L’évolution récente de l’avifaune du Nord-Est marocain : pertes et gains depuis 35 ans

Abstract

The author studied the avifauna of north-eastern Morocco from 1953 to 1959 as a resident naturalist, and visited the area occasionally afterwards. A more recent visit enables him to review the drastic changes, both negative and positive, which took place in the past 35 years, due to demographic pressure and agricultural development. On the plateau steppe, the numerous birds of prey and corvids which used to nest on the scattered betoum trees Pistacia atlantica have now disappeared, the « dayas » being presently used for cultivation. On the other hand, the large raptors, social corvids, and bald ibises Geronticus eremita, formerly breeding on the cliffs of the Debdou-Tlemcen ridge, also disappeared due to direct human persecution. Conversely, the small species of larks, chats, finches, and warblers are now as numerous as before. On the contrary, the damming of the River Moulouya and the irrigation of 30,000 ha of the coastal plain, have drastically altered the course of the river and the shape of the delta, creating oxbow lakes and increasing significantly the size of the original wetlands. These artificial wetlands now attract large populations of water birds, 18 species of which were found breeding versus 4 in 1959. Among them, the Marbled teal Marmaronetta angustirostris and the Purple gallinule Porphyrio porphyrio are now firmly established. Palearctic migrants were also observed in large numbers in this area. The lower Moulouya wetlands should now be protected as soon as possible.