Check list of waterbirds at Wadi Djedi in Ziban Oasis-Algeria

Study Extent

The Ziban oasis is located in the east of Algeria, south of the Aurès Mountains (5° 44’ 00" N, 35° 51’ 00" E). The region is characterized by the arid Mediterranean climate. The average maximum temperature is 41.38 °C in August and the minimum temperature during January is 8.26 °C. Precipitation averaged about 128 mm over the last ten years (2004-2014). Wadi Djedi in the Ziban oasis is one of the largest Saharan rivers. It originates in the Saharan Atlas Mountains at an altitude of about 1400 m and it flows for about approximately 480 kilometers from west to east. During the rainy season (winter), the river helps to raise the water level of Chott Melrhir. The flora is dominated by Tamarix gallica, Atriplex halimus, Phragmites australis,Typha elephantina and Juncus maritimus.

Sampling

This study was undertaken through monthly bird counts from September 2013 to September 2016 using binoculars and a telescope KOWA (20×60). Surveys were conducted at three stations on the edges of the Wadi (Fig.2) to obtain consistent data. Individual counts were conducted when the numbers of birds present was small.

Quality Control

When more than 200 birds were present, total numbers were estimated by dividing the flock into small equal blocks (50–200 birds according to flock size) and counting the number of blocks.

Method steps

1. This latter method is that most commonly used in the winter counts of waterfowl (Lamotte & Bourlière, 1969). The bird community was sampled by performing counts of waterbirds from vantage points with unlimited distance. Three sampling points were chosen for the bird count.

1. Anseriformes
   rank: order
2. Anatidae
   rank: family
3. Pelecaniformes
   rank: order
4. Ardeidae
   rank: family
5. Gruiformes
   rank: order
6. Rallidae
   rank: family
7. Charadriiformes
   rank: order
8. Recurvirostridae
   rank: family
9. Scolopacidae
   rank: family
10. Charadriidae
    rank: family
11. Suliformes
    rank: order
12. Phalacrocoraciidae
    rank: family
13. Ciconiiformes
    rank: order
14. Ciconiidae
    rank: family
15. Phoenicopteriformes
    rank: order
16. Phoenicopteridae
    rank: family
17. Accipitriformes
    rank: order
18. Accipitridae
    rank: family
19. Threskiornithidae
    rank: family

The Ziban oasis is located in the east of Algeria, south of the Aurès Mountains (5° 44’ 00" N, 35° 51’ 00" E). The region is characterized by the arid Mediterranean climate. The average maximum temperature is 41.38 °C in August and the minimum temperature during January is 8.26 °C. Precipitation averaged about 128 mm over the last ten years (2004-2014). Wadi Djedi in the Ziban oasis is one of the largest Saharan rivers. It originates in the Saharan Atlas Mountains at an altitude of about 1400 m and it flows for about approximately 480 km from west to east