Aspects of the breeding ecology and conservation of the Glossy Ibis in Algeria

Abstract

The status and breeding success of Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) in Numidia, Algeria and factors affecting its conservation in Algeria and North Africa were investigated during 20022007. After a century and a half of apparent interruption, reproduction was once again noted at Lake Fetzara and three new breeding sites: Dakhla, Chatt and Lake Tonga. At the latter site, colonies shifted location annually between 2002 and 2006 and were often split into subcolonies located on distinct islets. Egg-laying occurred between mid-April and the end of June, beginning over a month earlier in 2004 than in 2005. Mean clutch size for the combined three study years (2004, 2005 and 2007) was 3.7 ± 0.6 (N = 49 clutches). Hatching success amounted to 89% (29 clutches) and an average of 2.7 ± 0.9 chicks per nest survived to twelve days. Habitat loss and degradation as well as lack of management plans are identified as major threats to the future of the Glossy Ibis in Algeria.