Seasonal Dynamics and Habitat Use by Shorebirds in Mekhada Marsh, a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot

Chemsedine, Nerimane; Khames, Ghollame Ellah Yacine; Chabani, Selmane; Mederbal, Kamel Eddine; Bakhouche, Badis; Saadi, Amina; Hennouni, Mohamed Amine; BOUTABIA, Lamia; Sakraoui, Feriel; Telailia, Salah

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.411107.6362

Seasonal Dynamics and Habitat Use by Shorebirds in Mekhada Marsh, a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, P.O. Box 12, 23000, Annaba, Algeria

² Biological Oceanography and Marine Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, P.O Box. 32 El Alia, Bab Ezzouar, 16024, Algiers, Algeria

³ Agriculture and Ecosystem Functioning Laboratory, Department of Agronomy Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, P.O Box 73, 36000, El Tarf, Algeria

⁴ Dynamic and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, P.O Box 32 El Alia, Bab Ezzouar, 16024, Algiers, Algeria

⁵ Ecobiology for Marine Environments and Coastal Areas Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, P.O. Box 12, 23000, Annaba, Algeria

10.21608/ejabf.2025.411107.6362

Abstract

Wetlands in the Mediterranean Basin play a pivotal role in sustaining migratory bird populations, yet many remain poorly monitored. This study investigates seasonal patterns of waterbird abundance and habitat use in the Mekhada marsh, a Ramsar-listed wetland in northeastern Algeria. Over a full annual cycle, 24 bi-monthly surveys documented significant spatiotemporal variation in waterbird communities. Peak abundances were recorded in winter, exceeding 3,000 individuals in January alone, with estuarine habitats supporting up to 6,075 birds. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed distinct seasonal assemblages linked to specific habitat types. Estuarine zones were dominated by wintering gulls and terns (Laridae), mudflats showed functional turnover from palearctic shorebirds to afro-tropical breeders, and wet meadows exhibited bimodal usage. These patterns reflect the site’s multifunctional role along the east atlantic flyway, offering winter refuge, post-breeding stopovers, and breeding habitat. Findings underscore the ecological importance of hydrological variability, microhabitat diversity, and connectivity in sustaining avian biodiversity. In light of ongoing habitat degradation and climate-induced changes, the study highlights the need for adaptive, habitat-specific management strategies to maintain the functional integrity of Mekhada marsh and similar Mediterranean wetlands.

Keywords