23/10/2018
The MaghrebOrnitho website has reported that the first
known Algerian
Nuthatch breeding site away from the species' traditional areas
has been found this year. A new breeding location – Ghabet Ezzen – was discovered
by a team from the Laboratory of Applied Zoology at the University of Bejaia in
spring. The researchers heard birds during April, before a second visit in May
confirmed the presence of the species with sightings of six individuals within
an area of 30 ha.
Previously, Algerian Nuthatch was
known from just four sites, all close to each other in the north-east of the
country in an area known as Petit Kabilie in the Babor Mountains. The species
was first discovered and named as a new species at Djebel Babor as recently as
1975 and for 14 years it was thought to be endemic to this area. However, a
much bigger population was found at Guerrouch Forest in 1989; the following
year the species was found in the forests of Tamentout and Djimla.
Despite various searches in
suitable areas during the past 28 years, no new site had been discovered until
the Ghabet Ezzen expedition in April. Ghabet Ezzen is located between the
communes of Chahna and Oudjana, and is roughly 10 km north of Djimla Forest,
the nearest previously known stronghold. The two sites are separated by
unsuitable habitat, and as a result the discovery of birds at Ghabet Ezzen
offers hope that further populations might be discovered, and that the number
of Algerian Nuthatches isn't as small as estimated.
Due to its restricted range and
very small number of breeding sites, Algerian Nuthatch is listed as endangered,
with an estimated 2,000 pairs and a declining population. The species is only found in
ancient oak forests above 1,000 m, and faces threats from fires, grazing,
tree-felling and infrastructure development. At present the only part of the
bird's range that's protected is the Taza National Park in Guerrouch Forest.
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