Phenology and spatio-temporal distribution of Ardeidae in Lac Tonga (North-eastern Algeria)
Abstract
L. Ouarti*, N. Nouri, A. Lazli, K. Missaoui and M. Houhamdi
In this study, a 2600-ha Ramsar site, Lac Tonga, in northeastern Algeria, was fortnightly surveillance, for seven months, from December 2021 to June 2022. The aim was to monitor and determine the spatio-temporal distribution of Ardeidae. A total of seven species were inventoried, including the Western Cattle egret Ardea ibis (1701 individuals) and the Little egret Egretta garzetta (265 individuals). The other species were the Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides, Grey heron Ardea cinerea, Purple heron Ardea purpurea, Black-crowned Night heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Great egret Ardea alba, with 69, 56, 54, 51 and 35 individuals respectively. During the study period, maximum abundance was observed during May (A=582 individuals), and species richness generally varied between 3 and 5 species. The highest diversity and equitability indices values were noted during June (H'=1.4 bits and E=0.88), indicating the presence of a balanced population. The monitoring of Ardeidae’ spatial distribution shows that they exploit mainly the western and northeastern parts of the lake with an important occupation during the study period.