A male Sudan Golden Sparrow (Passer luteus) was photographed by Bilal Guerouiat at Djanet, south-east Algeria in January 2017.
More details and photograph here: Sudan Golden Sparrow at Djanet, Algeria (French & English).
Huitièmes Journées Internationales “Oiseaux D’eau Et Zones Humides”
L’Ecole Supérieure de Technologie de Khénifra (ESTK), de l’Université Moulay Ismail, organise la 8ième session des Journées Internationales sur les Oiseaux d’Eau et les Zones Humides du 19 au 20 mai 2017 à Khénifra (Maroc), et ce en partenariat avec l’Institut Scientifique de Rabat ; le Groupe de Recherche pour la Protection des Oiseaux au Maroc (GREPOM/BirdLife Maroc), le Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte contre la Désertification (HCEFLCD). Ces journées ont pour objet d’offrir aux institutions investies dans la connaissance ou la gestion des zones humides nord-africaines une occasion adéquate pour échanger leur savoir et savoir-faire. Lesquels échanges ont amplement contribué à stimuler la recherche et à améliorer les approches en gestion durable des zones humides nord-africaines.
La huitième édition, ces journées visent de contribuer à la mise au point sur la recherche en relation avec les effets des changements climatiques sur les zones humides nord-africaines ; mais elles offrent aussi l’occasion pour renforcer un programme ambitieux de recherche et de formation en environnement lancé par l’ESTK relevant de l’Université de Moulay Ismail Meknès ; lequel programme s’individualise au Maroc comme initiative pilote d’intégration de la gestion des milieux naturels à la formation universitaire.
Thèmes des journées
- Impact des changements climatiques sur les zones humides ;
- Ecologie et Biologie de la flore et de la faune des zones humides ;
- Fonctionnement, services écosystémiques des zones humides ;
- Gestion intégrée des ressources en eau et conservation des zones humides.
Communications/posters
- Les communications doivent être inédites et concises.
- Les langues de communication sont le français, l’anglais et l’arabe.
- Chaque communication durera 15 minutes (exposé : 10 mn, discussion : 5 mn
- Les dimensions des posters ne doivent pas dépasser 0,90 m /1,2 m.
Actes des Journées
Les communications (8 pages A4 au maximum, déposées lors de l’inscription aux journées) seront publiées dans un volume spécial d’un périodique ; elles devront respecter le modèle de présentation qui sera proposé dans la deuxième circulaire. Des résumés de posters pourront également être inclus dans les Actes.
Frais d’inscription
Les frais d’inscription des participants sont de 600,00 Dhs (professionnels) et de 300 Dhs pour étudiants ; ils incluent l’accès au programme, les actes du congrès, les déjeuners et les pauses-cafés.
Personne de contact: Pr. Abba El Hassan (email dans le bulletin ci-dessus)
Bulletin de participation (à retourner avant le 10 mars 2017).
8th Session of the International Conference on Waterbirds and Wetlands
The Higher School of Technology of Khénifra, University Moulay Ismail, is organizing the eighth session of the International Days on Water Birds and Wetlands from May 19 to 20, 2017 in Khénifra, in partnership with the Institute Scientist of Rabat; The Research Group for the Protection of Birds in Morocco, the High Commission for Water and Forests and the Fight against Desertification and the Scientific Institute of Rabat. The purpose of these days is to offer institutions invested in the knowledge or management of North African wetlands an appropriate opportunity to exchange their knowledge and know-how. These exchanges have contributed significantly to stimulate research and improve approaches to the sustainable management of North African wetlands.
The eighth edition aims to contribute to the development of research related to the effects of climate change on North African wetlands; But they also provide an opportunity to strengthen an ambitious program of environmental research and training launched by ESTK under the University of Moulay Ismail Meknes; Which is being integrated into Morocco as a pilot initiative to integrate the management of natural environments into university training.
Themes of the conference
- Impact of climate change on wetlands;
- Ecology and Biology of Wetland Flora and Fauna;
- Operation, ecosystem services of wetlands;
- Integrated Water Resources Management and Wetland Conservation.
Participation form (to be returned by March 10, 2017).
Wintering waterbird assemblages in the central part of the Gulf of Gabès in southern Tunisia
Hamza, F., Hammouda, A. & Selmi, S. (2016). Wintering waterbird assemblages in the central part of the Gulf of Gabès in southern Tunisia. Ostrich 87: 217–223. doi: 10.2989/00306525.2016.1207721
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Abstract
Although the Gulf of Gabès is recognised as an Important Bird Area, several aspects of the ecology of waterbirds inhabiting this area still need to be investigated. We observed how waterbird foraging guilds varied among habitats. In total, 49 species belonging to 16 families were recorded. Winter visitors accounted for 73% of counts. The avifauna was dominated by shorebirds (52% of records), followed by large wading birds (25%), open-water birds (18%) and waterfowl (5%). However, the structure of local waterbird communities and their composition in terms of foraging guilds varied according to habitat type. The bird communities of sandy beaches were dominated by open-water birds, whereas large mudflats were dominated by shorebirds, and wadi estuaries showed a more even representation of foraging guilds. Locally rare species had narrow distributions, whereas locally abundant species were found widely within the gulf. For four species the 1% population level criterion of the Ramsar Convention was exceeded. Overall, our results show that the Gulf of Gabès hosts important numbers of waterbirds with different ecological requirements, which confirms the importance of this gulf as a wintering area for Palearctic waterbirds.
Rassemblements hivernaux chez les oiseaux aquatiques de la zone centrale du Golfe de Gabes en Tunisie méridionale
Bien que le Golfe de Gabes soit reconnu comme une zone importante pour la conservation des oiseaux, de nombreux aspects de l’écologie des oiseaux d’eau qui y vivent restent peu connus. Ainsi, l’objectif de ce travail était de décrire la diversité de l’avifaune hivernante dans ce golfe et d’étudier la variation de sa composition, en termes de guildes alimentaires, entre les différents types d’habitat qu’abrite cette région. Au total, 49 espèces appartenant à 16 familles ont été recensées. Les hivernants représentent 73% des effectifs enregistrés. Cette avifaune est dominée par les limicoles (52% des effectifs enregistrés) suivis par les grands échassiers (25%), les laridés (18%) et les canards (5%). Cependant, la structure des communautés locales et leurs compositions en termes de guildes varient en fonction de d’habitat. C’est ainsi que les avifaunes des plages sableuses sont dominées par les laridés, celles des vasières par les limicoles, alors que les estuaires des oueds abritent une avifaune plus équilibrée. Les espèces localement rares ont une répartition restreinte, tandis que les espèces localement abondantes ont une large distribution dans le golfe. D’autre part, pour quatre des espèces recensées, le critère de 1% de la Convention de Ramsar est atteint. Globalement, nos résultats montrent que le Golfe de Gabes abrite un effectif important d’oiseaux d’eau ayant des affinités écologiques variées, ce qui confirme l’importance de ce golfe pour l’avifaune Paléarctique.
Cohabitation étroite entre la Cigogne blanche le Grand Corbeau en Algérie
Boulaouad Belkacem, A., Ailam, O., Bouaziz, A., Daoudi-Hacini, S. & Doumandji, S. 2015. Cohabitation étroite entre la Cigogne blanche Ciconia ciconia et le Grand Corbeau Corvus corax en Algérie. Alauda 83: 39-40.
Strong cohabitation between White Stork Ciconia ciconia and Raven Corvus corax in Algeria.
Co-occurrence and commensal feeding between Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta) and Eurasian Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia)
Hamza, F., & Selmi, S. (2016). Co-occurrence and commensal feeding between Little Egrets Egretta garzetta and Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia. Bird Study 63: 509–515. doi: 10.1080/00063657.2016.1238035
PDF in RresearchGate
Abstract:
Capsule: The spatial distribution and feeding efficiency of Little Egrets Egretta garzetta wintering in the gulf of Gabès, Tunisia, are affected by a commensal association with the Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia.
Aims: To investigate the role of the interspecific interaction between Little Egrets and Eurasian Spoonbills in shaping the spatial distribution and feeding efficiency of Little Egrets.
Methods: Using count and behavioural data, we examined the co-occurrence of these species in flocks, and compared the foraging efficiency of Little Egrets feeding with Eurasian Spoonbills with that of solitary Little Egrets.
Results: We found that the presence of Eurasian Spoonbills doubled the chance of Little Egrets being present. Within mixed flocks, the number of Little Egrets increased with the number of Spoonbills. Moreover, Little Egrets foraging in association with Eurasian Spoonbills took fewer steps, had higher pecking rates and higher prey intake rates than solitary Little Egrets.
Conclusion: Little Egrets appear to obtain foraging efficiency benefits by following Eurasian Spoonbills. This interaction seems to play a role in determining the spatial distribution of Little Egrets.
Diet of Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in desert area at Hassi El Gara (El Golea, Algeria)
Djilali, K., Sekour, M., Souttou, K., Ababsa, L., Guezoul, O., Denys, C. & Doumandji, S. (2016). Diet of Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus (Pontoppidan, 1763) in desert area at Hassi El Gara (El Golea, Algeria). Zoology and Ecology 26: 159–165. doi: 10.1080/21658005.2016.1184907
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Abstract:
The diet of the Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus was analysed in an arid environment in Hassi El Gara located in the southeast of El Golea (Ghardaia, Algeria). The diet was determined by analysing 138 pellets. Our data showed that the diet was dominated by mammals (Chiroptera and Rodentia). Based on relative biomass, birds were the main prey species. Mammals were the second most important prey. Mammals were the major food item throughout the seasons and their contribution to the diet ranged from 50.7% in spring to 73.6% in summer. Birds were the second numerous prey with 8.1% in summer and 29.6% in spring. The dominant prey species was Myotis sp., making up 37.8%. It was followed by Gerbillus nanus (5.4%), Columba livia (4.3%) and Bufo mauritanicus (4.1%).
North African hybrid sparrows back from oblivion – ecological segregation and asymmetric mitochondrial introgression between parental species
Ait Belkacem, A., Gast, O., Stuckas, H., Canal, D., LoValvo, M., Giacalone, G. & Päckert, M. (2016). North African hybrid sparrows (Passer domesticus, P. hispaniolensis) back from oblivion – ecological segregation and asymmetric mitochondrial introgression between parental species. Ecology and Evolution 15: 5190–5206. doi: 10.1002/ece3.2274 (Open Access)
Abstract:
A stabilized hybrid form of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and the Spanish sparrow (P. hispaniolensis) is known as Passer italiae from the Italian Peninsula and a few Mediterranean islands. The growing attention for the Italian hybrid sparrow and increasing knowledge on its biology and genetic constitution greatly contrast the complete lack of knowledge of the long-known phenotypical hybrid sparrow populations from North Africa. Our study provides new data on the breeding biology and variation of mitochondrial DNA in three Algerian populations of house sparrows, Spanish sparrows, and phenotypical hybrids. In two field seasons, the two species occupied different breeding habitats: Spanish sparrows were only found in rural areas outside the cities and bred in open-cup nests built in large jujube bushes. In contrast, house sparrows bred only in the town centers and occupied nesting holes in walls of buildings. Phenotypical hybrids were always associated with house sparrow populations. House sparrows and phenotypical hybrids started breeding mid of March, and most pairs had three successive clutches, whereas Spanish sparrows started breeding almost one month later and had only two successive clutches. Mitochondrial introgression is strongly asymmetric because about 75% of the rural Spanish sparrow population carried house sparrow haplotypes. In contrast, populations of the Italian hybrid form, P. italiae, were genetically least diverse among all study populations and showed a near-fixation of house sparrow haplotypes that elsewhere were extremely rare or that were even unique for the Italian Peninsula. Such differences between mitochondrial gene pools of Italian and North African hybrid sparrow populations provide first evidence that different demographic histories have shaped the extant genetic diversity observed on both continents.
Negotiating an ecological barrier: crossing the Sahara in relation to winds by common swifts
Åkesson, S., Bianco, G. & Hedenström, A. (2016). Negotiating an ecological barrier: crossing the Sahara in relation to winds by common swifts. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 371: 20150393. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0393
Abstract
The Sahara Desert is one of the largest land-based barriers on the Earth, crossed twice each year by billions of birds on migration. Here we investigate how common swifts migrating between breeding sites in Sweden and wintering areas in sub-Saharan Africa perform the desert crossing with respect to route choice, winds, timing and speed of migration by analysing 72 geolocator tracks recording migration. The swifts cross western Sahara on a broad front in autumn, while in spring they seem to use three alternative routes across the Sahara, a western, a central and an eastern route across the Arabian Peninsula, with most birds using the western route. The swifts show slower migration and travel speeds, and make longer detours with more stops in autumn compared with spring. In spring, the stopover period in West Africa coincided with mostly favourable winds, but birds remained in the area, suggesting fuelling. The western route provided more tailwind assistance compared with the central route for our tracked swifts in spring, but not in autumn. The ultimate explanation for the evolution of a preferred western route is presumably a combination of matching rich foraging conditions (swarming insects) and favourable winds enabling fast spring migration.
Sexual size dimorphism and morphometric sexing in a North African population of Laughing Doves (Spilopelia senegalensis)
Ayadi, T., Hammouda, A., Kididi, S., Yahyaoui, M. H. & Selmi, S. (2016). Sexual size dimorphism and morphometric sexing in a North African population of Laughing Doves Spilopelia senegalensis. Ostrich 87: 173–177. doi: 10.2989/00306525.2016.1188173
Abstract:
Like the majority of Columbiformes, the Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis is sexually monomorphic in plumage, but seems to be slightly dimorphic in size. However, due to the lack of studies little is known about the sexual size dimorphism in this species. In this work, we used morphometric data on a sample of 61 Laughing Doves from southern Tunisia, and sexed using a DNA-based method, to assess size differences between males and females and to determine a discriminant function useful for sex identification. The results showed that wing length was the most dimorphic trait, which could be due to the effects of sexual selection. The best function for the discrimination between sexes included wing length and head length, which is comparable with findings on other dove species. This discriminant function accurately classified 89% of birds, providing a rapid and accurate tool for sex identification in the studied population. Further data from different populations are needed for firmer conclusions about the extent of sexual size dimorphism and the reliability of the morphometric sexing approach in this dove species.
Breeding ecology of House Martins (Delichon urbica) in Northeast Algeria
Hamlaoui, B., Rouaiguia, M., Zebsa, R., Kafi, F., Haddad, S., Lahlah, N. & Houhamdi, M. (2016). On the breeding ecology of House Martins Delichon urbica (Linnaeus 1758) in Northeast Algeria. Zoology and Ecology 26: 77–84. doi: 10.1080/21658005.2016.1149350
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Abstract:
The study of the reproductive biology of House Martins Delichon urbica was carried out in the cities of Guelma and Hammam Debagh, Northeast Algeria during two years 2013 and 2014. Birds of this species produce two broods per year and per breeding pair. At both study sites, the egg-laying period lasted for almost four months. Egg weight and volume differed between broods and years. The mean clutch size was 3.87 ± 1.29, 4.19 ± 1.02 in Guelma and 3.93 ± 1.13, 3.64 ± 1.30 in Hammam in 2013 and 2014, respectively, with a seasonal decline. Hatching success reached 69 and 74.25% in Guelma, and 74.20 and 63.39% in Hammam in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Fledging success was 64.57 and 72.62% in Guelma, whereas, in Hammam it was 72.22 and 58.16% in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Hatching failure was the main cause of mortality. The breeding parameters and morphometrics of the House Martin’s eggs in Algeria determined during our study differed from those reported in previous studies carried out in different parts of Europe.
North African Birds 