Avifauna Diversity in the Gate between Humid Atlas and Saharan Desert: Midelt Province, Morocco

The analysis of biological diversity at a regional scale is the first step to understand and classify the biological importance of a specific region and therefore the adoption of implementing conservation strategies. We conducted weekly bird counts by using the point count method from January 2015 t...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of zoology 2021, Vol.2021, p.1-10
Main Authors: Mansouri, Ismail, Squalli, Wafae, El Agy, Abdelbari, Ben Hichou, Badr, El Hassani, Abderahim, El Ghadraoui, Lahcen, Dakki, Mohamed
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural land
Analysis
Animal behavior
Aquatic birds
Avifauna
Barley
Behavior
Biodiversity
Biological diversity
Birds
Breeding
Cereals
Conservation
Deserts
Environmental management
Habitats
Landfills
Localization
Precipitation
Protection and preservation
Species
Steppes
Trees
Urban areas
Vultures
Waste disposal sites
Wetlands
Wheat
Wildlife conservation
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The analysis of biological diversity at a regional scale is the first step to understand and classify the biological importance of a specific region and therefore the adoption of implementing conservation strategies. We conducted weekly bird counts by using the point count method from January 2015 to December 2017 in Midelt province, Morocco. A total of 130 bird species were observed, among breeding, migrant, and wintering species belonging to 42 families. Accipitridae (15 species), Muscicapidae (9 species), and Alaudidae (9 species) were the most observed families. Order of Passeriformes was the dominant order represented with 16 families and 68 species. Moreover, five species of conservation concern were recorded such as the vulnerable European turtle dove, houbara bustard, and Dupont’s lark; the near threatened ferruginous duck and bearded vulture; and the endangered Egyptian vulture. On the other hand, the results of the diversity analysis (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, and Simpson index) showed the highest diversity in wetlands, forests, steppes, and farmlands, while cliff, landfills, and urban areas were the least diversified habitats. Finally, with its geographic situation between humid Atlas and Sahara desert, as well as the diversity of habitats and avifauna, Midelt region needs advanced analysis in terms of biodiversity and environmental characteristics, in order to provide effective conservation management.
ISSN:1687-8477
1687-8485
DOI:10.1155/2021/5557921