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Algerian cities have experienced rampant urbanization for several years; this growth often occurs at the expense of natural habitats. Here, we present the results of the first census using a questionnaire focused on an urban pond in order to investigate the biodiversity perceptions in local attitudes, knowledge, and values. Our study reveals a general lack of understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem services, which may mislead local citizens to disconnect biodiversity from utilitarian or hedonic values. Furthermore, a large proportion of respondents perceived the wetlands as a nuisance. Equally important, the results among respondents indicate a significant gender bias due to a narrower window of opportunities (education, jobs, etc.) available to women than that which is available to men. The results point to an urgent need to implement policies aimed at inequality reduction and welfare improvement. Our study needs replication across the region, and its results should inform decision-makers in designing relevant policies associated with urban planning, investment in human capital, environmental education in school curricula, and the empowerment of women.

We carried out a study on dynamics of the Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus, a synanthropic rallid (Aves, Gruiformes), to elucidate the adverse effects this species has possibly suffered from the markedly increased habitat degradation that has been taking place over the last decades at Boussedra Pond, north-eastern Algeria. During the period 2015–2018, this wetland-related species showed an annual 35.4% decrease in its numbers, and the number of breeding pairs, which was monitored between 2008 and 2018, experienced an annual drop of 4.9%. The clutch size, a key determinant of breeding performance, averaged 4.7 ± 1.0 eggs (N = 26 clutches) in 2018 and was significantly lower than those reported in previous studies. As a result of anthropogenic activities, the size of the marsh decreased by more than 50% over the 1984–2018 period. The long-lasting shrinkage of this relict wetland was accompanied by the expansion of built-up areas (>50%) and cultivated plots, and, also, by a marked reduction in natural both wet- and dry-land habitats in its vicinity. We suggest that the decrease in the population trend and the breeding performance of the Common Moorhen could be indicative of the species stress response to the long-lasting land conversion, pressuring the relict habitat of Boussedra Pond.

Besides their important ecological role in flowing waters, blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) may pose medical and veterinary risks. For seventeen months, we surveyed the blackflies of ten localities across the Aures Mountains, in the Saharan Atlas, Algeria, and recorded eight taxa (i.e. species, species groups or species complexes). High altitude sites were dominated by the Simulium ornatum (Meigen, 1818) group, whereas sites located on the southern slope of the Aures Mountains were occupied by the eurytopic Simulium velutinum (Santos Abreu, 1922) complex and the thermophilic, pollutant-tolerant Simulium ruficorne Macquart, 1838 ‘A’ morphotype.Co-inertia analysis was used to determine the relationship between a species’ abundance and habitat types. The co-inertia analysis revealed a likely co-structure between blackfly assemblages and measured environmental descriptors (water temperature, conductivity, current velocity, bed width, etc.) in sampled habitats. This confirmed the importance of altitude as a driver of blackfly distribution. Our results also showed that there has been an increase in anthropogenic pressures on the vulnerable freshwater biota of the Aures Mountains.

In contrast to neighbouring Maghrebian countries and despite recent progress, knowledge of the Ephemeroptera of Algeria remains fragmentary. As part of an ongoing survey of the Ephemeroptera of Algeria, we investigated the mayfly fauna of Wadi Cherf, a major tributary of the Seybouse River, northeastern Algeria, and present an updated checklist and distribution of Ephemeroptera of this major Maghrebian river. Eighteen species were identified with new records for northeastern Algeria, filling distributional gaps. In addition, two species, Habrophlebia sp. and Procloeon sp., are new to science. A multivariate analysis indicated that mayfly assemblages of the Seybouse River were driven by the physical characteristics of habitats. Species richness was positively correlated with permanent flow and coarse substrate and negatively associated with altitude and salinity. Results also showed that Caenis luctuosa and Baetidae, in particular Baetis gr. pavidus and Cloeon gr. dipterum, dominated the mayfly community.

The habitat selection of two abundant and widespread Palearctic rallids (Coot Fulica atra; Moorhen Gallinula chloropus) across a range of wetland types was investigated. The distribution of these two species varied according to water depth, as implied by the dominant vegetation present in the study area. Coots most frequently used wet dune slacks dominated by Phragmites australis, whereas Moorhens were mostly present in anthropized ecotones. It is hypothesized that because these two rallid species respond differently to various environmental pressures, they could be used as useful indicators for biomonitoring remnant wetlands. Indeed, they are relatively generalist, common, widespread and medium‐sized species, relatively easy to detect and exhibit a high sensitivity to specific water‐related habitat types, also at a small‐scaled spatial resolution.

Aquatic macroinvertebrates are a major link in food webs in temporary ponds and useful indicators of wetlands’ecological integrity. We investigated the available trophic resources and the physicochemical quality of 14 wetlands frequented by glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), a resident species with an increasing population in Numidia, northeast Algeria. Sampling of temporary ponds was carried out in winter and early spring, prior to the Glossy Ibis’ breeding period. Analyses indicated that the studied waterbodies contained a rich and diversified aquatic community, dominated mainly by insects and molluscs and characterized by a spatio-temporal change in composition and abundance, reflecting a spatial heterogeneity and a temporal niche partitioning of various members of the aquatic community. Furthermore, the density of Glossy Ibis in foraging areas changed seasonally and declined significantly with the distance to the nearest roost. In the context of climate change and human encroachment, the close dependence of Glossy Ibis and other waders on a matrix of secure roosts and temporary ponds during the nonbreeding season puts them in jeopardy unless these imperilled but generally unprotected habitats are actively managed.

North African streams and rivers face multiple anthropogenic stressors, and their aquatic fauna is rapidly dwindling before comprehensive knowledge of their distribution and ecology has been attained. We investigated the distribution and life cycle of the Maghrebian endemic Ecdyonurus rothschildi Navas, 1929 in northeastern Algeria. The species was recorded both from permanent and intermittent freshwater habitats with stony substrate. It exhibited pronounced sexual dimorphism, with F-0 females being significantly larger than F-0 males. Three generations were completed during an annual multivoltine cycle. The first generation extended from October to February/March, the second spanned the months of March to June, and the third stretched from June to the end of September/October. We argue that monitoring of E. rothschildi could prove useful for assessing the rapid changes affecting North African hydrosystems, which are in need of adequate management.

Investigating how Mediterranean wetlands respond to adjacent land use conversion, is an important first step in mitigating the impact of human encroachment and other environmental stressors. We monitored the composition and structure of waterbird assemblages, in a Mediterranean urban marsh, subjected to severe anthropogenic pressures. Remote sensing indicated that in the last two decades Boussedra Pond was subjected to landfill, resulting in a substantial reduction (~ 50 %) of the marsh, while due to a lack of urban planning urban built-up and agriculture areas expanded considerably in its surroundings. This precipitous reduction of the size of this urban pond threatens the diversity of its resident waterbirds which include the globally Endangered (EN) White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala, the Near-Threatened (NT) Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, and many other staging and wintering migratory species. The long-term study suggested that breeding waterbirds species responded differentially to the loss and degradation of the marsh, as highlighted by the apparent resilience of the synanthropic Moorhen Gallinula chloropus and the disappearance of several breeding marsh specialists, such as the Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus and the Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. The study also points out the need for both a coordinated cross-sectorial land use planning and an immediate, affordable and sustainable wetland conservation action.

The stoneflies of the Maghreb (Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco) are characterized by high endemicity but their ecology remains poorly known. We have surveyed the stonefly assemblages of northeastern Algeria mountain streams, a relatively unstudied region, and attempted to identify through co-inertia analysis the environmental correlates of their distribution. Species richness varied from nine taxa in the most species-rich localities to a single taxon in some anthropogenically impacted localities. Results indicated a significant co-structure between ecological descriptors and stonefly distribution and frequency of occurence. Mountain stream stonefly assemblages differed according to water conductivity, altitude, anthropogenic impacts, and spring proximity. The frequent occurrence of Afroperlodes lecerfi, Brachyptera auberti and Tyrrenoleuctra tangerina was indicative of high altitude, intermittent streams whereas Amphinemura berthelemy, Eoperla ochracea and Leuctra sartori favoured permanent, low-altitude headwaters. Conversely, Leuctra cf. vaillanti seemed to tolerate low altitude sites characterized by high water conductivity, large bed width and fast flow. This study also highlights the diversity of the Maghrebian endemic or microendemic stoneflies harbored by relict lotic streams and their sensitivity towards anthropogenic stressors.

We investigated the odonates of Wadi Cherf, a tributary of Wadi Seybouse, and explored the main environmental factors that may be important drivers of the abundance and diversity of Odonata assembl...

The breeding distribution of the Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica in Algeria is poorly known as the species is mainly associated with highly unstable habitats. We conducted a survey of the distribution of the species across all major Algerian wetlands and monitored a breeding colony at El Goléa during 2009. The species is usually described as a passage migrant in the Sahara, but its status may have to be reconsidered following our discovery of a small colony nesting on an islet in Sebkhet El Maleh, El Goléa. The colony consisted of 25 birds which built nine nests and foraged exclusively in and around the salt lake. Laying of eggs began in mid-April, in synchrony with high temperatures and strong evaporation. Clutches varied between 1 and 3 eggs but none was successful. The gradual drop in water level and subsequent drying of the Sebkha coincided with the first hatchings, exposing the first hatchlings to mammalian predation arising from the intrusion of jackals Canis aureus, which entirely destroyed the colony.

In arid North Africa, dune ponds qualify as hotspots of aquatic biodiversity, offering numerous sustainable ecosystem services. Despite mounting anthropogenic pressures that threaten their integrity, the overall consequences of these changes have yet to be documented and no strategy to mitigate potential impacts is being implemented. We monitored four dune ponds in northeast Algeria during five hydrological cycles spanning the period 1996–2013. The analysis revealed a steep decline in species richness (47%) and abundance (94%) over the study period. Remote sensing-based data indicated that marked human-induced changes in and around these dune ponds have over time led to a substantial expansion of built areas and cultivated plots and a reduction in both natural wet- and dry-land habitats. Fish predation by the introduced fish, Gambusia holbrooki, may have had both direct and indirect impacts on notonectids. We argue that aquatic hemipterans have undergone an alarming reduction driven by a combination of invasive species, human encroachment, agricultural runoffs, and possibly, climate change.

CapsuleAge, arrival date and egg laying date are essentially closely related and determine reproductive performance in the White Stork Ciconia ciconia.AimsTo describe the impact of age, arrival date and egg laying date on breeding success in the White Stork.MethodsRinging data from a White Stork breeding colony of 212 nests at Dréan, Algeria, were used to model the relationship between age, arrival date, laying date and reproductive performance. Seventy breeders that were individually colour-ringed as nestlings were monitored.ResultsBirds breeding on the periphery of the colony had significantly smaller nests and showed a tendency towards later laying dates, but they did not differ from centrally nesting birds in age or arrival date. First year birds did not breed and second year birds were significantly more likely than older age groups to occupy nests but fail to lay eggs. Older birds arrived earlier at the breeding colony and had a higher probability of initiating laying than younger birds. They also had a higher probability of nesting successfully and fledging a larger number of young.ConclusionAge determined arrival and laying dates and influenced breeding performance in the White Stork.

Despite their ecological and socio-economic significance, the black fly communities of Algerian hydrosystems have been understudied. The simuliid fauna of relict mountain streams of northeastern Algeria was sampled at 24 localities in two distinct and relatively uncharted watersheds. Species richness in the El Kala Highlands varied from eight taxa in the most species-rich localities to the virtual absence of any taxon in some localities. Species richness also mirrored the hydroperiod of most localities and reached its peak in late winter/early spring. Co-inertia analysis indicated a significant co-structure between environmental descriptors and black fly assemblages, suggesting a strong influence of the habitat templet on aquatic insect community structure. A comparison with an additional survey of 23 localities spread across northern Algeria suggests distinct black fly assemblages characterizing the El Kala Highlands.

Wetlands are critically important for biodiversity and human wellbeing, but face a range of challenges. This is especially true in the Mediterranean region, where wetlands support endemic and threatened species and remain integral to human societies, but have been severely degraded in recent decades. Here, in order to raise awareness of future challenges and opportunities for Mediterranean wetlands, and to inform proactive research and management, we identified (a) 50 key issues that might affect Mediterranean wetlands between 2020 and 2050, and (b) 50 important research questions that, if answered, would have the greatest impact on the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands between 2020 and 2050. We gathered ideas through an online survey and review of recent literature. A diverse assessment panel prioritised ideas through an iterative, anonymised, Delphi-like process of scoring, voting and discussion. The prioritised issues included some that are already well known but likely to have a large impact on Mediterranean wetlands in the next 30 years (e.g. the accumulation of dams and reservoirs, plastic pollution and weak governance), and some that are currently overlooked in the context of Mediterranean wetlands (e.g. increasing desalination capacity and development of antimicrobial resistance). Questions largely focused on how best to carry out conservation interventions, or understanding the impacts of threats to inform conservation decision-making. This analysis will support research, policy and practice related to environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Mediterranean, and provides a model for similar analyses elsewhere in the world., Arcadia, WJS is funded by Arcadia.

Investigating how Mediterranean wetlands respond to adjacent land use conversion, is an important first step in mitigating the impact of human encroachment and other environmental stressors. We monitored the composition and structure of waterbird assemblages, in a Mediterranean urban marsh, subjected to severe anthropogenic pressures. Remote sensing indicated that in the last two decades Boussedra Pond was subjected to landfill, resulting in a substantial reduction (~ 50%) of the marsh, while due to a lack of urban planning urban built-up and agriculture areas expanded considerably in its surroundings. Seasonal changes in the diversity of waterbirds, including the globally Endangered (EN) White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala and the Near-Threatened (NT) Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, reflected the importance of the site as a staging and wintering area for many migratory species. The long-term study also suggested that breeding waterbirds species respond differentially to the loss and degradation of habitats, as highlighted by the resilience of the synanthropic Moorhen Gallinula chloropus and the disappearance of several breeding marsh specialists, like the Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus and the Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. The study points out the need for both a coordinated cross-sectorial land use planning and an immediate, affordable and sustainable wetland conservation action.

The stoneflies and caddisflies of North Africa are still poorly known as vast areas of Algeria have yet to be investigated. A survey of the macroinvertebrates of the Seybouse River, northeast Algeria, was carried out from July 2014 to December 2016. Three species of stoneflies (Capnopsis schilleri, Capnioneura petitpierreae, and Tyrrhenoleuctra tangerina) and five taxa of caddisflies (Mesophylax aspersus, Hydropsyche maroccana, H. resmineda, H. artax/lobata, and H. gr. pellucidula) were identified. All taxa are new records to the Seybouse River and seven of them are new to northeastern Algeria. A multivariate analysis indicated that the Hydropsychidae exhibited a clear longitudinal gradient along the Seybouse River while Mesophylax aspersus seemed adapted to species-poor, intermittent streams. Further investigations of the stoneflies and caddisflies may inform conservation efforts and will prove useful to monitor the Seybouse River and similarly threatened North African rivers and streams.

The caddisfly fauna of Algeria is poorly known and the few sporadic studies available were carried out decades ago. In this study, caddisfly larvae, pupae, and adults were collected in 11 stream localities from the Aures region, northeastern Algeria. Caddisflies were regularly sampled between April 2018 and February 2020. Two genera are new records to Algeria: Plectrocnemia and Setodes. In addition, four Trichoptera species are new to the Algerian fauna: Tinodes dives, Hydropsyche modesta, Plectrocnemia conspersa and Setodes acutus. Future caddisfly surveys in the region will doubtlessly contribute significantly to the incompletely known Trichoptera fauna of Algeria.

Despite being recorded in Algeria since the nineteenth century, the genus Rhithrogena has never been the object of a taxonomical study and no identified species is known from this country. Investigations of the relict mountain streams of El Kala, north-eastern Algeria, have led to the discovery of a Rhithrogena population. Morphological and molecular analyses identified the species as the Maghrebian endemic Rhithrogena sartorii, so far known only from neighboring Tunisia. We report on the species’ distribution, status, and life cycle and discuss its potential role as a bioindicator in environmental monitoring.

Knowledge of the basic life history traits of an aquatic organism such as voltinism and growth patterns is a fundamental step in understanding its potential use as indicator taxon and how it adapts to its complex environment. The distribution and life cycle of the Maghrebian endemic Choroterpes atlas Soldan & Thomas, 1983 was studied over a two year period. Random forest classification indicated that the species occupied both permanent and intermittent streams with high water depth, large river bed width and strong water flow. Density-based clustering of body measurements allowed the identification of last-instar nymphs which exhibited a significant sexual dimorphism: F-0 females were significantly larger than corresponding males. In addition, size-frequency plots and generalized additive models indicated that C. atlas exhibited a multivoltine annual cycle with three overlapping generations. Nymphal growth of the first generation happened in winter and spring with emergence occurring in June/July. The second generation grew from June/July to September whereas the third generation was completed from August/September to November. GAMs also indicated that body size varied significantly between years. The large regional distribution, habitat requirement, and phenology of C. atlas may ideally complement the potential use of Ecdyonurus rothschildi as a useful environmental indicator for North African streams and rivers.

Dietary studies of five species of Anatidae (Gadwall Anas strepera, Shoveler Anas clypeata, Pochard Aythya ferina, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, and White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala) were carried out at Lake Tonga, northeast Algeria, from December 2011 to March 2012. Diet analysis of all five wintering species indicated a heavy reliance on seeds, which included a wide variety of aquatic plants, such as Myriophyllum spicatum, Ceratophyllum demersum, Sparganium erectum, Scirpus lacustris and Potamogeton pectinatus. Noteworthy is the paucity of ingested macroinvertebrates. Despite dietary overlap, the type, abundance and frequency of food consumed clearly indicated differences in resource use among the ducks. Incidentally, the study also highlighted the high vulnerability of threatened ducks to poaching (harvesting and disturbance) in a protected area. We discuss the implications of these findings for the management and conservation of wintering wildfowl and their North African habitats.

Ecological and evolutionary processes can conveniently be explored through the simplified communities of temporary ponds. In order to investigate the potent roles of predation in structuring zooplankton communities, we used a manipulative study to analyze the impact of eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, on a set of 24 temporary ponds. Fish were introduced at different densities (0, 8, 16 and 80 mosquitofish), and zooplankton assemblages were monitored monthly between January and May. Fish predation decreased markedly the overall abundance of zooplankton. Large crustaceans (Anostraca and Calanoida) were rapidly eliminated, while Cyclopoida and Cladocera peaked in March before in turn disappearing in the later stages of the hydroperiod. These results are congruent with the theory supporting the influence of both predation and competition as major interacting forces shaping freshwater communities.

The breeding ecology of Mallard Anas platyrhynchos was investigated at Lake Tonga, north-eastern Algeria, which is at the southern edge of the species’ range in the Western Palearctic. Breeding was mainly carried out in stumps of alder carr (Alnus glutinosa) that border the northern limit of the lake. The breeding season was relatively short, spanning two months. Laying occurred mainly in April but continued until end of May. The average clutch size was 8.4 ± 1.9 eggs (N = 19 clutches) with 10 eggs being the modal clutch. The overall nesting success was 54% (N = 29 clutches), whereas predation accounted for most nest failure (76%). As often happens in arid climates and instable habitats, breeding outcome was significantly and negatively related to egg-laying date with precocious nests conferring better survival to eggs. In contrast, nest predation was positively associated with a deferred laying date. Seven cases of interspecific brood parasitism were recorded, all involving the Mallard and the Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, with both species acting as either a host or a parasite. Nests in dense vegetation were more likely to harbour this interspecific interaction.Keywords: Anatidae, brood parasitism, clutch size, North Africa, reproduction, waterbirds, wetlands

As an essential component of lotic habitats, aquatic insects have commonly been used as bio-indicators of the ecological integrity of lotic habitats. However, recent large-scale declines have given rise to concerns about freshwater ecosystems functioning correctly. During three consecutive years, we surveyed Wadi Cherf, Upper Seybouse, Algeria, and employed the size-frequency distribution of head capsule width to sketch the life history of Oligoneuriopsis skhounate, an Ibero-Maghrebian endemic mayfly, whose distribution and ecology are not so well-known known. O. skhounate exhibited a seasonal univoltine summer cycle with growth and development taking place during the warmest period of the year (late spring to early autumn). The absence of nymphs during winter and the presence of last instar nymphs from July to November suggested a lengthy egg diapause, following the aestivo-autumnal emergence and reproduction. The study also raises the issue of freshwater biodiversity conservation in North Africa by highlighting the case of O. skhounate, acting as an indicator species of important but vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.

The timing of breeding and nest location in colonial birds may have fitness consequences. In particular, it has been demonstrated that peripheral breeders perform less well than core breeders. To determine whether environmental factors such as date of breeding and nest position influence reproductive success, we studied the breeding ecology of a large colony of White Stork Ciconia ciconia at Drean, northeast Algeria, during 2011 and 2012. Mean egg-laying dates varied significantly between years and differed between core and peripheral nests with more precocious laying occurring in the center. Egg-laying in larger nests started earlier than in smaller ones in the core area but neither nest size nor nest position along the core-periphery gradient had any influence on studied breeding parameters i.e. clutch size, hatching success and chick productivity. There was no yearly difference in clutch size which averaged 4.7 ± 0.7 eggs (N = 156 clutches). Mean chick productivity was higher in 2012 (2.85 ± ...

The status of waterbirds breeding in protected areas in North Africa needs constant monitoring because of a naturally fluctuating environment and permissive attitudes towards illegal activities likely to negatively affect population dynamics of threatened species. We present the results of a study conducted at a protected site, Lake Tonga, north-eastern Algeria, on a breeding population of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, a Near-Threatened duck subjected to considerable pressure from egg-pilfering and illegal hunting. Two distinct habitats within the lake were used by Ferruginous Duck: an Alder carr (Alnus glutinosa) and floating islets across the lake. The mean clutch size was 9.51 ± 1.84 eggs (N = 51 clutches) with hatching rate of 80.7% for successful clutches. Breeding success was low (37%) with predation (33%) and clutch desertion (17%) accounting for the majority of failed nests. The probabilities of nest failure and nest desertion increased with a delayed onset of egg laying. Predation was not significantly associated with egg laying date and vegetation cover, but late breeders nesting in dense vegetation seemed to suffer less predation. Conspecific brood parasitism was positively associated with nest size, whereas interspecific brood parasitism was marginally associated with water depth. We discuss different hypotheses concerning nest desertion, and argue that illegal hunting and disturbance may best explain why birds desert their nests.

The breeding ecology of the Great-crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus was investigated over four consecutive years (2009–2012) at Lake Tonga, north-east Algeria. In all four years, the egg-laying period was relatively short, spanning two months (end of March to end of May), and bimodal. Nests were mainly located in Phragmites australis , over water of substantial depth (178 ± 43 cm, N = 209), far from the shore and in habitat with low vegetation cover (12.37 ± 7.67%, N = 209). The overall clutch size was 3.73 ± 0.92 eggs ( N = 127) and it decreased marginally over time. The overall nesting success was 70.4% ( N = 209), with nest failure caused mainly by predation (65%) and flooding (23%). Breeding outcome was significantly and positively related to nest size, with bigger nests conferring better survival to eggs and young probably through affording better protection during spells of adverse weather. However, the benefits of bigger nests may be confounded by the age or intrinsic quality of birds. The location of nests in P. australis , rather than other vegetation types, increased nesting success marginally but significantly. Two cases of interspecific mixed clutches involving the Great-crested Grebe were recorded. Keywords : breeding, mixed clutches, nest-site selection, nest size, North Africa, Podiceps cristatus, waterbirds

We studied the phenology, habitat selection, and interannual and seasonal changes in breeding performance of the little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis in relation to the spatial structure of a shallow lake during three breeding seasons (2010–2012). Nests were mostly located in shallow waters, close to the shore (98.3 ± 37.9 cm), in vegetation dominated by Scirpus lacustris. The egg-laying period started at the end of March and extended for four months until the end of July. Overall, the mean clutch size was 4.7 ± 1.1 (N = 154) with a modal clutch of 5. There was a seasonal decline in both egg volume and clutch size. The overall nesting success was 60% and the chief causes of nest failure were predation (52%) and adverse weather (20%). Breeding outcome was influenced by water depth, nest size and year of breeding. Predation and nest flooding markedly varied between years. Larger nests had a higher nesting success than smaller ones. Likewise, nests located at greater water depth (further from the shore) succeeded better than ones located in shallower water. As the little grebe forages preferentially in shallow waters, these results suggest that optimal nesting locations may be the result of a trade-off between conflicting selection pressures such as foraging efficiency (better in shallow waters) and nest predation risk (greater in shallow waters).

This is the first study reporting the population status and reproductive biology of the Eleonora’s Falcon in Algeria. To determine the status, nest site selection, and breeding parameters, data were collected at Chetaïbi, north-east Algeria in 2010 and 2012. During this period, the number of breeding pairs decreased from 130 to 100, which represents an annual decrease rate of 12.29%. The mean clutch size was 2.6 ± 0.5 (n = 90) and 2.9 ± 0.4 (n = 34) in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Clutches displayed a low rate of hatching (56% and 41%) and productivity decreased from 0.8 chicks/nest in 2010 to 0.4 chicks/nest in 2012. Breeding outcome and productivity were negatively related to sun exposure and were weakly linked to hatching date in 2012 but not in 2010. Although fluctuations in population size have been reported across the species’ breeding range, our results suggest that the Algerian population of Eleonora’s Falcon is experiencing a sharp decline in recent times that also involves the near extinction of a small neighbouring colony. Apart from the effect of environmental factors on breeding performance, this negative population trend is likely to be explained by increasing anthropogenic pressures associated with an upsurge of recreational activities on and around the island as well as the introduction of mammal predators. Active management across the country is urgently needed to mitigate such pressures and ensure the long-term persistence of a bird listed as a priority species for conservation.

Rallids are good biological models to monitor anthropogenic changes to wetlands. The distribution of the Rallidae was mapped up during a survey of all major wetlands across Algeria and nest site selection, phenology, and breeding parameters of the Purple Swamp-Hen Porphyrio porphyrio were monitored at two distinct sites under contrasting conditions. Data were collected at Boussedra, an unprotected freshwater marsh during the years 2005 and 2008, and at Lake Tonga, a protected freshwater marsh during 2009. The onset of egg-laying was found to occur earlier (mid-February) than was recorded previously (end-March). There was much variation in the egg laying patterns and in the clutch sizes which dropped significantly from 5.8 ± 0.9 (Boussedra 2009) to 3.4 ± 0.9 (Boussedra 2008) and 3.9 ± 1.0 (Tonga 2009). This study, the first investigation of the ecology and conservation of the Purple Swamp-Hen in North Africa, suggests a decline in breeding success associated with steady habitat loss and ineffective enforcement of legislation.

Between 2010 and 2012, we studied the breeding ecology of the common moorhen Gallinula chloropus at Lake Tonga, north-east Algeria. Nests were low lying (mean ± SD = 13.64 ± 5.07 cm) and located in tall, dense stands of Scirpus lacustris (72%). The egg-laying period was relatively short, between mid-April and the end of June, peaking in the first half of May. The mean overall clutch size ± SD was 7.03 ± 2.52 (N = 58 clutches) with a slight seasonal downward trend. Rates of successful clutches increased with egg-laying date and water depth mainly due to the seasonal decrease in nest predation and nest flooding. Nest predation, in contrast to nest flooding, was also negatively associated with water depth. The study documented relatively frequent cases of conspecific brood parasitism as well as rarely reported events of interspecific brood parasitism involving the common moorhen both as a host and as a parasite of other avian species.

In Algeria, the Globally Endangered White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala is resident throughout the year in the coastal wetlands of north-east Algeria and the Hauts Plateaux, where it occupies habitats that range from freshwater ponds and brackish marshes to hypersaline lakes. In autumn and winter, at two study sites sleeping (49% and 68%) and resting (9% and 20%) dominated, whereas feeding (7% and 10%) represented a minor proportion of, diurnal activities. There was no marked seasonal change in the activity pattern, as would be expected for a resident bird. The breeding and winter distributions of the species were similar, but seasonal and diel patterns of dispersion among habitats remain poorly known. Human encroachment on wetland habitat, habitat degradation and illegal hunting in protected areas are the major threats to the persistence of the species and probably similar threatened species in Algeria.

During the period 2002–2012, we assessed the breeding status of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea in Algeria by surveying all the major wetlands in the region. We located two distinct breeding sites; one of them was recorded for the first time. We also investigated nest site selection, measured breeding parameters and derived a growth curve for developing chicks. Although wintering Grey Herons increased in numbers in the region, the number of breeding pairs did not change markedly over the past century. The reasons for the scarcity of Grey Heron breeding pairs in Algeria and in the rest of North Africa are discussed.

The status of the Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus in Algeria and its breeding ecology in North Africa are reported for the first time. Nest site selection and breeding parameters were studied at two contrasting sites in north-east Algeria: Boussedra, an unprotected freshwater marsh of 55 ha subject to anthropogenic influence, during 2005 and 2008, and Lake Tonga, a protected freshwater marsh of 2 400 ha in 2009. Most nests (92%) at Boussedra were located in dense stands of lesser bulrush Typha angustifolia, whereas a few were found on lower branches of tamarisk Tamarix gallica trees. In contrast, at Lake Tonga nests were predominantly found on Scirpus lacustris (41%) or associated with alder trees Alnus glutinosa (32%). Egg-laying at both sites occurred between early April and the end of June. There was a significant decrease in egg volume as the breeding season progressed. Mean clutch size at Lake Tonga (7.8 ± 2.9, N = 23 clutches) did not differ significantly from that at Boussedra (6.7 ± 2.1, N = 14...

Capsule This is the first study of the reproductive ecology of the Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus in North Africa. During the study period, clutch size exhibited a sharp drop concurrent with a steady human encroachment and 30% habitat loss. Aim To investigate the status, nest-site selection, breeding parameters, chick development and chick diet of Little Bittern in Algeria, under deteriorating habitat conditions Methods Data were collected during surveys of all major Algerian wetlands (2002–08) and monitoring of breeding at Boussedra, a freshwater marsh in northeast Algeria, during the years 2005 and 2008. Results Egg-laying spanned the period of 10 May to 30 June with one recorded case of a double brood in early July (n = 30). The mean clutch size in 2005 was 6.2 ± 0.4 sd eggs per nest (n = 6 clutches), which was significantly higher than that of 2008, which amounted to 4.3 ± 0.5 sd eggs per nest (n = 6 clutches), and this decline was associated with increased disturbance and loss of habitat. Overall,...

Ringing of yellow-legged gulls Larus michahellis michahellis begun in Algeria in 2009, the first scheme of its kind in North Africa. Ringing of chicks was initiated at Skikda and extended a year later to four other colonies located along the Algerian coast. Preliminary analysis of observations of ringed yellow-legged gulls from Algerian colonies indicates that juveniles dispersed in a northwesterly direction to the Balearic Sea and the Bay of Biscay, and westwards to the Alboran Sea and the Iberian Atlantic coast from Cadiz Bay to Galicia. Preliminary results suggested two distinct routes: gulls from the eastern Algerian colonies moved N/NW to eastern Spain and overland to the Bay of Biscay, a pattern of dispersal previously reported for birds from Spanish and French western Mediterranean colonies. Juveniles from western colonies seemed to move N/NW to the Alboran Sea and Cadiz Bay. In Spain, to where most dispersal occurred, the data suggests that Algerian gulls summered at coastal areas before returning to North Africa in late autumn and winter.