HABITAT PREFERENCES OF BIRD COMMUNITIES ACROSS WOODLAND TYPES IN MOUNT TIFFECH, NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA

Abstract

We analyzed the effect of habitat type on bird distribution in Mount Tiffech; a key forest ecosystem in northeastern Algeria with a severe fire history. A multivariate synecological approach was used to: a) compare diversity indices and community composition between pure holm oak, pure pine, and mixed oak-pine habitats in the study area. b) Determine the discriminant species of the existent difference between the habitats and determine their preferences. Birds were surveyed using point counts, the results revealed a significant difference in birds’ abundance and richness, Simpson and Shannon indices between pine and oak forest habitats, with a remarkably higher Simpson and Shannon indices in oak habitat. Abundance and richness were different between pine and mixed forests. Habitat had also significant influence on the community composition. Curruca melanocephala melanocephala, Luscinia megarhynchos and Linaria cannabina were the most contributors to the ecological difference. Linaria cannabina, Luscinia megarhynchos, and Chloris chloris voousi showed strong preference to oak habitat. Curruca melanocephala and Fringilla coelebs preferred oak and mixed habitats equally. Serinus serinus and Muscicapa striata selected pine habitat. Curruca iberiae’s main preference was mixed habitat. Such collection of discriminant species in addition to nine nationally protected species, endemic species and one vulnerable species in Mount Tiffech augment the conservation significance of this ecosystem.