Ibrahim Cheikh, Abdelwahab Chedad, Abderrahman Mansouri, Adem Cheikh

Reappearance of the little bustard Tetrax tetrax in Algeria after more than 30 years of extinction

Abstract The Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax has been considered extinct in Algeria and Africa since the 1980s, except in Morocco, where its presence is restricted to limited areas and small numbers. We used the Progressive Frequency Sampling method to record the sightings of this species from August 2023 to January 2024 in its known Algerian range, which is at the Macta Marsh and Lake Telamine in the northwest of the country. We also gathered data from surveys with local residents, farmers, and even expert hunters to get as much information as we could. We have observed the species at Macta on multiple occasions, noticing its fluctuating numbers from year to year and from season to season. In November 2016, the largest group was recorded, consisting of over 100 individuals, and in June 2013, 15 juveniles were observed in the same area, especially in lucerne orchard, confirming its breeding. After more than 30 years of extinction, it is evident that this species has returned, with a mix of resident breeding individuals and overwintering migratory ones.

Doi https://doi.org/10.35513/21658005.2024.2.5

Keywords Algeria, conservation, farmland birds, Little Bustard, Tetrax tetrax

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