An Overview of the Ecological Values of Soumar Wetland on Waterbirds Diversity

Abstract

The diversity and richness of the waterbird community is the main criterion used to classify wetlands as Ramsar and/or IBA sites. This study was carried out in the Soumar wetland (Setif province — northeastукт Algeria) from September 2019 to September 2020. Our aim was to study the ecological values of this wetland and the status of waterbirds. We recorded a total of 23 species belonging to 11 families. June was the most diverse month of the year (Shannon–Weaver and Simpson indices reached the maximum). October was the most equitable month (equitability reached maximum). We noted four key species according to IUCN status: Ferruginous Duck, Aythya nyroca (Near Threatened), Common, Pochard Aythya ferina (Vulnerable), White-headed, Duck Oxyura leucocephala (Endangered) and Northern Lapwing, Vanellus vanellus (Near Threatened). The main phenological status of waterbirds in Soumar was breeding or sedentary (26 % and 21 % respectively). The geographical location of the Soumar wetland and its diversity profile require a local management plan (depending on the waterbirds and their conservation), allowing the Soumar wetland to join the Ramsar network.

Keywords

• wetland
• waterbirds
• richness
• conservation
• soumar