Ecology of avian settlements in lake tonga (Northeast Algeria)

Abstract

Lake Tonga is an integral reserve within the El-Kala National Park, Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar site. This study consists in determining the diversity and phenology status of waterbirds in this reserve over an entire annual cycle (2017–2018). The census was carried out from fixed observation points. Of the 35 species recorded, wintering birds dominate with 12 species (34 %), followed by breeding sedentary species with 11 species (32 %). The breeding water bird populations are dominated by the common coot Fulica atra, (with a maximum of 6,033 birds) followed by the Anatidae, Herons and Grebes. Lake Tonga is a breeding area for several avian species and a recruitment site for a multitude species bird during the wintering period. Three Anatidae nest at Lake Tonga: The White-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala, The Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca and Mallard Anas platyrhynchos.