Roleofcommon raven, Corvus corax, in reducing crop pests population in some agricultural areas in Algeria

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate through diet analysis, how common raven contribute to control some crop pests in two regions of Algeria, Djelfa and Laghouat. Methodology: The diet of Common raven was realized by analysis of one hundred and sixty pellets. Each pellet was dissected in water and gently broken apart, and prey remains were separated manually Vertebrate prey items were identified from bones. Insects were identified from the main body parts, including heads, mandibles, antennae, legs and especially elytrae. Results: A total of 224 preys were identified in trophic diet of common raven at Djelfa region and 65 at Laghouat. Among these prey groups, insects were mostly ingested by common raven in both Djelfa (80.3 %) and Laghouat (93.4 %). In terms of biomass, Meriones shawiiwas mostly consumed by ravens (53.5 % in Djelfa and 63.93 % in Laghouat). Also, Passer spp. was one of the most profitable to ravens (11.7 % in Djelfa and 3.9 % in Laghouat). Interpretation: The common raven can participate in rodents and birds population, which pose a great threat to crops in agricultural areas.