Mohamed Belkacem, Faiza Marniche, Noureddine Menzer, Belkacem Aimene Boulaouad, Farah Hamici, Samia Daoudi-Hacini, Salaheddine Doumandji

Dietary composition of the Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor elegans in an arid region from southern Algeria

Abstract This study investigates the diet of the Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor elegans) in the Adrar region by comparing food availability and analysing 110 pellets collected across different seasons. A total of 194 prey species representing 7 classes and 21 orders were identified. Insects overwhelmingly dominated the diet, comprising 97.8% of the prey, with Coleoptera being the most consumed order (34.2%), followed by Hymenoptera (29.2%), and other orders making up the remaining 36%. The two most frequently eaten insect species were Messor sp. (9.61%) and Cataglyphis sp. (6.41%) from the Hymenoptera order (Formicidae) and a coleopteran species, Cicindela flexuosa (5.84%) (Cicindelidae). Additionally, the diet included notable pest species such as Gerbillus sp. (0.14%) and some grasshoppers like Eyprepocnemis plorans (1.28%). Statistical analyses indicated no significant seasonal differences in the distribution of prey classes, highlighting the consistently high presence of insects throughout the year. However, significant variations were observed within the Insecta class, particularly among the Coleoptera and Orthoptera orders. These findings suggest that the Great Grey Shrike plays a beneficial role in biocontrol and contributes to environmental balance. 

Doi https://doi.org/10.35513/21658005.2024.2.9

Keywords Shrikes; foraging; diet; insect; Adrar

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