White-headed Duck Oxyura Leucocephala Research Articles

Close to the Madding Crowd: Waterbird Responses to Land Use Conversion in and Around a Mediterranean Urban Wetland

Investigating how Mediterranean wetlands respond to adjacent land use conversion, is an important first step in mitigating the impact of human encroachment and other environmental stressors. We monitored the composition and structure of waterbird assemblages, in a Mediterranean urban marsh, subjected to severe anthropogenic pressures. Remote sensing indicated that in the last two decades Boussedra Pond was subjected to landfill, resulting in a substantial reduction (~ 50 %) of the marsh, while due to a lack of urban planning urban built-up and agriculture areas expanded considerably in its surroundings. This precipitous reduction of the size of this urban pond threatens the diversity of its resident waterbirds which include the globally Endangered (EN) White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala, the Near-Threatened (NT) Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, and many other staging and wintering migratory species. The long-term study suggested that breeding waterbirds species responded differentially to the loss and degradation of the marsh, as highlighted by the apparent resilience of the synanthropic Moorhen Gallinula chloropus and the disappearance of several breeding marsh specialists, such as the Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus and the Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. The study also points out the need for both a coordinated cross-sectorial land use planning and an immediate, affordable and sustainable wetland conservation action.

Ecology of Avian Settlements in Lake Tonga (Northern Algeria)

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 the mallard Anas platyrhynchos.

A population survey of the endangered White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala in Kazakhstan shows an apparently increasing Eastern population

ABSTRACTCapsuleSurveys of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala at key breeding and staging sites in Kazakhstan suggest a positive trend for the migratory Eastern population and an underestimation of the global population.AimsTo review and update the population estimate and distribution status of the White-headed Duck in Kazakhstan using the most recent survey data.MethodsDistribution and population estimates were derived from a compilation of all published and unpublished data and a series of targeted surveys in 2013–17, covering breeding, post-breeding and migration periods at key sites in north-central Kazakhstan.ResultsNumbers of White-headed Ducks were particularly high in the post-breeding and autumn migration period. There was a positive population trend across the past two decades, including high counts in 2016 and 2017, with more than 20 000 and about 7500 individuals, respectively, suggesting a population increase. Breeding records were scattered and overall low in numbers, but likely partly overlooked.ConclusionThe global population size of the White-headed Duck is currently considerably underestimated. The positive trend reflects the overall improvement in the status of the Eastern population. However, aggregation at relatively few sites represent a potential conservation concern. The breeding sites that are a source for the migratory aggregations in north-central Kazakhstan are still to be discovered.

Sitting ducks: diet of wintering wildfowl in Lake Tonga, northeast Algeria

Dietary studies of five species of Anatidae (Gadwall Anas strepera, Shoveler Anas clypeata, Pochard Aythya ferina, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, and White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala) were carried out at Lake Tonga, northeast Algeria, from December 2011 to March 2012. Diet analysis of all five wintering species indicated a heavy reliance on seeds, which included a wide variety of aquatic plants, such as Myriophyllum spicatum, Ceratophyllum demersum, Sparganium erectum, Scirpus lacustris and Potamogeton pectinatus. Noteworthy is the paucity of ingested macroinvertebrates. Despite dietary overlap, the type, abundance and frequency of food consumed clearly indicated differences in resource use among the ducks. Incidentally, the study also highlighted the high vulnerability of threatened ducks to poaching (harvesting and disturbance) in a protected area. We discuss the implications of these findings for the management and conservation of wintering wildfowl and their North African habitats.

Changes in the Population of Wintering Waterbirds in Gomishan Wetland at Caspian Sea Coast, Iran

Gomishan wetland located at east of Caspian Sea coast, is a popular tourist destination for both local and outside visitors, disginated as a Ramsar Site and is a Protected Area. Area of the wetland is 20000 hectares. Trend of population, density, and species diversity of waterbirds was analyzed in Gomishan wetland during five years. A total of 74 species belonged to 12 families of waterbirds were recorded during five years in mid-winter waterbirds census in January. The highest number of birds was found during 2007 (115363 individuals) and lowest number was counted 58583 individuals in 2011. Reduction was 50.78 percent. The density of waterbirds was 5.76 birds h -1 in 2007 and reduced to 2. 92 birds h -1 in 2011. Reduction was 50.69 %. There were 59 species of waterbirds in 2007 and 40 species in 2011, reduction is 32.21 percent. The highest density was recorded for Phoencopteridae 27.74% and the lowest was Treskiornitidae (0.016%) in five years. Two globally threatened species were White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala and Dalmatian Pelican Pelicanus crispus (maximum count was 43 and 738 in 2007 respectively). Gomishan wetland may be considered an important site for bird watchers and should be conserved.

Redke vrste ptic v sloveniji v letu 2013 – Poročilo Nacionalne komisije za redkosti / Rare birds in Slovenia in 2013 – Slovenian Rarities Committee's Report

Summary This report by the Slovenian Rarities Committee presents records of rare bird species in Slovenia in 2013, with some addenda for previous years. The numbers in brackets refer to the number of records (first number) and individuals (second number), recorded between 1 Jan 1950 and 31 Dec 2012. Since 1 Jan 2013, submission to the Committee is required for 37 additional species, 17 of which are regional rarities. Records of these species are not numbered, since records from previous years were not collected by the Committee. Four new species were recorded in category A: White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala, Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla, Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii and Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope. Three species, Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris, Chukar Alectoris chukar and Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus, were added to category E. Other notable observations were the second and third records of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus and fourth record of Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus. The list of birds recorded in Slovenia (as of 31 Dec 2013) contains 384 species (369 in category A, 7 in category B, 8 exclusively in category C; 4 species are both in categories A and C). Category D contains 6 species, while category E contains 33. These two categories are not part of the list

Status and diurnal activity budget of non-breeding White-headed Ducks Oxyura leucocephala in Algeria

In Algeria, the Globally Endangered White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala is resident throughout the year in the coastal wetlands of north-east Algeria and the Hauts Plateaux, where it occupies habitats that range from freshwater ponds and brackish marshes to hypersaline lakes. In autumn and winter, at two study sites sleeping (49% and 68%) and resting (9% and 20%) dominated, whereas feeding (7% and 10%) represented a minor proportion of, diurnal activities. There was no marked seasonal change in the activity pattern, as would be expected for a resident bird. The breeding and winter distributions of the species were similar, but seasonal and diel patterns of dispersion among habitats remain poorly known. Human encroachment on wetland habitat, habitat degradation and illegal hunting in protected areas are the major threats to the persistence of the species and probably similar threatened species in Algeria.

Diurnal behaviour of breeding White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala at Lake Tonga, North-East Algeria

Comportement diurne de l’Érismature à tête blanche Oxyura leucocephala au lac Tonga (Nord-Est algérien). Le comportement diurne de l’Érismature à tête blanche Oxyura leucocephala a été étudié au lac Tonga, lac d’eau douce peu profond situé dans le Nord-Est algérien, au cours de deux saisons de reproduction. Les rythmes d’activités diurnes de 173 oiseaux ont été compilés, de la période de pré-nidification jusqu’à la mue postnuptiale. Des budgets d’activités séparés ont été construits pour chacun des mâles et des femelles d’Érismature. Durant la saison de reproduction, le sommeil s’est avéré être la principale activité diurne pour les mâles (40 %), ce qui reflète l’avantage de la thermorégulation au cours du repos pendant la journée. Les femelles se nourrissent plus que les mâles (respectivement 26 % et 19 %) au cours de la période de pré-nidification, indiquant ainsi leur besoin d’acquérir des nutriments et de l’énergie pour la production d’oeufs et l’incubation. Les parades nuptiales et le comportement agonistique, plus importants pendant la pré-nidification (période de ponte et d’incubation), indiquent que certains mâles tenteraient de copuler avec d’autres femelles, alors que d’autres essayeraient de protéger leurs propres femelles contre cela. L’augmentation du temps imparti à la toilette à partir de juin et juillet pour les deux sexes indique le début du phénomène de mue. L’activité alerte est plus importante pendant la période postnuptiale. En effet, mâles et femelles d’Érismature allouent un même temps à la protection des poussins et des juvéniles contre différents ennemis. Ce travail présente des données récentes et inédites sur l’éco-éthologie d’une espèce menacée pendant la saison de reproduction et dont les études sur le sujet restent peu développées dans la nature, en particulier pour chaque sexe.

Diurnal activity budget and breeding ecology of the White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephalaat Lake Tonga (North-east Algeria)

The White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala is one of the most threatened duck species in the world. In the last decade ecology, behaviour and breeding biology of this species attracted considerable scientific interest across its geographic range. In order to fill some gaps in the knowledge of North African populations, diurnal and seasonal activity budget and breeding ecology of the species were investigated at Lake Tonga (Ramsar site), El Kala, Algeria. The species is resident at this site and its numbers were the highest in January. Throughout the year, ducks spent the following proportion of time on these activities daily: 62.41% resting, 18.50% locomotion, 11.04% feeding, 5.56% preening, 0.53% flying, 0.13% agonistic behaviour and 1.83% courting. Substantial differences were noted in the activity budget between wintering and breeding seasons. Resting and locomotion constituted 89% of all the activities in the wintering season, while resting, locomotion and feeding were dominant activities in the breedi...

Habitat selection of Marbled Teal and White-headed Duck during the breeding and wintering seasons in south-eastern Spain

SummaryUnderstanding habitat requirements is vital for developing successful management strategies for threatened species. In this study we analyse the habitat selection of two globally threatened waterbirds (Marbled TealMarmaronetta angustirostrisand White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephala)coexisting in an internationally important wetland (El Hondo Natural Park, south-eastern Spain) at three spatial scales. We surveyed adults and broods of these species fortnightly during two consecutive years and we related density and presence of birds to several habitat variables. At a pond-selection scale, the density of both species was related to the surface area of the ponds, with Marbled Teal showing avoidance of medium-sized ponds, and White-headed Ducks strong selection for the largest ponds. Within ponds, Marbled Teal avoided open waters, and was mainly associated withPhragmitesreedbeds, but also selected areas with saltmarsh andScirpusvegetation, especially for brood-rearing. White-headed Duck made more use of deeper areas with open water, especially in winter, andPhragmiteswas the only emergent vegetation with which it associated. When breeding success was very high in 2000, strong creching of broods was observed in White-headed Duck, but not in Marbled Teal. In order to provide suitable habitat for both species, there is a need to maintain spatial diversity with a combination of large wetlands suitable for both species and small, vegetated ones suitable for the Marbled Teal.

Biologie de la reproduction de l’Érismature à tête blanche Oxyura leucocephala au lac Tonga (Algérie)

Breeding biology of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala at Lake Tonga (Algeria). The study of the reproductive phenology of the White-headed Duck was carried out at Lake Tonga, a wetland of international importance for the nesting of this species across the Mediterranean basin. The following breeding parameters have been studied in 2007 and 2008 : dates of laying and hatching, clutch size and breeding success. The breeding population was estimated at 78 males and 26 females in 2007 and at 71 males and 22 females in 2008. Laying is recorded during a period of 9 to 11 weeks from late April to mid-July. A brood size of 3.2 ± 1.6 young (n = 17) was recorded in the first year of study and another of 3.9 ± 1.4 young (n = 37) in the second one. Young fledged between late June and early September. The data obtained in this study suggest that the White-headed Duck may be considered as a bird almost constant in terms of life-history traits in Algeria.

Invited article: The impacts of non‐native species: a review of the British Ornithologists’ Union's Autumn 2008 Scientific Meeting

Invited article: The impacts of non‐native species: a review of the British Ornithologists’ Union's Autumn 2008 Scientific Meeting

Waterbird population estimates for a key staging site in Kazakhstan: a contribution to wetland conservation on the Central Asian flyway

AbstractRealistic population size estimates for waterbirds are crucial for the application of wetland conservation strategies, since the identification of internationally important wetlands is based on local numbers relative to the population size of the respective species. Central Asia is a poorly surveyed region that is situated at the intersection of migration routes that lead waterbirds from Western Siberia to the south-west (South-West Asia, East Africa) and to the south-east (South Asia, India). We calculated waterbird population estimates for the Tengiz–Korgalzhyn region, a large wetland complex in the steppe zone of Central Kazakhstan, based on waterbird surveys conducted between 1999 and 2004. For 20 of 43 species analysed the region supported more than 5% of the relevant flyway populations. Five species occurred with more than 40% of the flyway totals, including the Endangered White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala and the Vulnerable Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus. Peak numbers were recorded in summer and autumn and for most species numbers were more than an order of magnitude lower on spring migration compared with autumn migration. We identified 72 individual sites that held more than 20,000 waterbirds or more than 1% of a particular flyway population at least once. These sites are likely to constitute priorities for conservation. The general conservation status of the region is favourable, since many of the important sites are located within a strict nature reserve. However, outside the reserve hunting, fishing and powerline casualties represent conservation issues that should be monitored more carefully in the future.

A model for the management of the invasive ruddy duck to reduce interbreeding pressure on the white-headed duck

Non-native species are considered the second most important threat to global biodiversity after habitat loss and are a leading cause of animal extinctions. The North American ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis established a feral population in the UK over 40 years ago, and is now endangering the globally threatened white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala through hybridisation. We utilised a simple Monte Carlo spreadsheet model, which includes uncertainty and can be used for any invasive species, to assess the time-frame for successful control. Data on changes in numbers of ruddy duck at the main UK wintering sites were collected during a regional control trial. A single model, which included density-dependent and density-independent population growth, was produced. Simulations run with different numbers of personnel, different levels of culling efficacy, and different population growth rates, predicted that the UK ruddy duck population would fall below 50 birds between 2008 and 2012. The novel spreadsheet model presented here can easily be applied to a range of eradication schemes where limited data are available on population size and culling efficacy. This would allow funding bodies to have a greater degree of certainty about the cost and outcome of an eradication programme.

Changes in the waterbird community of the Lake Sevan–Lake Gilli area, Republic of Armenia: a case for restoration

Waterbird species richness (Gaviiformes, Podicipediformes, Pelecaniformes, Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Falconiformes, Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes, Passeriformes) has been significantly affected by a 19.5 m lowering of the water level in Lake Sevan (1933–2000), and the complete draining of nearby Lake Gilli (1960–2000) in the Republic of Armenia. Twenty-three former breeders are currently nonbreeders in the area. Four former breeders (black stork Ciconia nigra, glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus, white-winged scoter Melanitta fusca, little crake Porzana parva) have been extirpated from the area. Four former nonbreeders (cattle egret Bubulcus ibis, red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis, sociable lapwing Chettusia gregaria, lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus) have been absent from the area for at least 20 years. The red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator is the only former nonbreeder discovered breeding in the Lake Sevan basin. We recommend that management plans of the 1960s and 1970s be used to further develop and enact new efforts to increase the water level of Lake Sevan by at least 6 m, and that Lake Gilli and its surrounding wetlands be restored as a means of increasing waterbird species richness overall, and protecting regional populations of globally threatened or near-threatened species (Dalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus, red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis, ferruginous pochard Aythya nyroca, white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala, corn crake Crex crex, great snipe Gallinago media, black-winged pratincole Glareola nordmanni, white-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla).

The diets of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala, Ruddy Duck O. jamaicensis and their hybrids from Spain

We studied the gut contents of 17 White-headed Ducks, 25 North American Ruddy Ducks and 26 hybrids between the two species collected from 14 Spanish wetlands. This is the most detailed study to date of Oxyura diet in the Palearctic region. Food items from at least 27 families of invertebrates and at least ten families of aquatic plants were identified. The method of collection of ducks and rapid digestion of soft-bodied invertebrates may have overestimated the importance of plant matter. However, animal foods were more important, constituting 73% of aggregate volume of gullet contents. In both duck species and their hybrids, benthic chironomid larvae and pupae were the most important food item, present in 69% of gullets and 75% of gizzards, and constituting 35% of aggregate volume and 26% of aggregate percentage in gullets. Angiosperm seeds were the next most important dietary component, and crustaceans (mainly Amphipoda, Cladocera and Isopoda) and green plant material were of secondary importance. No significant differences in diet were detected between duck species, sex or age classes. Birds sampled in the breeding season had more nematodes, but these may have been parasitic. Chironomids were less abundant in Ruddy Ducks collected from northern Spain outside of the range of the White-headed Duck.

Threats to Burdur Lake ecosystem, Turkey and its waterbirds, particularly the white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala

Burdur Lake, a closed-basin saline lake in south-west Anatolia, Turkey, is internationally important for its wintering waterbirds. It is the most important wintering site in the world for the white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala, a globally threatened species. It has also held internationally important numbers of 10 other waterbird species. The lake is threatened by the construction of an industrial complex and airport on the northern shore. Falling water levels (from construction of upstream dams), sedimentation (from catchment erosion), organic pollution (from food processing and sewage) and inorganic effluent (from a sulphur mine) represent long-term threats to the lake system. Illegal hunting from the shore has a serious impact upon white-headed ducks, which concentrate close inshore and show little escape response in the presence of hunters. White-headed duck numbers have fluctuated considerably since 1967 with a peak (incomplete) count of 10,927 in February 1991. By January 1995, numbers had declined to 2805. Numbers of black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis, white-fronted goose Anser albifrons and tufted duck Aythya fuligula have declined. Numbers of large gulls of the Larus argentatus group which prey upon white-headed duck have increased, possibly due to pollution. For 10 of 16 waterbird species regularly observed at the site, highest numbers were recorded before 1974. Recommendations for the conservation of the lake are presented.

Landscape pattern and population conservation : S. Harrison & L. Fahrig, in: Mosaic landscapes and ecological processes, ed L. Hanson & others, (Chapman & Hall; IALE Studies in Landscape Ecology, 2), 1995, pp 293–308

Burdur Lake, a closed-basin saline lake in south-west Anatolia, Turkey, is internationally important for its wintering waterbirds. It is the most important wintering site in the world for the white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala, a globally threatened species. It has also held internationally important numbers of 10 other waterbird species. The lake is threatened by the construction of an industrial complex and airport on the northern shore. Falling water levels (from construction of upstream dams), sedimentation (from catchment erosion), organic pollution (from food processing and sewage) and inorganic effluent (from a sulphur mine) represent long-term threats to the lake system. Illegal hunting from the shore has a serious impact upon white-headed ducks, which concentrate close inshore and show little escape response in the presence of hunters. White-headed duck numbers have fluctuated considerably since 1967 with a peak (incomplete) count of 10,927 in February 1991. By January 1995, numbers had declined to 2805. Numbers of black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis, white-fronted goose Anser albifrons and tufted duck Aythya fuligula have declined. Numbers of large gulls of the Larus argentatus group which prey upon white-headed duck have increased, possibly due to pollution. For 10 of 16 waterbird species regularly observed at the site, highest numbers were recorded before 1974. Recommendations for the conservation of the lake are presented.

The status of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala

SummaryThe former and current status of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala is reviewed on the basis of recent census data and a literature search. The current world wintering population is estimated at 19,000 birds, with the likelihood that additional birds occur in unsurveyed wetlands in Asia. The population wintering in Pakistan appears to be declining, but there is no good evidence of current decline elsewhere in the range. The population resident in Spain is increasing. The greatest threat to the species is considered to be the spread of the introduced North American Ruddy Duck O. jamaicensis from the U.K. to the continent. Hybrids between the two species are fertile and have already been seen in Spain.

La valeur ornithologique des zones humides de l'est Algerien

In the environs of the town of El Kala in northeast Algeria there are some extensive wetlands of great ornithological, and probably also other biological, importance. The most important are ‘Lake’ Tonga, a marsh of about 2700 ha with much Scirpus lacustris; Lake Oubeïra, a freshwater lake of about 2200 ha; Lake Mellah, where fresh water from brooks and sea water meet, of about 800 ha; Garaet el Mekhada, a Scirpus maritimus marsh of about 5600 ha and swamp forests, which could not be investigated. Many species of waterfowl were seen in the second half of May, 1976. From these and some other observations probable breeding may be derived in many cases. Important species in the region are: squacco heron Ardeola ralloides (about 100 seen), cattle egret Bubulcus ibis (about 2000 seen), little egret Egretta garzetta (about 65 seen), grey heron Ardea cinerea (rare), purple heron Ardea purpurea (about 60 seen, possibly far more present), little bittern Ixobrychus minutus, bittern Butaurus stellaris and night heron Nycticorax nycticorax. Beside herons, the following species were seen: ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca (about 100 seen, probably far more numerous and hidden by the vegetation), white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala (some 50 seen, probably present in greater numbers), marbled teal Anas angustirostris, purple gallinule Porphyrio porphyrio (common in Tonga). Interesting birds of prey in the region were griffon vulture Gyps fulvus (up to 30), marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus (rather numerous in Tonga), tawny eagle Aquila rapax (probably breeding on one place) and Eleonora's falcon Falco eleonorae (up to 5). As to probable breeding birds, Tonga has the greatest density of species and individuals, but other wetlands also have important aspects. Probably the most important lake for breeding birds, Fetzara (near Annaba), was drained in 1937. Marbled teal, ferruginous duck and purple gallinule were very common there, and white-headed duck, purple heron, squacco heron, night heron, little egret, spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus, grey-lag goose Anser anser, red-crested pochard Netta rufina and gadwall Anas strepera used to breed. A brief review is given of wintering waterfowl, mainly based on counts by different observers in the period 1971–1979. Large numbers of waterfowl have been seen in Lake Oubeïra; up to 5000 pintail Anas acuta, up to 14000 wigeon Anas penelope, up to 27000 pochard Aythya ferina, up to 9000 tufted duck Aythya fuligula and up to 32000 coot Fulica atra, up to 850 black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis and up to 2300 little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. In Lake Mellah up to 9000 pochard have been seen, up to 12000 tufted duck, and up to 35000 coot. In Garaet al Mekhada up to 25000 wigeon, up to 5000 coot and up to 8000 grey-lag geese have been seen. It seems quite possible that the 95000 wigeon seen by Smart in the artificial lake of the Barrage de la Cheffia in 1974 fed in Mekhada. An insight of waterfowl averages during the different counts can be obtained from the reports, mentioned in the references. All large wetlands mentioned have a high, actual or potential, ecological value. Each of them deserves protection and, from the ecological viewpoint, Fetzara merits inundation. Protection should be aimed at the preservation of the special character of each of the wetlands and of their mutual relationship for birds. The region is the most important in Algeria for wintering duck and coot (an average of 93000 from 1974–1978) and probably also for breeding waterfowl (especially Tonga) in spite of the high quality of La Macta in West Algeria. For the preservation of this diversity, several factors are essential, e.g., water level, water quality, absence of exotic elements in the water fauna and a relatively low shooting pressure (with little disturbance). It is important to prevent drainage of the lakes and of their surroundings, afforestation of the adjacent land, deforestration and erosion in the catchment areas, introduction of exotic fish species—and it is important to introduce good rules concerning shooting. This complex of wetlands is part and parcel of an extensive area of high biological interest, of which the marine habitats and large semi-natural forests are also remarkable. It is to be hoped that this entity will be efficiently protected in the framework of the National Park of El Kala Project.