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

Abstract

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.

The avifauna of two high atlas valleys: breeding assemblages in forest stands and open lands

“…Our investigations revealed 92 breeding species among residents and migrants, dominated by Passeriformes, principally the families of Muscicapidae and Fringillidae (principally the Fringilla coelebs, Serinus serinus, and Cyanistes teneriffae that recorded the highest abundance respectively in all habitat types studied) which is similar to results revealed in Midelt (which only 180 km from our study area) in which 98 breeding species were recorded currently (Mansouri et al 2021a). Moreover, this study updated the breeding case of six species in the Central High Atlas valleys: Curruca conspicillata (with adult feeding nestlings in the xerophytic steppes of Aït Bouguemez) previously mentioned as a breeder in Zaouiat Ahansal (Thevenot et al 2005).…”

“…However, 34% of breeders were migrants, indicating the area's role in offering nesting requirements for migratory breeding birds, including the globally threatened Turtle dove (Mansouri et al 2021a). This is of great importance since Turtle doves have lost the majority of thier breeding habitats in Europe (Moreno-Zarate et al 2020; Mansouri et al 2022b), which may help in the recovery of its population in the Southern Slope of the Mediterranean.…”

“…Further, farmland and aquatic birds were the most investigated birds (Hanane and Baamal 2011;Hanane 2016;Mansouri et al 2018Mansouri et al , 2019Mansouri et al , 2020El Hassani et al 2021), while forest and Mountainous species have received little interest (Cherkaoui et al 2009;Hanane et al 2012;Mansouri et al 2021a). Therefore, the investigation of forest ecosystems is suggested to fill the gap in forest birds.…”

Diversity, Abundance and Distribution of Avifauna in District Jhang, Pakistan

“…Passeriformes with 68 bird species of 16 families was the most dominant order followed by Accipitriformes (13 species) and Charadriiformes with 6 species. Fringillidae with 280520 individual birds was the most abundant family (Mansouri et al, 2021). Avian diversity of wetlands in Bahir dar, Ethiopia was determined during wet and dry seasons.…”

Wildlife‐vehicle collisions in Moroccan Atlantic Sahara: Impact on resident species and Afro‐Palearctic birds for conservation purposes

“…The Moroccan ecosystems counting Atlantic Sahara constitute an essential biodiversity hotspot within the Western Palearctic (Gomes‐dos‐Santos et al, 2019; Mansouri et al, 2021; Ouassou et al, 2021) and are a host to a high number of endemic animals and plants (Dakki et al, 2004; Fouzi et al, 2020; Saguem et al, 2021). For example, at least 910 plants (vascular and herbaceous species) and 100 animals (counting 30 reptiles and 10 mammals) are fully endemic within Morocco today (Chillasse, 2004; Fennane et al, 1998).…”