M. NOUIDJEM Yassine

In this work, we propose to take an approach to the functioning of an aquatic ecosystem through one of its components “waterbirds” which are real descriptors of the functioning and in particular the Anatidae, this family which constitutes one of the most remarkable avifaunal components of wetlands.
The Ain Zada Dam in which no census of birds, particularly water birds, has been carried out, we try to emphasize the ornithological value of this site and the modalities of
occupation of the space by avifauna ; case of Anatidae.
In order to identify and make this heritage known to the scientific society as well as the local population, we proposed to develop this theme entitled: Guide of the Anatidae in Ain Zada Dam

It is an educational document intended for students in bachelors or master's degrees in natural and life sciences, agricultural sciences and aquaculture.
This document will be of interest to anyone who practices ornithology as part of their hobbies or work.
In order to identify and make this heritage known to the scientific society as well as the local population, we proposed to develop this theme entitled: Guide of the Anatidae in the K'sob Dam

To assess waterbird diversity, status, and distribution in the Central Hauts Plateaus wetlands of Algeria, a survey was conducted over four successive study years in the main sites. This monitoring allowed assessing 52 species, representing 16 families. Anatidae are the most abundant and represented by 11 species. Boughzoul´s reservoir is the high-richness wetlands, followed by Chott El Hodna and K’sob reservoir. However, Dayet El Kerfa is the preferred wetland for breeding species. Winter migrant, resident, and migrant species are the dominant status with 43 %, 28 % and 17 % respectively. While these statuses varied between sites. Overall, the analyzed phonological status of assessed species displays the key role played by these wetlands as wintering grounds, a stopover during migration journeys and breeding sites for several waterbird species. The presence of vulnerable species (Marmaronetta angustirostris), and three near-threatened other species (Aythya nyroca, Limosa limosa, Numenius arquata) following the IUCN Red List confirms the importance of the Central Hauts Plateaus wetlands for waterbirds conservation.

Algerian Sahara wetlands represented by many sites have different characteristics of undeniable importance. These aquatic ecosystems have a great biological diversity due to their morphological features (size, vegetation cover, and depth), but they remain poorly studied in Algeria. The monitoring of the bird fauna of these wetlands between 2005 and 2011, allowed us to define the spatial patterns in species richness, abundance, and diversity to their habitat characteristics. A total of 57 species representing 15 families were assessed, among the most representative families were Anatida, Scolopacidae with thirteen species each and Ardeidae with six species. Some species were observed with relatively large numbers: Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus (35000 individuals) and other breeding species are listed as Near-threatened (Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca) and vulnerable (Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris) according to the IUCN Red List. The variation of phonological status of this avifauna, allowed us to determine the key sites and habitats used for wintering, as stopovers during trans-Saharan migration and for breeding. Statistical analyses revealed that wetland area and water level fluctuations as the most significant variables affecting bird abundance. Whereas, vegetation cover and wetland area may influence diversity and species richness was determined by open water area rate. The correspondence factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the dependence of species distribution patterns and morphological features of the Sahara wetlands. Overall, these results show the need for wetland conservation in Algerian Sahara, paying particular attention to the most heterogeneous wetlands to conserve the greatest species richness and bird abundance.

In this work, we studied the avian diversity of an urban environment in the northern Algerian Sahara (Ghardaïa city).
Bird data was collected using point counts distributed across three habitats of the urban-rural gradient. A one-way
analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of habitat on species richness, number of families, and species
abundance. During this study, 44 bird species belonging to 10 orders and 23 families were identified. The highest values
of the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H' = 3.82), Margalef index (D = 3.66), and Simpson index (D = 0.92) were
observed in the rural habitat. The differences in species number, families, and abundance were significant among the
different habitats, with rural habitats on the outskirts of the city harboring the greatest number of bird species and
families.

In this study, we examined the diversity of bird populations in an agricultural environment in
Northern Algerian Sahara (Ghardaia province) over a period of 9 months. Using the point count
technique, we collected data on birds at different levels of vertical stratification based on the number of cultivated plant species. An analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of plant
strata number and cultivated species number on species richness and bird abundance. During
this study, 35 bird species belonging to 7 orders and 18 families were identified. The highest
values of Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’ = 2.804), Simpson index (D = 0.913), and Margalef
index (D = 4.761) were observed in the most complex areas. The differences in the number of
species and abundance were significant between the different levels of complexity in agricultural
environments, with areas having three vertical plant strata (trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants)
and a greater number of cultivated plant species hosting the highest number of bird species and
displaying high populations.

The house bunting is an endemic species for North Africa and Sahara, considered to be granivorous but occasionally consuming invertebrates during the breeding period. Examination of fresh droppings collected from chicks in the Ghardaïa Province reveals, for the first time, that scorpions are part of their diet.

The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the digestion of food provided by parents to their hatchlings. Non-pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract can be significantly beneficial to the host species, while pathogenic bacteria can reduce hatchling survival and lead to a decline in the number of new generation. Microbiological analysis of cloacal microflora of hatchlings revealed a highly diverse microbial load present from hatching until fledging (at 15 days) in Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). The intestinal microflora of 15-day-olds was the most diverse, and two groups are dependent on age: CPG and Lactobacilli are mostly present in hatchlings of the second and third ages (10 and 15 days). Our research was conducted to identify certain bacterial species, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus. The presence of most species was related to age, while the presence of Salmonella was accidental.

The subspecies Roselin githagine Bucanetesgithagineus zedlitzi is found in arid and semi-arid environments of North Africa. In this study, we tracked this species in an urban landscape within a Saharan region to evaluate the impact of the urban gradient on its distribution, to characterize the reproductive parameters in an urban environment, and to report the first case of nesting of this species, in an urban setting. Over a seven-month study period, we regularly visited 90 listening points distributed in three habitats (urban, suburban, and rural). Statistical analysis of the data, using oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) for recent counts in the three habitats, showed a significant result with a p-value of 0.04, indicating a significant difference between the different habitats. Furthermore, the study of the reproductive parameters of this species revealed that the population had a late laying
date and relatively larger egg dimensions compared to other populations studied in Algeria.

We observe the Eastern Olivaceous Warblers (Iduna pallida reiseri) breeding for the first time in the Ghardaïa region. It is the first confirmation of its reproduction in the northern Algerian Sahara. This subspecies is specific to the arid environments of North Africa. Our work just confirmed the important role of the Saharan ecosystems for the generation of this bird. This study also indicates that it is a regular breeder in this area.

C’est un document pédagogique destiné aux étudiants en Licences ou Masters des sciences de la nature et de la vie, sciences agronomique.
Ce livre illustré de plantes spontanées de Ziban sera d'utiles compagnons de terrain et figurera dans les bibliothèques de tous les amateurs de plantes du désert.

We studied the population dynamics of the olive psyllid Euphyllura olivina Costa, 1857 in a semi-arid region (Djelfa, central Algeria) during a year, from December 2017 to November 2018. The visual control approach and the striking method were used to monitor the different stages of this pest. The species had two generations per year: a spring generation from March to June and a fall generation from September to November. The first generation of eggs is laid in March and continues through May. The second generation begins in late August and early September and continues through November. The statistical study of the impact of the researched climatic factors (minimum, maximum, and average temperatures; precipitation and frost) on the various stages differs from one stage to the next.

C’est un document pédagogique destiné aux étudiants en Licences ou Masters des sciences de la nature et de la vie, sciences agronomique et aquaculture.
Ce document intéressera toute personne qui pratique l'ornithologie

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As a colonial bird and the most abundant gull in the Mediterranean region, the yellow-legged gulls Larus
michaehellis is considered as an ideal species to investigate effects of environmental factors change. The breeding ecology of the
Yellow-legged Gull was followed for the first time in the continental semi-arid area in Algeria, during two consecutive years 2014
and 2015. The breeding site (Ain Zada dam) located in the Central Hauts Plateaux around 60 Km far from the Mediterranean Sea.
Comparatively to previews observations, a rapid and massive growth of this marine species in the continental regions of the country
was observed. In the aim to analyze factors affecting nest-site selection some environmental parameters influencing breeding
parameters were surveyed such as nest density, vegetation density and height. Our results, showed the direct effect of water
availability on the nest site selection and laying period in the semi-arid area. The mean nest density found in the study area (0.73 ±
0.15 nest/m2) was higher than those reported in other Mediterranean colonies. However, nest density associated with vegetation
density, but negatively correlated with island size.

This note reports the breeding of Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris at Wadi Djedi wetland at Ziban oasis, in the northeastern
Algerian Sahara). On 14 May 2019, two females and their ducklings
were observed. This breeding provides evidence that Marbled Teal
may breed elsewhere in the region and provides the first information
concerning the breeding strategy of this species in Algeria, especially
in the northeastern Algerian Sahara Urgent measures and regular
surveys are needed to protect this vulnerable species and their preferred habitats.

Atlas des zones humides et des Anatidés de la vallée d’Oued Righ
C’est un document pédagogique destiné aux étudiants en Licences ou Masters des sciences de la nature et de la vie, sciences agronomique et aquaculture. Cet ouvrage intéressera toute personne qui dans le cadre de ses pratiques de loisirs où professionnelles est en contact avec l’ornithologie.

We observed for the first time the presence of the black stork (Ciconia nigra) at Lake Ayata in Oued Righ wetland complex (North-East of Algerian Sahara). This Passage
visitor species was not recorded only a few times in all of Algerian wetlands since fifty years ago. We can consider this region as a new stopover in North Africa, which was not
mentioned previously. It is very important that these aquatic ecosystems can benefit from enhancement through the development of an adequate national management.

Avec la dégradation de zones humides naturelles par des pressions anthropiques diverses et le
changement climatique, les zones humides artificielles deviennent un milieu de plus en plus
important pour l’hivernage des oiseaux d’eau, en revanche peu des études ont porté sur la
biodiversité avifaunistique dans les zones humides artificielles. Notre étude ornithologique
vise à recenser l'avifaune aquatique dans le barrage de Hammam Grouz. Durant les deux saisons
d’hivernage 2013/2014 et 2015/2016 nous avons dénombrée 24 espèces d’oiseaux d’eau
appartenant à 10 familles, avec une dominance remarquable de la famille des Anatidés.
L’application des indices écologiques nous montre que la fin de la saison d’hivernage est la
période la plus diversifiée, les indices de diversité de Shannon et d'équitabilité ont atteint leurs
valeurs les plus élevées. Cependant l’analyse multivariée des données présente une succession
de différents groupes d’oiseaux d’eau subdivisée en trois périodes. Il en ressort ainsi que ce
barrage joue un rôle primordial dans le maintien de l’avifaune aquatique pendant la saison
d'hivernage, puisque cette période influencée dans une large mesure sur le succès de la
reproduction de ces oiseaux durant la période de reproduction.

Atlas cedar in Djurdjura National Park and Biosphere
Reserve – current distribution and predicted changes
in the range

The spatial and temporal variation patterns of birds were investigated in the Oasis ecosystem
of the North of Algeria Sahara. This contribution aimed to investigate the poorly studied bird
fauna of Bousaâda oasis. The direct observation method was used for bird counts, adopted
only during the breeding period. A total of 53 species of birds from 29 families and 16 orders
were assessed in the different habitats of the Oasis (palm, fruit trees and, cultivated crops).
The Passeriformes order was the most abundant represented by 35 species and 16 families.
The relative abundance and species richness were recorded during our study period over
different seasons and thought that whole surveyed stations represent all the oasis habitats.
The Boussaâda oasis holds 18 resident-breeders which is a transit zone for a number of
migratory birds i-e 14 and 10 species for summer and winter migrants respectively) and11
occasional visitor ones. These results confirmed the positive effects of stations and seasons
on the richness and abundance of birds of Bousaâda oasis.

With the aim to assess the floristic population diversity, distribution and therapeutic
properties in the Ziban region (Algeria), a survey was conducted along two successive study
years in the main area. The objective of this study was to contribute to the knowledge and
description of this plant groups with exhaustive inventory spontaneous vegetation. In order to
study the dynamics of medicinal plants, we used a quantitative method based essentially on
the classic technique of linear surveys and floristic inventory using the minimum area
method. The results showed that the floristic procession of medicinal plants is represented by
21 species belonging to the 13 families, with a total of 31 species for the 08 study stations,
which represents 68% of the total procession. The results obtained showed that the overall
recovery is higher at the Ain Ben Noui station with 69%, even if the clumps of Aristida
pungens, Atractylis serratuloides and Atriplexhalimus are isolated and scattered. The lowest
overall coverage at the Oumache station is less than 21%, as it is an area with sandy soils.
The species that contribute most to the recovery of mobile sand accumulations is Astragalus
armatus with a rate of 76.19% at the Ain Ben Noui station. Frequency results allowed us to
say that Atriplex halimus and Zizyphus lotus are the ubiquitous species (100% of the surveys).
On the other hand, Nitraria retusa, Teucrium polium, Shismus barbatus, Sueda mollis and
Halocnemum strobilaceum are the species present in only one survey.

Mediterranean streams and their specialised ichthyofauna are amongst the most threatened ecosystems and biota worldwide. The Maghreb bleak, Tropidophoxinellus callensis (Guichenot, 1850), is endemic to the Maghreb region and currently listed as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This study aims to provide the first detailed morphometry and growth parameters for this species. Our results reveal that there no significant (p > 0.05) difference between morphometric characters of male and female individuals. The linear regression analysisand the correlation coefficients suggested a significant relation (p < 0.01) between the length−length and length−weight relationship of the fish. This study provides novel and important data for fisheries and resource managers, and should be considered in terms of the species’ sustainability.

We evaluated the diversity and abundance of waterbirds in the Ziban wetland complex during the period 2012 - 2016 for the first time. This study was conducted in an arid region in north-eastern Algerian Sahara. A total of 55 species belonging to 17 families were recorded. The most represented families were Scolopacidae with 14 species then Anatidae with 12 species and Ardeidea with 06 species. According to the phenological status balance 21 species (38.18%) are passage visitor, 19 species (34.55%) are winter visitor, 10 species (18.18%) are Resident breeder, 4 species (7.28%) are migrant breeder and 1 species (1.81%) is casual breeder. The presence of three species near threatened following the IUCN Red List (Aythya nyroca, Limosa limosa, Numenius arquata) and two others vulnerable (Marmaronetta angustirostris and Chlamydotis undulata undulata) confirms the Ecological significance of the Ziban region for bird’s conservation

The wetland complex of Oued Righ valley accommodates a population of Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) between 2012 and 2014, the total reached 80 individuals in the Lake Hamraia where the species wintering. The analysis of the diurnal time budget of wintering populations revealed the role of feeding area delivery for this species and they devoted their day time to feeding (51.2%), sleeping (18.8%), followed by swimming activity (6.3 %), and courtship activities with flying (2.03%) which often occurs after disturbances caused by human or by Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus). It is interesting to study the behavior of these ducks in Saharan bioclimatic area and follow the phenology and characteristics in order to preserve the biodiversity in this region.

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The Oued Righ wetlands in the north-eastern part
of Algeria are regularly visited by local birders and
ornithologists to monitor and count birds. In the
early morning of 16 June 2011, we observed an
adult Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus
here and managed to take several photographs.
Our observation was at Ayata lake near Djamaa
(33°29’32.44”N, 5°59’31.55”E), Ouargla province. Being an unmistakable bird, the identifcation was straightforward. It was a medium-sized,
long-legged wader with black chest and belly,
crown, tail-band and foreneck stripe. The upperparts appeared uniform pale brown. The bill and
legs were black and the side of neck, cheek and
lower belly were white. The bird was present for
only one day.

Mus spretus is endemic to the Mediterranean region and Jaculus orientalis is only found in
North Africa and Saudi Arabia. Their presence in Algeria was previously evidenced in other
studies, the present paper focuses on the recent discovery of the Jaculus orientalis Erxleben,
1777 and Mus spretus Lataste, 1883 in a new locality of the East of Algeria, in Khenchela
region (Aurès Mountain), based on weight and external measurements. The sampling period
took four months between April and July 2019. This observation will enrich the knowledge
of Algerian Rodents fauna in general and of Khenchela in particular.

Environmental forcing affects biodiversity in some parts of the biosphere where many sensitive species, including endemic
and rare species, respond through changes in their geographical distribution. Modelling of spatial dynamics of species is crucial to
advance our understanding of species’ adaptive behaviour and sensitivity to environmental changes and forcings.
The present study aimed at assessing suitable habitats of the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) in North Algeria for the current period
(1990–2000) and predicting its future range in 2050 and 2070, following climate warming scenarios. The Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to model the present and future potential distribution of Atlas cedar forests. A total of 1328 occurrence records
obtained from field surveys and 50 environmental variables were used. These variables included 19 climatic variables (WorldClim
database), 21 edaphic proprieties (SoilGrids database), and 10 topographic traits (retrieved from a 30 m digital elevation model).
MaxEnt showed high predictive power with a significant value of Area Under Curve (AUC=0.988). Potential distribution of Cedrus
atlantica forests for the present period was confined to mountain areas (predicted potential range size = 2089 km²). Environmental
factors with the highest percentage of contribution included: soil total nitrogen (22.2%), elevation (20.5%), mean temperature of the
most humid quarter ‘Bio8’ (18.8%), slope (12.9%), soil total carbon (10.3%), and precipitation of the driest month ‘Bio14’ (3.4%).
The species range is expected to reduce significantly under future climate change scenarios (decline of about 70.4–80.6% of its current
potential distribution), with a shift towards more humid conditions, in this case to the north and east towards more humid climates
and mesic habitats. The predicted shifts in the altitude gradient follow in the direction of higher elevations, with the disappearance
of cedar forests at low altitudes. This indicates that the identified Atlas cedar refugia resulting from climate change are determined
by humidity. Our findings provide information on the magnitude of environmental forcings that seriously threaten Cedrus atlantica
forests in drought-prone areas in North Africa. It is therefore necessary to implement effective strategies to preserve and protect more
sensitive forests.

MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy), a Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) method, was applied in
the current study in order to assess present and future spatial distribution of the Phoenician juniper (Juniperus
phoenicea). Potential future changes in the geographic range size of J. phoenicea in Algeria was determined for
the two horizons 2050 and 2070 based on CCSM4 model of the IPCC. Three types of data were used in SDM
namely: 21 edaphic factors, 10 topographic parameters, and 19 climatic factors. The AUC value (Area Under
Curve) scored 0.966, which showed the high performance of the MaxEnt model. The most contributing variables were: total soil carbon (22.1%), Bio14: driest month precipitation (19.2%), slope (11.1%), Bio15: seasonality of precipitation (coefficient of variation) (10.3), total soil nitrogen (7%), soil available water capacity
during summer (6.3%). The presence probability map obtained shows a narrowing of the favorable area of the
species by about 52.5% by the year 2070. Such a result asserts the vulnerable state of this species toward the
climate change, which results in altitudinal, longitudinal and latitudinal species distribution range shift as a
response reflecting the becoming of unfavorable changes of the Phoenician juniper habitats. Based on these
results, it is necessary to adopt necessary planning measures for the protection and conservation of the species
regarding its vulnerability to climate change.

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During this study conducted in the wetlands of the Ziban region (South-eastern of Algeria) from August 2008 to July 2011, the Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea was presented the resident breeder status. The maximum recorded was 285 individuals observed during the second half of October while the lowest numbers were recorded during the months of June, July and August of each year. The analysis of the diurnal time budget shows that the feeding is the main activity. She has almost 50% of the total day budget. It is followed by the activities of movement (swimming: 9.28%, walking: 2.62% and the flight: 1.75%), sleeping (16.91%), preening (7.85%), courtship (4.38%), antagonism (4.03%) and resting (3.88%). This shows that the wetlands of the valley act as delivery day. These sabkhas and chotts are also breeding grounds for this species. Whereas, between 101 and 148 nests have been estimated through all wetlands of the valley.

Keys words: Ruddy Shelduck, Todorna ferruginea, Algeria, statut, Sahara, breeding, time budget.

The Algerian Sahara covers the majority part of the country contains a various habitat types and landscape patterns. This variety offers a suitable biotope for biodiversity both in terms of fauna and flora. Many bird species are thought threatened by hunting, habitat destruction, pollution and urbanization in these regions.
Bird fauna is probably the most well studied group in Algeria. Over the past 20 years, the spatial and temporal compositions of birds communities in different habitats in arid and Saharan areas mainly the Eastern Great Erg of Algeria, which considered important hotspot for many species. These efforts yielded a great amount of data on distribution patterns of each species.
A group of Researchers, academics, students and enthusiasts were gathered in April, 2013 to create “The Algerian National Association of Ornithology (ANAO)” that aims essentially to conserve and preserve the most threatened biodiversity.
We will present our association and its objectives for biodiversity conservation, particularly in the Sahara, also to look for collaboration opportunities to develop research projects on Algerian Sahara wildlife.
Keywords: Great Erg, Sahara, conservation, biodiversity, ANAO

In this pioneering work on the aquatic avifauna of Chott El-Hodna (Central High Plateaux), we present
results obtained through monthly companies of waterbirds counts started from September 2007 to
September 2009. On this wetland of international importance under Ramsar convention, a total of 39
species of water birds representing 12 families have been recorded. The family of ducks is the most
represented by 10 species. Amongst of all species, 20 of them are wintering species, 12 are visitors, 06
are resident breeder species as well as the Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna furruginea and Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus etc. Only one species has breeder- migrant status as well as the white stork
Ciconia ciconia. However, 11 species are protected under Algerian law, which one species is listed in
(VU) Category of Red List of endangered species (Teal marbled Marmaronetta angustirostris) by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The main aim of our study is to assess the diversity and abundance waterbirds through wetland ecosystems
located in Algerian steppe region. a survey was conducted along four successive study years in the main
sites.
This monitoring allowed assessing 52 species, representing 16 families. Anatidae are the most abundant
and represented by 11 species. Boughzoul´s reservoir is the high richness wetlands, followed by Chott El
Hodna and K’sob reservoir. However, Dayet El Kerfa is the preferred wetland for breeding species.
Winter migrant, resident , and migrant species are the dominated status with 43 %, 28 % and 17 %
respectively. While these statuses varied between sites.
Overall, the analyze phonological status of assessed species display the key role played by these wetlands
as wintering grounds, a stopover during migration journeys and breeding sites for several waterbirds
species. The presence of vulnerable species (Marmaronetta angustirostris), and three near threatened
other species (Aythya nyroca, Limosa limosa, Numenius arquata ) following the IUCN Red List confirms
the importance of the steppe region wetlands for waterbirds conservation.

The aim of this study was to highlight the impact of climate change on the spatial distribution of Cedrus atlantica forests in the Belezma National Park (BNP) in Algeria. Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) species distribution modeling approach combined with 19 climatic, 15 soil-related and 15 topographical factors were implemented here for the spatial distribution of Cedrus atlantica. The future predictions of both horizons 2050 and 2070 (CCSM4 model) were carried out to understand the future suitable range of the species. Results showed that the model MaxEnt was efficient and revealed significantly higher measurement of the AUC value (Area Under Curve) compared to the random prediction. AUC was 0.986 for training and 0.980 for the test data. The response curves of species occurrence vs. environmental variables showed that climatic variables have the most significant contributions compared to edaphic and topographic factors. A very high decrease in suitable area of C. atlantica was forecast on the basis of our predictions for 2070. This indicates that the species has a little chance to survive under the conditions of the future climate change scenarios. Our findings incite us to call for urgent actions in order to reduce the vulnerability of this species’ habitats in front of climate change

Check list of waterbirds at Wadi Djedi in Ziban Oasis–Algeria. This pioneering work is the
frst to document the aquatic avifauna community of the Wadi Djedi in the Ziban region in
southeast of Algeria. We present results obtained through the monthly counts of waterbirds
conducted from September 2013 to September 2016. On this wetland we recorded 36 species of water birds representing 11 families. The Anatidae family was the most numerous,
with 11 species. From among all the species, 18 were wintering species, nine were visitors,
eight were sedentary breeding species (including the ruddy shelduck Tadorna furruginea
and Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrines) and one species was migratory nesting (the
white stork Ciconia ciconia). Two species (the teal marbled Marmaronetta angustirostris
and ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca) are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of
endangered species.

The benthic macroinvertebrate community was investigated in K’sob Wadi which is a semi-permanent stream that flows into the Chott Hodna where three stations were chosen. The sampling was conducted between February and May 2016. The species were determined and the ecological indices were calculated (abundance, diversity and equitability ). We observed similarity of the community structure between the three sample sites due to the constant type of habitats and the water depth.