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

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).

Keywords

• mekhada marshes
• waders
• aves
• charadriiformes
• inventory
• counting
• phenological status
• ecological indices