Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Zoology department, faculty of science, Cairo university, Cairo, Egypt.
2
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, Egypt.
3
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract
Egypt is home to diverse lakes that serve as appropriate habitats for a vast waterbird population, providing temporary shelter during winter migration and permanent dwellings. Among these lakes, Lake Qaroun in Egypt is significant as an important bird area, a Ramsar site, and a protected area. The study aims to state the status of the most abundant species in the lake. Ten points were chosen to represent the lake and were coded from S1 to S10. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that among the avian population, particularly waterfowl, the slender-billed gull (Larus genei) was the most important waterbird species in the study area except S2 and S3 in which Northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata) was the most important bird species and S9 and S10 in which Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) was the most important bird species. For resident birds, slender-billed gull (Larus genei) was the most important bird species in the study area, except S3, where Egretta garzetta (Little egret) was the most important bird species. While for migratory birds, the Northern shoveler (Spatulawereypeata) was the most important bird species in S2 and S3, Black kite (Milvus migrans) in S1, Charadrius hiaticula (ringed plover) in S4, S5, Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) in S6, S7, S8, and Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) was the most important in S9 and S10. These findings illustrate the abundant avian diversity and ecological significance of Egypt's Lake Qaroun. The presence of uncommon and endangered species highlights the significance of protecting this valuable habitat through conservation efforts. Understanding the distribution and abundance of various bird species contributes to developing effective conservation strategies for this Ramsar site and its waterbird populations.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)
View on SCiNiTO