STUDY OF THE ISOTOPIC ECOLOGICAL NICHE OF THE COMMON COOT FULICA ATRA (LAC TONGA, NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA)

Abstract

. This study aims to determine patterns of isotope discrimination between diet and blood and feathers in the common coot ( Fulica atra) in Lake Tonga, North-eastern Algeria, the first time in Algeria on the aquatic avifauna. For this purpose, we investigate the trophic position of the species looking for the seasonal variations in the diet. The stable isotope analysis of nitrogen and carbon was carried out to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the feeding ecology. After plotting the isotopic composition of all potential food sources in the mixing plot, consumed by the coat, whether it is on feathers or blood, the results revealed that the main source of the coot diet in all seasons is Najas pectinata , followed by Gambusia affinis. Whereas, for Nymphaea alba a stable contribution was recorded during both seasons (breeding and reproduction). The food selection of a species is predetermined by its ability to exploit its trophic space, on one hand, and specific nutritional requirements are also essential to various biological functions of the species concerned.