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

Abstract

Abstract Our study was conducted between October 2021 and April 2022 at the Mekhada marsh, a wetland of international importance, located in northeastern Algeria. This site hosts large concentrations of waterbirds in winter, including waders. Through this investigation in the region, we proposed to characterise and analyse the population structure of this group of birds, which remains very poorly documented in Algeria. The results obtained indicate the presence of 16 species belonging to three families and nine genera. The maximum number of birds was counted in January 2022 (2417 individuals). The inventoried species showed two phenological statuses (wintering and sedentary breeding). Among these, three are listed on the IUCN Red List as lapwing Vanellus vanellus ; the others are listed on international bird protection agreements (AEWA, Convention of Migratory Species of Wild Animals [CMS] or are protected by Algerian legislation. The present study gives interesting and unpublished data on a group of birds that has been little investigated in Algeria and on a wetland that, due to its large area and various habitats, remains little or undocumented, particularly in terms of its ornithological richness, which is of great interest.