Diversity and dynamics of potential prey of the Algerian Nuthatch Sitta ledanti during the breeding season
November 10, 2020
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| Article Title: | Diversity and dynamics of potential prey of the Algerian Nuthatch Sitta ledanti during the breeding season |
| Authors: | Mayache M. E. A., Temagoult L., Bara M., Moulaï R. |
| Affiliation: | Laboratoire de Zoologie Appliquée et d’Ecophysiologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Algérie
Laboratoire Biologie Eau et Environnement, Faculté SNVSTU, Université 8 Mai 1945, Guelma, Algérie |
| Abstract: | This current study is focused on the trophic menu of the Algerian Nuthatch Sitta ledanti in the Guerrouch forest (Algeria). The sampling was done during the breeding season (from March to June 2018) of this bird. The results exposed the importance of Lepidopteran larvae on the diet of the Nuthatch. This taxa was the most diversified and abundant order with 20 species. The available prey associated with the Algerian Oak is more abundant during the incubation and the feeding young phases. These preys are much less present during the pre-laying and post-flight phases. During egg incubation and feeding, periods when the nuthatches’ food and energy requirements are at their peak. The average size of prey available during the nesting period is 14.05±7mm. Potential prey sizes for Nuthatches, on average, are higher, more in advance of the breeding period. Geometridae are dominant during the incubation phase of the brood, represented mainly by the species Operophtera brumata. Caterpillars with a dominant green color are the most available for Nuthatches with a rate of 80 %. Short-haired Caterpillars make up the majority of the available caterpillar stock at 81.07%. |
| Keywords: | Sitta ledanti, trophic menu, Algerian Oak, caterpillars, breeding period |
| *Correspondence: | Mohammed Elarbi MAYACHE, PhD. Laboratoire de Zoologie Appliquée et d’Ecophysiologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Rue de Targa Ouzemmour Bejaia 06000.Algeria. E-mail: abi_mayache8@yahoo.com,Tel: 00213673726014 |
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