Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology
https://jabbnet.com/article/doi/10.31893/jabb.22025
Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology
Research Article Open Access

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

Mohamed Mounir, Mohamed Dakki, Ikram Douini, El Mostafa Benka, Ouibimah Abdessamad, Ayoub Nouri, Ismail Mansouri, Soumaya Hammada

Downloads: 2
Views: 1315

Abstract

In this study, we surveyed the diversity and distribution of breeding birds in dominating habitat of Central High Atlas valleys and principal governing factors. In the point-counts method with 170 sampling points from 2018 to 2019, richness parameters and multivariate analysis were used to assess the distribution of recorded birds. We recorded 92 breeding birds of migrants (34%) and residents (68%), belonging to 34 families and 13 orders. The families of Muscicapidae (13 species), Fringillidae (8 species), and Accipitridae (7 species) were the most abundant, while the Regulidae, Malaconotidae, Acrocephalidae, Cettiidae, Pycnonotidae, Cinclidae, Oriolidae, Laniidae, Phylloscopidae, Troglodytidae, Meropidae, Coraciidae, Cuculidae, Caprimulgidae, Upupidae, and Ciconiidae, were the less observed with one bird species each. One species of conservation concern, namely the globally vulnerable Turtle dove, was recorded. On the other hand, Statistical analysis showed that bird richness was similar among forest stands, while abundance differed significantly. In contrast, both richness and abundance were statistically different among open habitats. Further, 46 species were found in Juniper stand surrounded by agricultural fields, followed by 30 species in Holm Oak stands where the density of trees, shrubs, and canopy coverage were higher, while in black poplar stands characterised by higher trees and shrubs, and high availability of water hosted only 20 species. Rare and accidental birds dominate the forest and open lands, demonstrating the vulnerability of these habitats. This study could serve as a great reference for comparative studies of interesting birds on both slopes of the Mediterranean.

Keywords

avian species, Atlas Mountains, breeders, diversity, habitat use

References

Abel-Schaad D, Iriarte E, López-Sáez JA, et al (2018) Are Cedrus atlantica forests in the Rif Mountains of Morocco heading towards local extinction? Holocene 28:1023–1037.

Ajbilou R, Marañón T, Arroyo J (2006) Ecological and biogeographical analyses of Mediterranean forests of northern Morocco. Acta Oecologica 29:104–113.

Ater M, Radi M, Kadiri M, et al (2008) Structure et diversité de l ’ avifaune des ripisylves du bassin versant de l ’ Oued Laou. 27–35

Auclair L (1996) L’appropriation communautaire des forêts dans le Haut Atlas marocain. Cah Sci hum 32:177–194

Auclair L, Alifriqui M (2012) Agdal : patrimoine socio-écologique de l’Atlas marocain.

Aude Nuscia T, El Khalki Y, El Hannani M (2015) Atlas régional Région du Tadla Azilal Maroc

Ayache F, Thompson JR, Flower RJ, et al (2009) Environmental characteristics, landscape history and pressures on three coastal lagoons in the southern mediterranean region: Merja zerga Morocco, ghar el melh Tunisia and lake manzala Egypt. Hydrobiologia 622:15–43.

Barakat A, Khellouk R, El Jazouli A, et al (2018) Monitoring of forest cover dynamics in eastern area of Béni-Mellal Province using ASTER and Sentinel-2A multispectral data. Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes 2:203–215.

Barakat A, Ouargaf Z, Khellouk R, et al (2019) Land Use/Land Cover Change and Environmental Impact Assessment in Béni-Mellal District (Morocco) Using Remote Sensing and GIS. Earth Systems and Environment 3:113–125.

Barger CP, Young RC, Will A, et al (2016) Resource Partitioning between sympatric seabird species increases during chick-rearing. Ecosphere 7:. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.1447

Barreau D, Bergier P, Lesne L (1987) L’avifaune de l’Oukaimeden, 2200-3600 m (Haut Atlas, Maroc). Oiseau et la Revue Francaise d’Ornithologie 57:307–367

Bartolommei P, Mortelliti A, Pezzo F, Puglisi L (2013) Distribution of nocturnal birds (Strigiformes and Caprimulgidae) in relation to land-use types, extent and configuration in agricultural landscapes of Central Italy. Rendiconti Lincei 24:13–21.

Benzécri JP (1973) L’analyse des correspondances. Dunod, Paris

Bergier P, Naurois R de (1985) Note sur la reproduction de l’Aigle de Bonelli Hieraaetus fasciatus en Afrique de Nord-Ouest. Alauda 53:257–262

Bergner A, Avci M, Eryiğit H, et al (2015) Influences of forest type and habitat structure on bird assemblages of oak (Quercus spp.) and pine (Pinus spp.) stands in southwestern Turkey. Forest Ecology and Management 336:137–147.

Blondel J, Ferry C, Frochot B (1970) La méthode des indices ponctuels d’abondance (IPA) ou des relevés d’avifaune par “stations d’écoute.” Alauda 38:55–71

Blondel J, Ferry C, Frochot B (1981) Point counts with unlimited distance. Studies in Avian Biology 6:414–420

Brosset A (1957) Contribution à l’étude des oiseaux de l’Oukaïmeden et de l’Angour (Haut-Atlas). Alauda

Campos-Silva LA, Piratelli AJ (2021) Vegetation structure drives taxonomic diversity and functional traits of birds in urban private native forest fragments. Urban Ecosystems 24:375–390.

Chebli Y, El Otmani S, Elame F, et al (2021) Silvopastoral system in morocco: Focus on their importance, strategic functions, and recent changes in the mediterranean side. Sustainability (Switzerland) 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910744

Cherkaoui I, Selmi S, Boukhriss J, et al (2009) Factors affecting bird richness in a fragmented cork oak forest in Morocco. Acta Oecologica 35:197–205.

Cherkaoui I, Selmi S, Boukhriss J, et al (2007) Les oiseaux de la subéraie de la Ma’amora (Maroc) phénologie du peuplement, statut des espèces nicheuses et évolution depuis le début du vingtième siècle. Alauda (Dijon) 75:15–32

Cuzin F (2010) L’avifaune de très haute altitude du Parc National du Toubkal (Haut Atlas, Maroc). Bulletin de l’Institut Scientifique, Rabat, section Sciences de la Vie 32:25–32

Dronneau C (2007) peuplement d’oiseaux nicheurs d’une forêt alluviale du rhin (suite et fin). 373–388

Duron Q, Jiménez JE, Vergara PM, et al (2018) Intersexual segregation in foraging microhabitat use by Magellanic Woodpeckers (Campephilus magellanicus): Seasonal and habitat effects at the world's southernmost forests. Austral Ecology 43:25–34.

El Ghazi A, Franchimont J (1997) Chronique ornithologique du GOMAC pour 1996 - Partie I: des Grèbes aux Pics. Porphyrio 9:70–164

El Hassani A, Mansouri I, Squalli W, et al (2021) Breeding Performances of the European Blackbird (Turdus merula) in Morocco: Habitat Selection, Breeding Phenology, and Breeding Success. International Journal of Zoology 2021:. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7742894

Escoriza D, Pascual G (2021) Habitat occupancy by semi-aquatic reptiles on an aridity gradient in the western Mediterranean. River Research and Applications 37:1233–1242.

Fernández-Juricic E (2004) Spatial and temporal analysis of the distribution of forest specialists in an urban-fragmented landscape (Madrid, Spain): Implications for local and regional bird conservation. Landscape and Urban Planning 69:17–32. h

Green AJ, Hamzaoui M El, El Agbani MA, Franchimont J (2002) The conservation status of Moroccan wetlands with particular reference to waterbirds and to changes since 1978. Biological Conservation 104:71–82.

Hanane S (2016) Effects of location, orchard type, laying period and nest position on the reproductive performance of Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur) on intensively cultivated farmland. Avian Research 7:. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-016-0039-0

Hanane S, Baamal L (2011) Are Moroccan fruit orchards suitable breeding habitats for Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur? Bird Study 58:57–67.

Hanane S, Besnard A, Aafi A (2012) Factors affecting reproduction of Woodpigeons Columba palumbus in North African forests: 1. Nest habitat selection. Bird Study 59:463–473.

Hanane S, Cherkaoui SI, Magri N, Yassin M (2019) Bird species richness in artificial plantations and natural forests in a North African agroforestry system: assessment and implications. Agroforestry Systems 93:1755–1764.

Hanzelka J, Reif J (2016) Effects of vegetation structure on the diversity of breeding bird communities in forest stands of non-native black pine (Pinus nigra A.) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in the Czech Republic. Forest Ecology and Management 379:102–113.

Hilali A, El Baghdadi M, El Hamzaoui EH (2021) GIS and AHP multi-criteria analysis methods for the quality assessment of agricultural soils irrigated with wastewater: case of the Day River, Beni Mellal (Morocco). Arabian Journal of Geosciences 14:. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-08654-3

Hilgerloh G, Weinbecker J, Zehtindjiev P (2006) Autumn migration of passerine long-distance migrants in northern Morocco observed by moon-watching. Ringing and Migration 23:53–56.

Ibn Tattou M, Fennane M (2006) Projet de gestion des aires protégées (GEF – TF 023494 – (MOR) - Sibe de TAMGA VOLET BOTANIQUE

Khelifa R, Zebsa R, Amari H, et al (2017) Unravelling the drastic range retraction of an emblematic songbird of North Africa: Potential threats to Afro-Palearctic migratory birds. Scientific Reports 7:. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-01103-w

Le Floch S, Terrasson D (1995) Enjeux écologiques et sociaux autour d’un paysage rural : le développement de la populiculture dans les “Basses Vallées” Angevines. Natures Sciences Sociétés 3:129–143.

le Polain de Waroux Y, Lambin EF (2012) Monitoring degradation in arid and semi-arid forests and woodlands: The case of the argan woodlands (Morocco). Applied Geography 32:777–786.

 

Mansouri I, Al-Sadoon MK, Rochdi M, et al (2019) Diversity of feeding habitats and diet composition in the turtle doves Streptopelia turtur to buffer loss and modification of natural habitats during breeding season. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 26:957–962.

Mansouri I, Dakki M, Issoussaid, et al (2018) The first survey of European Serinchick's growth under natural conditions: Which organs get maturity before nest leaving? Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences 9:64–73

Mansouri I, Mounir M, Squalli W, et al (2020) Migratory Dates, Breeding Phenology, and Reproductive Success of European Turtle Doves between Lowlands and Highest Breeding Habitats in North Africa. International Journal of Zoology 2020:. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8816577

Mansouri I, Squalli W, Agy A El, et al (2022a) Analysis of Moroccan breeding and wintering population of the vulnerable European Turtle dove Streptopelia turtur: Breeding habitats, wintering sites and governing factors. Scientific African 15:. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01110

Mansouri I, Squalli W, Agy A El, et al (2022b) Analysis of Moroccan breeding and wintering population of the vulnerable European Turtle dove Streptopelia turtur: Breeding habitats, wintering sites and governing factors. Scientific African 15:. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01110

Mansouri I, Squalli W, El Agy A, et al (2021a) Avifauna diversity in the gate between humid atlas and saharan desert: Midelt province, morocco. International Journal of Zoology 2021:. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5557921

Mansouri I, Squalli W, El Agy A, et al (2021b) Comparison of Nesting Features and Breeding Success of Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur between Orchards and Riparian Habitats. International Journal of Zoology 2021:. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5566398

Menaa M, Cherif Maazi M, Telailia S, et al (2016) Richness and habitat relationships of forest birds in the zeen oak woodland (Forest of Boumezrane, Souk-Ahras), Northeastern Algeria. Pakistan Journal of Zoology 48:1059–1069

Moreno-Zarate L, Estrada A, Peach W, Arroyo B (2020) Spatial heterogeneity in population change of the globally threatened European turtle dove in Spain: The role of environmental favourability and land use. Diversity and Distributions 26:818–831.

Morris SR (2001) Bird Census Techniques, 2nd edn. Academic Press, London

Mosimann P, Naef-Daenzer B, Blattner M (1987) Die Zusammensetzung der Avifauna in typischen Waldgesellschaften der Schweiz. Der Ornithologische Beobachter 84:275–299.

Mourgaud G (1996) Étude comparative des passereaux nicheurs en prairie alluviale et en peupleraie dans les Basses Vallées Angevines. Crex 1:25–31

Muiruri EW, Rainio K, Koricheva J (2016) Do birds see the forest for the trees? Scale-dependent effects of tree diversity on avian predation of artificial larvae. Oecologia 180:619–630.

Muller SD, Rhazi L, Andrieux B, et al (2015) Vegetation history of the western Rif mountains (NW Morocco): origin, late-Holocene dynamics and human impact. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany 24:487–501.

Müller Y (1985) L’Avifaune forestière nicheuse des Vosges du Nord : sa place dans le contexte médio-européen (Doctoral dissertation, Dijon). 318

Ouassou A, Dakki M, Lahrouz S, et al (2018) Status and Trends of the Ferruginous Duck’s (Aythya nyroca) Wintering Population in Morocco: Analysis of 35 Years of Winter Census Data (1983-2017). International Journal of Zoology 2018:. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5767194

Prodon R, Lebreton J-D (1981) Breeding Avifauna of a Mediterranean Succession: The Holm oak and Cork Oak Series in the Eastern Pyrenees, 1. Analysis and Modelling of the Structure Gradient. Oikos 37:21

Rhanem M (1985) Etude phyto-écologique des versants de la vallée des Aït-Bou-Guemmez. Montpellier

Romagny B, Auclair L, Elgueroua A (2008) La gestion des ressources naturelles dans la vallée des Aït Bouguemez (Haut Atlas): la montagne marocaine à la recherche d’innovations institutionnelles. Mondes en développement 63–80

Rotach P (2004) Poplars and biodiversity. Populus nigra network: seventh and eighth meetings 79–100.

Salai KE, Mansouri I, Squalli W, et al (2021) Nesting features and breeding chronology of the crested coot (Fulica cristata) in two North African high altitude wetlands. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology 9:. https://doi.org/10.31893/JABB.21029

Schuster R, Arcese P (2013) Using bird species community occurrence to prioritise forests for old growth restoration. Ecography 36:499–507. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2012.07681.x

Smith KD (1965) on the Birds of Morocco. Ibis 107:493–526.

Sommerfeld J, Hennicke JC (2010) Comparison of trip duration, activity pattern and diving behaviour by Red-tailed Tropicbirds (Phaethon rubricauda) during incubation and chick-rearing. Emu 110:78–86.

Squalli W, Mansouri I, Dakki M, Fadil F (2020) Nesting habitat and breeding success of Fulica atra in tree wetlands in Fez's region, central Morocco. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology 8:282–287.

Squalli W, Mansouri I, Ousaaid D, et al (2022) A New Feature of Nesting Ecology in the Vulnerable European Turtle Dove: Nest Site and Nesting Tree Sharing with Coexisting Species at Three North African Wetlands. International Journal of Ecology 2022:. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9922971

Taleb MS, Fennane M (2019) Vascular Plant Communities of Morocco. Springer International Publishing, New York, NY, USA

ter Braak CJ (1986) Canonical correspondence analysis: a new eigenvector technique for multivariate direct gradient analysis. Ecology 67:1167–1179

Thévenot M (1976) Les oiseaux de la réserve de Sidi-Bou-Rhaba. Bull Inst Sci Rabat 1:68–90

Thevenot M, Vernon R, Bergier P (2005) The Birds of Morocco. The Auk 122:1303–1305.

Touhami F, Idrissi HR, Benhoussa A (2020) Foraging behaviour of wintering shorebirds at Merja Zerga lagoon (Atlantic coast, Morocco). Ostrich 91:244–251.

Touihri M, Villard MA, Charfi F (2014) Cavity-nesting birds show threshold responses to stand structure in native oak forests of northwestern Tunisia. Forest Ecology and Management 325:1–7.

Waters S, Harrad A El, Chetuan M, et al (2017) Dogs Disrupting Wildlife: Domestic Dogs Harass and Kill Barbary Macaques in Bouhachem Forest, Northern Morocco. African Primates 12:55–58.


Submitted date:
04/23/2022

Reviewed date:
05/26/2022

Accepted date:
05/28/2022

62895167a953956f94770312 jabbnet Articles
Links & Downloads

J. Anim. Behav. Biometeorol.

Share this page
Page Sections