Wetland Habitat Suitability and Diversity for Migratory and Resident Birds in the Ramsar Site Lake Burllus, Egypt | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||||
| Article 14, Volume 27, Issue 1, January 2023, Page 253-274 PDF (1.04 MB) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.285432 | ||||
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| Author | ||||
| Basma M. Sheta et al. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Burllus wetland is one of the ideal places for overwintering migratory and resident birds in Egypt. This study aimed to assess the bird diversity and habitat suitability at one of the important bird areas (IBAs) and Ramsar sites at the Burllus Lake in northern Egypt. Waterbird diversity was assessed at 16 random sites in the lake representing four different habitats; reedbed, lakeshore, open water and islet from autumn 2019 to summer 2020. Species richness, abundance, composition, species diversity and evenness were addressed. Bird species diversity varied spatially and temporally among different sites during the study period. The estimated species richness was 60 species. Migratory birds were represented by 47%, while resident birds were 53%. Birds occupied all lake habitats. The highest diversity of birds was recorded in winter. The evidence of breeding was recorded, such as collecting nest material, nesting, hatching of eggs and food-collecting for juveniles. The lake sites were divided into four distinct habitats based on the hierarchical cluster analysis; lakeshores, open water, islets and reedbeds. Five bird species showed significant affinities with different habitat types: moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), and common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) were significantly associated with reedbed. House sparrows (Passer domesticus niloticus) and white wagtail (Motacilla alba) favored the lakeshore habitat. The northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata) was recorded as an indicator species in open-water habitats. No significant indicator bird species was recorded in the islet habitats. The current results emphasized the significance of Burullus Lake as a wintering and breeding habitat for birds. Thus, more conservation and management strategies should be implemented. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Bird; Migratory; Resident; Indicator species; Survey; Ramsar; Burllus; Egypt | ||||
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