyura leucocephala, and Aythya nyroca), the latter two having national and international protection status. The survey showed that the wintering behavior of all these species is dominated by sleep, which on average accounts for almost half of the total time (48.91 %). Our results indicate that the three wetlands host a complex waterfowl community that includes species of conservation concern and that these sites likely play an essential role in providing the essential resources for wintering