Evaluation of The Diversity of Durum Wheat Coleoptera (Triticum Durum Desf.) in the Region of Sigus Oum El Bouaghi (Eastern Algeria)

The Oum El Bouaghi region in Eastern Algeria, long considered as a cereal-growing area is nowadays a durum wheat production region par excellence. Although the damage caused by Coleoptera is very significant, studies on the knowledge of their diversity are few and remain limited for some entomological groups. Our work is the first step to evaluate the diversity of Coleoptera and the long-term impact of taking biological management measures against harmful fauna in favour of more environment friendly agriculture. To assess the beetle community, different sampling methods were combined (Barber trap, coloured traps, mowing net and sight hunting). Evaluation of the results of a single campaign showed that Coleoptera infested with durum wheat vary in abundance and diversity. We identified more than 100 species of Coleoptera belonging to 22 different families for a total number of 5698 individuals belonging mainly to the Carabidae, Curculionidae, Chrysomelidae, Scarabidae and Staphylinidae families. Although the majority of Coleoptera collected are pests of durum wheat crops (47.57%) the case of Tropinota hirta, Notaris sp or Oulema melanopus in particular, there was an interesting presence of predators (28.15%) the case of Carabidae or Staphylinidae in particular even with low relative abundance. The temporal evolution of the Coleoptera showed that the species diversity indicated a peak of abundance at the full tillering stage following an accentuated vegetative development of the host plant, and the presence of weeds. The data collected in this way constitute a basis for a preliminary knowledge of the durum wheat Coleoptera and can thus be used to design pest control strategies

Evaluation of The Diversity of Durum Wheat Coleoptera (Triticum Durum Desf.) in the Region of Sigus Oum El Bouaghi (Eastern Algeria)

The Oum El Bouaghi region in Eastern Algeria, long considered as a cereal-growing area is nowadays a durum wheat production region par excellence. Although the damage caused by Coleoptera is very significant, studies on the knowledge of their diversity are few and remain limited for some entomological groups. Our work is the first step to evaluate the diversity of Coleoptera and the long-term impact of taking biological management measures against harmful fauna in favour of more environment friendly agriculture. To assess the beetle community, different sampling methods were combined (Barber trap, coloured traps, mowing net and sight hunting). Evaluation of the results of a single campaign showed that Coleoptera infested with durum wheat vary in abundance and diversity. We identified more than 100 species of Coleoptera belonging to 22 different families for a total number of 5698 individuals belonging mainly to the Carabidae, Curculionidae, Chrysomelidae, Scarabidae and Staphylinidae families. Although the majority of Coleoptera collected are pests of durum wheat crops (47.57%) the case of Tropinota hirta, Notaris sp or Oulema melanopus in particular, there was an interesting presence of predators (28.15%) the case of Carabidae or Staphylinidae in particular even with low relative abundance. The temporal evolution of the Coleoptera showed that the species diversity indicated a peak of abundance at the full tillering stage following an accentuated vegetative development of the host plant, and the presence of weeds. The data collected in this way constitute a basis for a preliminary knowledge of the durum wheat Coleoptera and can thus be used to design pest control strategies

Impact of Anthropic Pressure on the Quality and Diversity of Groundwater in the Region of Sighus Oum-El-Bouaghi and El Rahmounia, Algeria.

Groundwater of Oum-El-Bouaghi and its surroundings hosts a variety of microflora and fauna. This study investigated the relationship between the effect of human activity and the biodiversity and distribution of aquatic fauna in two semi-arid regions Sighus region (Oum-El-Bouaghi) and El Rahmouni (Constantine) in north-eastern Algeria. Fourteen wells and six springs were studied in two hydrographic basins, that of Constantine and Seybouse Melegue. Significant differences were revealed between the wells and springs in the two watersheds, making it possible to distinguish four groups of wells and two groups of springs. The overall faunal richness of the stations appeared to be weakly correlated with water quality, but on the other hand, the specific richness of the stygoby fauna, and even more so the abundance of stygoby species, decreased when water quality deteriorated

Groundwater Quality in Two Semi-Arid Areas of Algeria: Impact of Water Pollution on Biodiversity

The biodiversity and quality of subterranean waters were comparatively studied in the Tarf plain near Oum-El-Bouaghi and in the Ksar S’bahi in Oum-El-Bouaghi, in North-eastern Algeria. For this purpose, physicochemical and faunistic analyses were carried out on the water of ten stations located in the area of Tarf, and thirteen in the area of S’bahi. In the wells of Tarf, the average stygobiologic diversity was relatively high in the wells located upstream the dumping site from the city where the groundwater presented low contents of nitrates and orthophosphates. In contrast, the wells located in the spreading zone of Tarf wastewaters were characterized by the scarcity or the absence of stygobic species; in these latter wells, the water was highly polluted. It was rich in nitrates, nitrites, ammonium, and the conductivity was rather high. In the area of S’bahi, the faunistic inventory recorded ten species, some of which were living in hot springs. The subterranean water was highly mineralized. In the two studied areas, biodiversity decreased when well water was locally polluted

Biodiversité de l'avifaune aquatique des zones humides sahariennes : cas de la dépression d'Oued Righ (Algérie)

L'éco-complexe de zones humides de la dépression d'Oued Righ (Sahara septentrional algérien) comporte trois vastes chotts (Sidi Slimane, Chott Melghir et Chott Merouane) d'intérêt international selon la convention de Ramsar et une vingtaine de dépressions qui ne sont en eau que durant les années très pluvieuses tels les Chotts Hamraïa, Tighdidine et Tindla, et deux sites permanents : le lac Ayata et le lac d'Oued Khrouf. Ces milieux aquatiques, répartis entre les wilayas d'El-Oued, de Biskra et d'Ouargla, présentent une grande diversité biologique en raison de leur superficie, leur salinité et leur substrat. Avec une superficie totale de 900000 ha, ces zones humides demeurent très peu étudiées en Algérie et leur rôle biologique et écologique reste encore inconnu.La diversité de l'avifaune du complexe de zones humides de la dépression d'Oued Righ est très riche et compte 53 espèces appartenant à 15 familles. Ces peuplements sont dominés par le flamant rose Phoenicopterus roseus, le canard souchet Anas clypeata, le tadorne casarca Tadorna ferriginea et la sarcelle d'hiver Anas crecca crecca. L'effectif de certaines espèces peut être important et atteindre 42700 individus comme c'est le cas pour le flamant rose. Certaines espèces sont classées menacées et vulnérables sur la liste rouge de l'UICN (sarcelle marbrée Marmaronetta angustirostris, fuligule nyroca Aythia nyroca.). Le suivi régulier des effectifs de cette avifaune a permis de définir le statut et la phénologie de toutes ces espèces.Les zones humides de la dépression d'Oued Righ sont exploitées par les oiseaux pour y hiverner, y stationner à l'occasion des migrations, ou s'y reproduire.The wetlands complex of Oued Righ (Algerian NorthernSahara) includes a series of sites of undeniable importance. This eco-complex contains three very large salt pans (Chott Melghir, Chott Merouane and Chott Sidi Slimane), classified as wetlands of international importance according to the Ramsar convention and other small temporary wetlands such as: Chott Hamraïa, ChottTighdidine and Chott Tindle, and two permanent sites: Ayata and Oued Khrouf lakes. These aquatic ecosystems divided between wilayas of El-Oued, Biskra and Ouargla, have a great biological diversity due to their size, salinity and substrate. With a total area of 900000 ha, these wetlands remain very poorly studied in Algeria and their biological and ecological roles remain unknown.The bird fauna of wetlands complex of Oued Righ is very rich, where 53 species representing 15 families were assessed. They are dominated by the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus, the Shoveler Anas clypeata, the Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferriginea, and the Teal Anas crecca crecca. Some species were observed with relativelylarge numbers (the Greater Flamingo, 42700) and other species are listed as endangered and vulnerable following the IUCN Red List such as: Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris, Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca. Regular monitoring of this bird fauna allowed as defining the status and phenology of these species.Overall, the wetlands of Oued Righ depression are exploited as wintering grounds, stopover during migration journeys and breeding sites for several waterbirds species

The first recorded reproduction of the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus in Algeria: behavioural and ecological aspects

Following several decades of unsuccessful attempts at locating breeding colonies of the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus in Algeria, breeding was recorded on a natural islet of Garaet Ezzemoul, a seasonal salt lake near the town of Aïn M'lila in the Hauts Plateaux. This successful mass breeding event by at least 5 379 breeding pairs followed two failed attempts due to human disturbance at the same site during preceding years. Egg-laying started relatively late (mid-May) with precocious pairs nesting in the middle of the islet and at a higher nest density. Estimated breeding success was notably high (~5 000 chicks) with apparent good hatching rate and chick survival. Ring sightings indicated that the breeding population was made up in part of adults born in Spain, France and Sardinia, supporting evidence of a metapopulation of nomadic birds breeding and wintering across the Mediterranean Basin. Garaet Ezzemoul does not benefit from any conservation status and is not labelled as a Ramsar site in contrast to some of the neighbouring wetlands. In the light of the key role played by this site, at the regional scale, its status should be reassessed and in view of the threats facing it, urgent conservation measures should be initiated. Local authorities have reacted swiftly in response to the discovery of the breeding colony of the Greater Flamingo, and administrative steps are being taken to formally protect Garaet Ezzemoul. Ostrich 2006, 77(3&4): 153–15

Orchids of Souk-Ahras area (Northeast of Algeria): inventory, ecology, distribution and conservation concerns

La connaissance des orchidées de l’Algérie a sérieusement progressé ces dernières années, mais certaines régions, comme celle de la wilaya de Souk-Ahras (nord-est de l’Algérie), demeurent sous-prospectées. Cette étude est une approche phytoécologique qui a pour objectif d’améliorer la connaissance des orchidées de cette wilaya. Une série de prospections réalisée par les auteurs entre 2011 et 2015, s’est soldée par l’inventaire de 7 genres, comprenant 27 espèces/sous-espèces et 1 hybride. Certaines espèces présentent une large distribution à travers le territoire de la wilaya, alors que d’autres sont très localisées. Seules 18 communes sur les 26 de la wilaya sont concernées par cette distribution et représentées par 73 stations incluant au moins une espèce d’orchidées. Parmi les taxons observés, sept sont qualifiés de rares ou très rares à l’échelle du pays, au moins trois sont des endémiques algéro-tunisiens (Ophrys battandieri, Ophrys numida, Orchis pauciflora subsp. laeta) et au moins trois sont menacés à l’échelle globale (Ophrys atlantica, VU ; Orchis patens subsp. patens, EN ; Serapias lingua subsp. stenopetala, CR). Les orchidacées de la wilaya de Souk-Ahras croissent souvent sur des sols calcaires, argileux ou siliceux, dans un bioclimat subhumide ou rarement semi-aride, à toutes les altitudes de la wilaya (500 à 1400 m). Cette variété d’espèces met en évidence la richesse taxinomique et confirme l’intérêt de prospecter cette région négligée par les orchidologues.Algerian orchids became better known during the last years, but certain regions, such as the province of Souk-Ahras (Northeast of Algeria), remain under-prospected. This study is a phytoecological approach, which aims to improve the knowledge of the orchids of this province. A series of targeted surveys has been realized between 2011 and 2015 when we were able to check 7 genera, including 27 species/subspecies and 1 hybrid. Some species are widely distributed throughout the province territory, while others are very localized. Only 18 municipalities among the 26 in the province are concerned by this distribution and are represented by 73 stations including at least one species of orchids. Among the observed taxa 7 are qualified as rare or very rare at national level, at least 3 are Algerian-Tunisian endemics (Ophrys battandieri, Ophrys numida, Orchis pauciflora subsp. laeta) and at least 3 are threatened at global scale (Ophrys atlantica, VU ; Orchis patens subsp. patens, EN ; Serapias lingua subsp. stenopetala, CR). The orchids of Souk-Ahras province often grow on limestone, clayey or siliceous soils, in a subhumid bioclimate rarely semi-arid, at all altitudes of the province, from 500 to 1400 m. This variety of species highlights the taxonomic richness and confirms the interest of prospecting this region that was neglected by orchidologists

Les orchidées de la wilaya de Souk-Ahras (Nord-est algérien) : inventaire, écologie, répartition et enjeux de conservation

Orchids of Souk-Ahras province (Northeast of Algeria) : inventory, ecology, distribution and conservation concerns. Algerian orchids became better known during the last years, but certain regions, such as the province of Souk-Ahras (Northeast of Algeria), remain under-prospected. This study is a phytoecological approach, which aims to improve the knowledge of the orchids of this province. A series of targeted surveys has been realized between 2011 and 2015 when we were able to check 7 genera, including 27 species/ subspecies and 1 hybrid. Some species are widely distributed throughout the province territory, while others are very localized. Only 18 municipalities among the 26 in the province are concerned by this distribution and are represented by 73 stations including at least one species of orchids. Among the observed taxa 7 are qualified as rare or very rare at national level, at least 3 are Algerian-Tunisian endemics (Ophrys battandieri, Ophrys numida, Orchis pauciflora subsp. laeta) and at least 3 are threatened at global scale (Ophrys atlantica, VU ; Orchis patens subsp. patens, EN ; Serapias lingua subsp. stenopetala, CR). The orchids of Souk-Ahras province often grow on limestone, clayey or siliceous soils, in a subhumid bioclimate rarely semi-arid, at all altitudes of the province, from 500 to 1400 m. This variety of species highlights the taxonomic richness and confirms the interest of prospecting this region that was neglected by orchidologists.La connaissance des orchidées de l’Algérie a sérieusement progressé ces dernières années, mais certaines régions, comme celle de la wilaya de Souk-Ahras (nord-est de l’Algérie), demeurent sous-prospectées. Cette étude est une approche phytoécologique qui a pour objectif d’améliorer la connaissance des orchidées de cette wilaya. Une série de prospections réalisée par les auteurs entre 2011 et 2015, s’est soldée par l’inventaire de 7 genres, comprenant 27 espèces/sous-espèces et 1 hybride. Certaines espèces présentent une large distribution à travers le territoire de la wilaya, alors que d’autres sont très localisées. Seules 18 communes sur les 26 de la wilaya sont concernées par cette distribution et représentées par 73 stations incluant au moins une espèce d’orchidées. Parmi les taxons observés, sept sont qualifiés de rares ou très rares à l’échelle du pays, au moins trois sont des endémiques algéro-tunisiens (Ophrys battandieri, Ophrys numida, Orchis pauciflora subsp. laeta) et au moins trois sont menacés à l’échelle globale (Ophrys atlantica, VU ; Orchis patens subsp. patens, EN ; Serapias lingua subsp. stenopetala, CR). Les orchidacées de la wilaya de Souk-Ahras croissent souvent sur des sols calcaires, argileux ou siliceux, dans un bioclimat subhumide ou rarement semi-aride, à toutes les altitudes de la wilaya (500 à 1400 m). Cette variété d’espèces met en évidence la richesse taxinomique et confirme l’intérêt de prospecter cette région négligée par les orchidologues.Boukehili Khouloud, Boutabia Lamia, Telailia Salah, Menaa Mohcen, Tlidjane Assma, Cherif Maazi Mohamed, Chefrour Azzedine, Saheb Menouar, Véla Errol. Les orchidées de la wilaya de Souk-Ahras (Nord-est algérien) : inventaire, écologie, répartition et enjeux de conservation. In: Revue d'Écologie (La Terre et La Vie), tome 73, n°2, 2018. pp. 167-179

Orchids of Souk-Ahras province (Northeast of Algeria) : inventory, ecology, distribution and conservation concerns

Algerian orchids became better known during the last years, but certain regions, such as the province of Souk-Ahras (Northeast of Algeria), remain under-prospected. This study is a phytoecological approach, which aims to improve the knowledge of the orchids of this province. A series of targeted surveys has been realized between 2011 and 2015 when we were able to check 7 genera, including 27 species/subspecies and 1 hybrid. Some species are widely distributed throughout the province territory, while others are very localized. Only 18 municipalities among the 26 in the province are concerned by this distribution and are represented by 73 stations including at least one species of orchids. Among the observed taxa 7 are qualified as rare or very rare at national level, at least 3 are Algerian-Tunisian endemics (Ophrys battancheri, Ophrys numida, Orchis pauciflora subsp. laeta) and at least 3 are threatened at global scale (Ophrys atlantica, VU ; Orchis patens subsp. patens, EN ; Serapias lingua subsp. stenopetala, CR). The orchids of Souk-Ahras province often grow on limestone, clayey or siliceous soils, in a subhumid bioclimate rarely semi-arid, at all altitudes of the province, from 500 to 1400 m. This variety of species highlights the taxonomic richness and confirms the interest of prospecting this region that was neglected by orchidologists.La connaissance des orchidées de l’Algérie a sérieusement progressé ces dernières années, mais certaines régions, comme celle de la wilaya de Souk-Ahras (nord-est de l’Algérie), demeurent sous-prospectées. Cette étude est une approche phytoécologique qui a pour objectif d’améliorer la connaissance des orchidées de cette wilaya. Une série de prospections réalisée par les auteurs entre 2011 et 2015, s’est soldée par l’inventaire de 7 genres, comprenant 27 espèces/sous-espèces et 1 hybride. Certaines espèces présentent une large distribution à travers le territoire de la wilaya, alors que d’autres sont très localisées. Seules 18 communes sur les 26 de la wilaya sont concernées par cette distribution et représentées par 73 stations incluant au moins une espèce d’orchidées. Parmi les taxons observés, sept sont qualifiés de rares ou très rares à l’échelle du pays, au moins trois sont des endémiques algéro-tunisiens (Ophrys battandieri, Ophrys numida, Orchis pauciflora subsp. laeta) et au moins trois sont menacés à l’échelle globale (Ophrys atlantica, VU ; Orchis patens subsp. patens, EN ; Serapias lingua subsp. stenopetala, CR). Les orchidacées de la wilaya de Souk-Ahras croissent souvent sur des sols calcaires, argileux ou siliceux, dans un bioclimat subhumide ou rarement semi-aride, à toutes les altitudes de la wilaya (500 à 1400 m). Cette variété d’espèces met en évidence la richesse taxinomique et confirme l’intérêt de prospecter cette région négligée par les orchidologues